Saturday, March 31, 2012

New series: "Magic City" on Starz



Looking forward to this new series from Starz - "Magic City"

Who doesn't love Miami Beach? And especially in the "cool as a glade" late 1950s.

This is how Starz explains the series:

Miami Beach, 1959.

As Ike Evans rings in the New Year at his luxurious Miramar Playa Hotel, Havana falls to Castro’s rebels. It’s a turbulent time in Miami, but it’s THE place to be. The Kennedys, the mob and the CIA all hold court here. And Ike, he’s the star of his hotel.

But everything comes at a price.

To finance his dream, he sold his soul to mob boss Ben “The Butcher” Diamond. Ike’s wife Vera, a former showgirl, and his three kids think he’s an honorable man, but he can’t break his pact with the devil. His life is a façade.

In fact, nothing at the Miramar Playa is what it seems. By day, it’s diving clowns and cha-cha lessons. By night, escorts have secret liaisons with husbands in the family cabanas, while Miami’s seedier residents and the law drift together to hear legendary singers, musicians and comics.

As Ike’s world threatens to implode, he fights for his family, and the Miramar Playa, in Magic City.

Starts April 6. I'll be checking it out.

Funeral director: Trayvon Martin's body showed no signs of a violent brawl

From NY Daily News: A Miami funeral director says Trayvon Martin’s body showed no signs of a violent brawl.

Richard Kurtz said his examination of the slain Florida teen’s corpse revealed no cuts, scratches or bruises, only a gunshot wound to the chest.

Kurtz’s account appears to contradict George Zimmerman’s claims that he shot Trayvon during a life-and-death struggle.

“We could see no physical signs like there had been a scuffle [or\] there had been a fight,” Kurtz told CBS News.

“The hands — I didn’t see any knuckles, bruises or what have you, and that is something we would have covered up if it would have been there.”

Trayvon “looked perfectly normal to me when he came in and the story just does not make sense that he was in this type of scuffle or fight in anything that we could see,” Kurtz added.

Kurtz’s account marked the latest twist in a case that has sparked outrage across the U.S. over the murder of an unarmed black teen.

Read more at NY Daily News

Australia's DNA Magazine celebrates Brazil


DNA Magazine celebrates Brazil's beautiful beaches and bountiful beefcake in their latest issue.

And the cover features fitness model Roger Monsores - where else? -  at the beach. There's also an editorial feature on Roger, who is captured by photographer by Leo Castro.


Purple Poll: March 2012


In 2012, a dozen states will decide the Presidential election.

The PurplePoll focuses exclusively on the Purple Electorate - likely voters only in these swing states. Updated regularly throughout the 2012 election cycle, the PurplePoll offers unique lens through which you can gather original insight into this critical election.

The PurplePoll, by Purple Strategies - a bipartisan organization - brings together strategists and communication specialists from across the political spectrum.

Currently, President Obama leads Mitt Romney 48%-44%.

86-year old gymnast Johanna Quaas



Now how about her?

Fab.
(source)

Friday, March 30, 2012

NYC: Central Park Reservoir - blue skies and blossoms

Blue skies & beautiful blossoms today at the Central Park reservoir - by the fabulous NYC photographer Inga Sarda-Sorensen.

Documentary "Bully" opens today in LA and NYC

After months of controversy over the MPAA rating for Lee Hirsch's chronicle of the bullying epidemic, the powerful, heartbreaking documentary is finally being released unrated.

I speak to this because I personally dealt with being bullied - verbally and physically - when I was young.  I look back and realize I lost several years of moving forward because I was concerned with how my peers treated me in middle and high school. 

I got past that, clearly.  And learned to not only own myself, but to respect everyone who might be perceived as "different."  As a matter of fact, I celebrate diversity today because of my experience - in great part because I experienced what I did.

Bully opens today in Los Angeles and New York, with more cities to be announced soon. Please go - and take your kids.

For more information go to TheBullyProject.com.

Mitt Romney supported Proposition 8 repealing marriage equality





In 2008, Mitt Romney's political action committee made a $10,000 donation to the National Organization of Marriage at a time when the anti-gay rights organization was seeking repeal of a California law legalizing marriage equality.


But when Romney eventually made his donation, he did so quietly, and through an unusual channel. Records filed by Romney's Free and Strong America PAC with the Federal Election Commission did not include details of that $10,000 donation. Nor did NOM's public 990 form. In fact, record of the payment was only uncovered Friday when the pro-gay rights Human Rights Campaign was sent a private IRS filing from NOM via a whistleblower. The Human Rights Campaign shared the filing with The Huffington Post.

Asked for comment, an aide to Romney said that the donation was made through the Alabama chapter of the Free and Strong America PAC. State records confirm this. However, the 990 NOM filed lists the donation as having come from PO Box 79226 in Belmont, Massachusetts.

The secretive nature of the donation raised the eyebrows of Human Rights Campaign officials. Romney, after all, didn't have to send his check to NOM through the Alabama chapter of his PAC.

"It’s clear now that Romney was a major financial donor to Prop. 8," said Fred Sainz, HRC's vice president for communications. "But it’s also clear that his campaign very cleverly hid this contribution in an obscure Alabama PAC."

Read more at Huffington Post.

Keith Olbermann fired - again


Keith Olbermann, the political host, has just been fired from Current TV network.

Olbermann had been hosting "Countdown" on Current TV since June - soon after he got the fired at MSNBC.

In a statement from Keith Olbermann, he says he plans to sue: "It goes almost without saying that the claims against me implied in Current's statement are untrue and will be proved so in the legal actions I will be filing against them presently."

In a statement from Current TV owner Al Gore: "[Current TV] was founded on the values of respect, openness, collegiality, and loyalty to our viewers. Unfortunately these values are no longer reflected in our relationship with Keith Olbermann and we have ended it."

Olbermann's show will be replaced by “Viewpoint with Eliot Spitzer.”

Julian Bond: Gay rights are civil rights



CNN: Former chairman of the NAACP, Julian Bond reacts to efforts to drive a wedge between black people and same-sex marriage activists.

Thank you Julian Bond. Just because the phrase "civil rights" has been associated for a long time with the movement for equal rights for african-Americans in the 60s, doesn't mean the fight now for gays and lesbians is not about civil rights. It is.

A marriage license issued by a civil government is a civil rights matter.

Any rights issued by a civil government are - by definition - civil rights. And every American should have the SAME civil rights.

NOM's Maggie Gallagher down-plays race baiting strategies



This morning on MSNBC, with a shrug of her shoulders, NOM's former president Maggie Gallagher batted her eyes at the idea that her organization "has the power" to influence the black and latino communities on the issue of marriage equality.

And yet, they've spent $20 million doing just that...
(source)

Arrested drunk sings his frustrations: Bohemian Rhapsody



This guy got arrested for intoxication and didn't agree with the charges. After pleading his case, he decides to belt out his emotions... through the music of Queen.

Over a million hits in a day.
(via JMG)

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Delta Goodrem: Sitting on top of the world



Ah... my gorgeous friend Delta Goodrem has a new song out (and new CD coming) and I couldn't be happier!

Delta, for those of you who may not know, is a huge music and TV star in Australia and has been releasing music in the US for a short while. She's very talented, gorgeous, but most important - a beautiful person inside.

I love spending time with Delta. And when she's not near, her fantastic music brings her closer.

Hope you like the clip above and you can find more about her at deltagoodrem.com

Delta Goodrem and I
OK - this was taken right after Delta and I were dancing at a party,
so give me a break if I look happy... :)

Behind the scenes at Broadway Bares XXII



I'm always so proud of dear Jerry Mitchell and his mind-blowing, super-successful annual fundraising event Broadway Bares.

As longtime readers of The Randy Report know, for most of my life I worked as an actor and dancer in Broadway musicals.  This community always has an important place in my heart for how much they give and give and give.

You want fun?  You want sexy?  And you want to help people all at the same time?  Have I got the event for you!

Go behind the scenes of the fairy tale photo shoot for Broadway Bares XXII: Happy Endings.

The hotly anticipated Broadway Bares will pay tribute to favorite childhood fairy tales as only the modern-day burlesque show could as this year's edition of the immensely popular event becomes Broadway Bares XXII: Happy Endings.

June 17th at Roseland Ballroom in New York City.  I promise you, it'll be the hottest - and I mean that every way I can - ticket in town.


Tickets can be purchased online at by clicking here or by calling 212.840.0770, ext 268.

GOP blocks repeal of US Oil Subsidies


Via JMG:Even though the major oil companies are turning in world record quarterly profits, today the GOP members of the Senate killed a bill to repeal their massive multi-billion dollar tax subsidies.  Apparently, even with all the money the oil companies are making, they need tax dollars to get by:

Senate Republicans, including Scott Brown of Massachusetts, today foiled President Obama’s plan to strip $24 billion in tax subsidies from the country’s largest oil companies, potentially fueling an election-year issue among voters disgruntled by escalating gas prices. The 51-47 vote was mostly along party lines. Most Democrats, including Senator John Kerry, voted in favor of eliminating the subsidies but fell far short of the 60 votes needed to withstand a filibuster. Only Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both of Maine, joined the Democrats. Four Democrats -- Jim Webb of Virginia, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Mark Begich of Alaska -- voted against repealing the subsidies. Begich and Landrieu represent states with large oil revenues.

This is the Republican politicians having their cake and eating it too. They pocket millions in Super PAC campaign support via Big Oil donations and they get to complain about the high price of gasoline.

In a recent CNN poll, 55% of those surveyed blamed the oil companies a great deal for the recent increase.

UPDATE: Think Progress points out: "The 47 senators voting against the bill have received $23,582,500 in career contributions from oil and gas."

Backstage at Wendy Williams: make-up artist Merrell works the runway in high heels



I love silly, funny stuff like this. Merrell makes his entrance at the 1:50 mark.

I haven't met Wendy yet, but my husband Michael has booked guests on her show many times and says every time she's been very warm, fun and personable.

And if her reaction to her makeup artist wearing a pair of her heels is to say "get that on tape" - well, I love her more. I see why so many people like her show. She's clearly authentic and real.

AND she's got a sense of humor - which a LOT of people could use these days. I imagine there are SOME TV hosts out there that would freak out if a crew member put on their pumps and "walked the walk."

Go Wendy! Go Merrell!

Doxi Jones remakes Blondies "Heart of Glass"



Hey Randy Report readers: what do you think? Updated, new and cool? Or pale shadow of the original?

Let me know. I love the song itself, but I'm on the fence and this one...

Video: Behind the scenes of assembling The Avengers



Great overview and footage of how Marvel came to assemble these characters for the high-anticipated 2012 movie The Avengers

Carson Daly apologizes for ant-gay comments

"We live in a time where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals find courage every day to overcome adversity, stand up to bullying and find equality. I'm truly saddened that my words today suggested otherwise. I've long been a supporter of Gay and Lesbian rights, and I'm saddened that my comments, however unintentional, offended anyone, specifically members of the LGBT community. The fact that I have hurt anyone is devastating. I'm not that guy. I'm proud to be an ally of the LGBT community and will continue to fight with them." - Carson Daly, in a statement delivered to GLAAD.

In related news, the mother of one of the Flight 93 heroes wants Carson Daly to know gay people ARE brave and tough - and her son was living proof.

TMZ broke the story yesterday that Daly joked on his L.A. radio show that gay people wouldn't have been able to take down a crazed pilot who freaked out on a recent JetBlue flight. Instead, they would have been more interested in going to a "floral convention."

Now, Alice Hoagland, the mother of Mark Bingham, has a message for the radio host saying:
"Yes, my gay son was known in our family for bringing me flowers on my birthday and Mother’s Day. He also was known for careening down the rugby pitch, and, on the morning of September 11, 2001, for charging unarmed down the aisle of a doomed Boeing 757 to face knife-wielding Islamist thugs in a hijacked cockpit."

She adds, "No one among his pick-up team of fellow passengers was asking 'Are you straight? Are you gay?' No one doubted that a guy who weighed 220 and stood 6’4” tall -- who could run over a charging opponent on the field, and ran with the bulls in Pamplona earlier that summer -- would be an asset to a desperate group trying to overcome a threat onboard an airliner."

"The world has its share of strong, heroic gay men. Gay men in sports uniforms and military uniforms have been winning America’s games and fighting America’s battles for a long time: quietly, humbly, and in the face of vicious bigotry."

"I hope you and I may have an opportunity to talk sometime. I prefer to believe you didn’t mean to offend. Good luck to you."

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

New Fall concert dates posted for Olivia Newton-John



New Fall Concert dates just posted on the Official Olivia Newton-John website:


Vancouver, BC
Pacific National Exhibition
Sept 3 - 8pm
More info to be posted as made available


Sandy, UT
Sandy City Amphitheater
Sept 7 ~ 8pm
More info to be posted as made available


Layton, UT
Kenley Centennial Amphitheatre
Sept 8 ~ 8pm
More info to be posted as made available


San Diego, CA
Humphrey's
Sept 10 ~ 7:30pm
Click here for more info


Minot, ND
Norsk Hostfest
Sept 27th ~ 9pm
September 28th ~ 2:30pm
More info to be posted as made available


Omaha, NE
Holland Performing Arts Center
Sept 29th ~ 8pm
Sept 30th ~ 2pm
More info to be posted as made available

Rick Santorum won't tolerate pink bowling balls

Today, at an event in a bowling alley, presidential candidate Rick Santorum told a young man bowling with him, who apparently had reached for a pink bowling ball, "You're not gonna use the pink ball. We're not gonna let you do that. Not on camera," according to Reuters reporter Sam Youngman.

The Human Rights Campaign's vice president for communications, Fred Sainz, struck back.

"This is another example of Rick Santorum intentionally making ignorant statements that have a real impact on LGBT people," Sainz said in a statement. "Kids have enough to worry about. They don't need Rick Santorum telling them that using a pink bowling ball is a bad thing. In this case, he's advancing tired gender norms by implying a boy should be ashamed or embarrassed to use a certain color bowling ball."
(source)

New CNN/ORC poll: Obama leads Romney 54%-43%


According to a new CNN/ORC poll:

• President Obama leads Romney 54%-43%
• President Obama leads Santorum 55%-42%
• 56% of the public have a favorable view of President Obama as a person
• 37% have a favorable view of Romney
• President Obama has a solid lead among independents
• Only 35 percent of independents now have a favorable view of Romney
• Santorum' unfavorables outweigh his favorable rating by a 42%-35% margin
• 56% of Americans continue to blame former President George W. Bush and the Republicans for the country's current economic problems
• 29% blaming Obama and the Democrats.

Blind puppy rescue ends with a smile



Last week, Elgar Hadar of Hope for Paws posted to YouTube this amazing story of Fiona, a rescued puppy.

I won’t tell you the whole story because I don’t want to ruin it, but the story ends with a smile.

Hope for Paws is a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Los Angeles.

New "Dallas" reboot is coming


Premieres June 13th on TNT.  I like the way this is starting :)


National Organization for Marriage boycott of Starbucks: FAIL

Click pic for larger view

Wow - that National Organization for Marriage boycott is really killing Starbucks, isn't?  Check out how their stock price is doing.

NOM's boycott, Dump Starbucks, urges customers across the world to stop supporting Starbucks.

A counter petition from SumOfUs.org aimed to thank Starbucks for standing up for marriage equality was launched shortly after. According to the SumOfUs petition: “Without support from companies like Starbucks, the gay marriage law might have failed.”

Today, the “Dump Starbucks” petition had less than 23,000 signatures — the other, to thank Starbucks for its support of LGBTQ rights, had more than 292,000.
(source)

Las Vegas: Check out "The Biz" at Share Nightclub

Click pic to view larger

Starting tonight, Share Nightclub will host "The Biz: A Weekly Cast Party for Everyone" on Wednesdays (dark 3rd Wednesday of the month).

Each week Edie, Las Vegas actor, singer and dancer from the Las Vegas Strip will host "The Biz" giving an illusion of a New York cabaret show featuring the finest in Las Vegas entertainment on and off the Strip.

From Edit: "Since moving to Vegas four years ago from Manhattan, I've had a very strong desire to create a night that would bring the entire entertainment community together. We all work so hard we never get a chance to see one another. I personally do ten shows a week and Wednesdays are my Saturday. Wednesdays are traditionally a very slow night everywhere so I thought it would be a perfect for cast and crew of ‘all’ shows to hang out, sing, dance, laugh, decompress."

Each week entertainers, singers, dancers, aerialist, poets, actors, comedians and more will perform live with a little drinking and comedy mixed in.  ‘It’s what happens after the shows.’

The Green Room opens at 10 PM with 2-4-1 cocktails. Doors to the cabaret open at 11 PM and the show goes on until late in the morning on the 1st, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays.

Seating is open and there is NO Cover at Share Nightclub.  For reserved seating email  VIP@Sharenightclub.com

For more information visit Sharenightclub.com or QVegas.com

Share Nightclub is currently open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 PM – 3 AM and is located at 4636 Wynn Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. 702-258-2861.

MSNBC continues to follow NOM scandal



MSNBC's Thomas Roberts did a segment this morning on the damaging NOM document dump with Truth Wins Out's Wayne Besen and NOM's Maggie Gallagher, but Gallagher failed to show even though she confirmed an hour beforehand, so Roberts just showed an empty chair.

Roberts later tweeted that there was a booking mistake and apparently Maggie Gallagher went to the wrong studio.

However, I'm glad this story is getting the air time and attention it warrants. This is really an important story - to find out this anti-gay organization has spent time and resources pitting different minorities against each other.

Seriously, folks, this world needs less divisiveness and more unity. There's no way to spin this that comes out good.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Britain's Got Talent has a new "Susan Boyle" moment



Opera meets pop when 17-year-old Jonathan and 16-year-old Charlotte sing together. But can the duo convince Britain's Got Talent Judges they've got what it takes to wow the nation?

The answer is a resounding 'yes.'

Wow. Jonathan bowls the audience over with his amazing 17 year old voice, and the two together are clearly beautiful music together.

Bonus points for Jonathan: "We've come on here as a duo, we'll stay as a duo."

Celebrate.

"Make Our Garden Grow" - Kristen Chenoweth, Paul Groves, Patti LuPone, John Herrera



I was lucky to attend the dress rehearsal of this production at Lincoln Center a few years ago. Perfect casting, perfect music.

I just had to hear this today. Can you believe how gorgeous this is?

Paul Groves (Candide)
Kristin Chenoweth (Cunegonde)
Sir Thomas Allen (Dr. Panglos)
Jeff Blumenkrantz (Maximillian)
Patti LuPone (The Old Lady)
John Herrera (Governor, Prefect)

Las Vegas: DJ Jason Davies for The Biz at SHARE Nightclub


Check out the DJ for The Biz - DJ Jason Davies. Ok, any questions?

Jason  is also a performer at Le Rêve, one of the sexiest, most sensual mega-shows in Las Vegas at The Wynn, in case that gives you an idea of how hot the music will be at The Biz.

Check out The Biz tomorrow night at Share Nightclub in Las Vegas.   Promises to be the place to be.

Julian Bond on National Organization for Marriage's "racial tensions" tactics


"NOM's underhanded attempts to divide will not succeed if Black Americans remember their own history of discrimination. Pitting bigotry's victims against other victims is reprehensible; the defenders of justice must stand together." - Julian Bond, Chairman Emeritus, NAACP

Tuesday Tune: Matt Nathanson - "Run" featuring Sugarland



I've been following Matt Nathanson since his breakout platinum selling "Come On Get Higher."

His songs have been featured on major TV network shows like NCIS, Private Practice, One Tree Hill and Scrubs.

I just dig his sound, talent and vibe.

When not touring on his own - which is a lot - he's been opening for huge artists like Kelly Clarkson.

Check him out on iTunes.

Bruce Weber video: "Other sports require one ball, wrestling requires two"

Just discovered a series of videos shot by famed photographer Bruce Weber apparently for Abercrombie & Fitch.

The stills below are from a video called "Other Sports Require One Ball, Wrestling Requires Two."

You can watch the whole video by visiting the Bruce Weber site here.




MSNBC reports on NOM controversy over creating tensions between gay and black communities

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

Darren Criss and Matt Bomer sneak peak for GLEE


On April 10, Glee welcomes White Collar hunk Matt Bomer as "Cooper Anderson" - the older brother of Darren Criss’ Blaine, and TVLine has an exclusive first look at the siblings in mid-reunion.

The Anderson brothers are set to perform a mash-up of classics from ’80s supergroup Duran Duran in the episode, which is appropriately titled “Big Brother.”

NOM president Brian Brown admits to using race as a "wedge" against marriage equality


Responding to the growing controversy about the National Organization for Marriage's plans to pit African Americans against gays to create tensions in order to achieve their goal of denying equal rights to gays, NOM president Brian Brown today acknowledged and admitted to using marriage equality as a "wedge" between the two communities:

Gay marriage advocates have attempted to portray same-sex marriage as a civil right, but the voices of these and many other leaders have provided powerful witness that this claim is patently false. Gay marriage is not a civil right, and we will continue to point this out in written materials such as those released in Maine. We proudly bring together people of different races, creeds and colors to fight for our most fundamental institution: marriage.

Everything in this statement confirms the strategy of using people of color as spokespeople and using the language of “civil rights” as a catalyst for division.

Brown's statement was issued in response to the revelation that NOM has based stategies against the LGBT community for years by attempting to "drive a wedge" between gays and the black community. From their own documents recently made available:

“The strategic goal of this project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks—two key Democratic constituencies. Find, equip, energize and connect African American spokespeople for marriage, develop a media campaign around their objections to gay marriage as a civil right; provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these spokesmen and women as bigots…”

The freedom to marry is a civil right, crucial to same-sex families’ ability to pursue life, liberty, and happiness just as all families do.

Read more on the growing controversy at the New York Times.

Military academies begin holding first gay pride events


More than six months after official repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” gay pride events at military academies are cropping up, the Associated Press reports:

Cadets in uniform at Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military academy, participated Monday in sessions about handling bullying and harassment as part of the school's first gay pride week. The events are believed to be the first of their kind on a military campus.

Until last year, only a select few at Norwich knew of the sexual orientation of Joshua Fontanez, 22, of Browns Mills, N.J., a past president of the student government who quietly laid the groundwork for the school's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Club, which held its first meeting the day the law ended.

"The aspects of my sexual orientation, how that played in the military, that was something I was willing to sacrifice, being open versus serving my nation," Fontanez said. "It's something I feel I was truly called toward and truly loved, so it's great that I don't have necessarily to make that sacrifice."

Similar groups have formed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

For many of the newly open student leaders, the changes brought by the end of "don't ask, don't tell" haven't overwhelmed, despite the years-long political wrangling that culminated in the policy change.

"It was definitely a big change, but it happened over such a long period of time for me that it didn't seem like that big of a deal," said Coast Guard Academy Senior Chip Hall, 21, of Monterrey, Calif.

The West Point Spectrum, modeled after the Coast Guard organization, is being formed with little fanfare.

"Everyone has been very professional here at the academy," said West Point Cadet Andrew Fitzsimmons, 19, a sophomore from Algonac, Mich. "It's been a very positive environment."

William Levy from Dancing With The Stars

"Does anyone still wear a hat?"


More on William Levy here.

First look at Hugh Jackman as "Valjean" in Les Miserables movie

Tweeted last night by Hugh Jackman, here's a first look at Hugh as "Jean Valjean" in the upcoming film adaptation of "Les Miserables."

Monday, March 26, 2012

NOM documents show effort to drive wedge between gay and black communities

Wow. This is pretty amazing that this has come to light. Finally.

Today HRC's "NOM Exposed" website got a hold of internal NOM documents that shed light on the anti-LGBT movement’s overall strategy. These documents were just unsealed in Maine mid-afternoon. The docs are part of the ongoing investigation by the State of Maine into the campaign finance activities of NOM in that state. Just a couple of telling items from PDF page 13 of the “confidential” 2008-09 report to the NOM Board of Directors:

“The strategic goal of this project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks—two key Democratic constituencies. Find, equip, energize and connect African American spokespeople for marriage, develop a media campaign around their objections to gay marriage as a civil right; provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these spokesmen and women as bigots…”

On PDF page 12, it talks about “sideswiping Obama,” painting him as a “social radical” and talking about “side issues” like pornography.

We've all thought it, but to see suspicions confirmed in print about driving "a wedge between gays and blacks" - wow.

More to come.

America's Best Christian Betty Bowers on the GOP



Fabulous! Thanks Betty!

Check out Betty Bowers on Facebook.

Movie "Bully" will be released without film rating



Via press release: After a recent plea to the MPAA by BULLY teen Alex Libby and The Weinstein Company (TWC) Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein failed – by one vote – to get the film its deserved PG-13 rating, TWC is choosing to move forward with releasing the film unrated by the MPAA on March 30.

Furthering proof that the R rating for some language is inappropriate for a film that’s meant to educate and help parents, teachers, school officials and children with what’s become an epidemic in schools around the country, the fight against the rating continues on. The outpour of support by politicians, schools, parents, celebrities and activists for the film’s mission to be seen by those it was made for – children – has been overwhelming. Nearly half a million people have signed Michigan high school student and former bullying victim Katy Butler’s petition on Change.org to urge the MPAA to lower the rating.

Said BULLY Director Lee Hirsch, “The small amount of language in the film that’s responsible for the R rating is there because it’s real. It’s what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it’s up to the theaters to let them in.”

I think this looks like a very important film for kids - especially - to see. I'm hoping the theater owners will watch the film themselves and realize the message and power a movie like this can have.

I was bullied like the kids in this film were when I was in school. Big ways, small ways. It made going to school an experienced I dreaded some days.

The idea that adults and kids would work together to change the toxic atmosphere in some schools is fantastic. And kids today need to see that.

Go see the movie on March 30. And take some kids with you.

American Bar Assoc poll: ObamaCare likely to be upheld by Supreme Court


The Obama health care reform law is likely to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, predict more than a dozen academics, lawyers and journalists who follow the Supreme Court who were polled by the American Bar Association’s magazine Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases.

Approximately 85 percent of the panel, who were promised anonymity, predict the law will be upheld.

The law’s individual mandate – which requires individuals buy health insurance or pay a penalty – will be affirmed by a vote of 6-3, the group predicts. All of the experts think that the court’s liberal wing – Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor – will vote to uphold it. Chief Justice John Roberts will join them, 69 percent of the experts think, as will Justice Anthony Kennedy, according to 53 percent.
(source)

The Candi & Randy Show: Long Distance Relationships


Listen to internet radio with CandiXRandy on Blog Talk Radio

Long distance relationships are one of the top trending relationship topics of all time. There are a great many parts to a LDR (long distance relationship).

Candi and I have both been involved in long distance relationships, so last night's show was about the ups, downs and in-betweens of making a relationship work long distance.

Vintage ad: Jello - the gay dessert

Obama Meets "Mad Men"



Obama Meets "Mad Men" from The Chris Matthews Show this past Sunday.

The Chippendales named "Best of Las Vegas 2012"


The Chippendales have won the Best of Las Vegas 2012 (Las Vegas Review Journal) Award for BEST MALE STRIP SHOW as both the Reader's Pick and Critic's Pick.

In addition The Chippendales' Flirt Lounge won the Reader's Pick for BEST LOUNGE in Las Vegas. Voting took place in January 2012 with the winners announced Sunday.

So Ladies - the people AND the critics have spoken: if you want a great night out in Las Vegas, Chippendales at the Rio Hotel is the place to be.

Chippendales' Billy Jeffrey

TMZ: Bobby Brown arrested for DUI


From TMZ: Bobby Brown has just been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Los Angeles

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Bobby was pulled over in Reseda, CA at 12:20 PM PST for allegedly driving while talking on a cell phone.

Bobby is currently in custody in Van Nuys jail. It's unclear what substance cops believe Brown had been using before he got behind the wheel.

Whitney Houston's ex-husband already has a DUI conviction on his record stemming from an arrest in Georgia in 1996. He eventually pled guilty to DUI and served 8 days in jail.

Brown has been back in the news ever since Whitney died in a Beverly Hills hotel room on February 11. Bobby was turned away from the death scene and left the funeral service early after a disagreement with Houston's family.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in Melbourne, Australia



Cool one minute video. Wish I had been there. Loved Melbourne, Australia.

And who doesn't love Faith Hill or Tim McGraw?

Happy birthday Diana Ross!



Miss Ross is 68 today! An original diva who could sustain.

Happy birthday Miss Ross!

Donate to defeat anti-gay Amendment One in North Carolina

On September 13th, the North Carolina Legislature proposed an amendment to the Constitution that would ban legal recognition for all unmarried couples, strip protections and benefits from families across our state, hurt our business climate and economic development and put our children in danger.

The Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families is a coalition of groups, individuals and families dedicated to defeating this amendment at the polls on May 8 and protecting North Carolina from the harms it represents.

The Heritage Foundation, NOM and other anti-gay groups who fund these kinds of harmful amendments around the country are coming in with millions of dollars to try and misinform all of North Carolina about this amendment.

Protect All Families has launched a "moneybomb" to raise funds to help raise awareness and spread the truth about writing hate into the North Carolina constitution.

Please donate what you can to help Protect All Families by going here.

Madonna and Jimmy Fallon talk about her new CD "MDNA"



Madonna sits down with Jimmy Fallon for Facebook.

Apparently, this will be the only promotional appearance she is doing for the new album MDNA.

George Zimmerman friend: "In many ways George has lost his life too"



George Zimmerman’s longtime friend Joe Oliver and his attorney Craig Sonner have hit the airwaves in an attempt to defend the shooter of young Trayvon Martin.

Both Oliver and Sonner appear today on ABC’s Good Morning America to talk about their conversations with Zimmerman. Oliver said Zimmerman thought “he was doing the right thing” and “has virtually lost his life now.” He added that Zimmerman was “very, very sorry because in many ways, George has lost his life too.”

To that statement I would say that while George Zimmerman may feel he has "virtually" lost his life, Trayvon Martin ACTUALLY lost his life.

Yesterday, Oliver was asked about the moment on the 911 tapes when some believe that, just prior to killing Trayvon Martin, Zimmerman used a racial slur. Oliver suggested that Zimmerman did not use a racial slur but said “goons." Oliver says the word "goon" is a term of endearment in high schools today. I submit that George Zimmerman is NOT a high school student. He is a 28 year old man.



Here are a few more things you should know about George Martin and this shooting.

Judy Garland: Rare TV appearance singing 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'



From the YouTube page: Judy Garland only performed "Over The Rainbow" twice during her many television appearances, which spanned 14 years. She performed it on her first TV Special, "Ford Star Jubilee" in the episode called "The Judy Garland Special" in 1955, and sang it to her children on The Christmas Edition of her weekly TV show "The Judy Garland Show" (1963).

Here Judy is dressed up as the tramp character she played when doing a duet with Fred Astaire in the film 'Easter Parade'.

Beside the fact that it's a terrific performance, I'd note that at this time in the 1950s artists didn't perform so openly and with such raw emotion. It wasn't really done much at the time, which makes this performance even more impactful. Judy was simply being who and what she was, which was authentic and original.

Great talent.

Santorum performs for the cameras - curses out NY Times



Rick Santorum clearly knew the cameras were rolling and that this would get picked up.

His "anger" over being asked a question is laughable. He has said in many speeches that he feels Romney is the worst Repub to run against President Obama. If he means something slightly different - like "run against Obama on healthcare due to Romneycare" - then he should say exactly that.

But this is all political theatre at this point. Rick Santorum will not get the nomination, but I'm sure he's looking for "Sarah Palin sized" fees and offers from Fox News once this is over.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Rev. Carlye Hughes to be installed as new rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth

I am not a regular churchgoer.  I am a spiritual person, but not religious.  But I believe in good things that make people feel better.  Among the many, many other things that make me proud of my beautiful best friend Carlye - I've always been proud of the work and difference she makes as an Episcopal priest.

When I visit Carlye I always attend her service because she's excellent at what she does.  And I love excellence. 

The word communion comes up in Episcopal services.  And when it does, it makes me think of "community." "Community" makes me think of family.  "Family" makes me think of Carlye.  And completing the circle - everywhere Carlye goes, she creates community.

I'm thrilled for my hometown of Fort Worth, TX.  The announcement was made today that Carlye will be the new Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth - where Carlye and I are both from.  

I hear, and am not surprised, that her selection was unanimous.  Who doesn't want an MVP on their team?  Or in their community?

Sharing the announcement because I'm so happy for her.  And btw - the Rev. Hughes will be the first female African-American Rector in the Fort Worth Diocese.  Check out her credentials in the release below. 

Yeah - I don't hang with slackers...  :)

***********************************************

The vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church announces that the Rev. Carlye J. Hughes has been called as the 18th rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. Founded in 1893, Trinity is one of the oldest parishes in the diocese.

She is currently rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Peekskill, NY, in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Under her leadership St. Peter's Church has grown from a family-sized church to robust pastoral-sized parish with a team of lay leaders. Stewardship levels in the parish increased by 50 percent.

"We are convinced that the Rev. Hughes is the answer to God's call to us for a faithful servant who will minister to us and with us for years to come," said Senior Warden Jerry Nanna. "She clearly has the gifts of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care we were looking for to lead us into the future life of Trinity."

The Rev. Hughes has deep roots in Fort Worth. "Fort Worth is my home town, the place where I first discovered my love of the church and my call to religious vocation," she said.

The Rev. Hughes graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and was ordained in 2005. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Texas, Austin. She attended Texas Christian University and Boston University. She was a Lilly Fellow at St. James Church, New York, NY from 2005 to 2007. Prior to entering seminary she worked as regional training manager for the Crown Plaza Manhattan. She co-chaired the Committee to Elect a Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of New York. She is a current member of the New York Diocesan Standing Committee and the Commission on Ministry. She also served as Diocesan Convention Chaplain in 2008. She is active in the Peekskill Area Pastor's Association, working on their Hunger Subcommittee and chaired the Diversity Subcommittee. She also has facilitated Diversity Awareness Training for Virginia Theological Seminary. She is married to David Smedley.

"I have a steadfast commitment to recruiting, nurturing and empowering lay people for ministry," she said.

The Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl, provisional bishop of Fort Worth, said, "I am delighted with the prayerful way that the Succession Committee at Trinity Parish has exercised its ministry throughout their search. I am also thankful for the vestry in electing the Rev. Carlye Hughes as their next rector. The Rev. Hughes will bring her incredible gifts and joyful personality to the work of continuing to develop the ministry of Trinity in new and exciting ways."

She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hughes. Her father was the long-time basketball coach at Dunbar High School and her brother, Robert Hughes Jr., is the current coach.

Charlie in bed


My friend John's new dog, Charlie, is beyond cute.

John brings him to work everyday which makes for fun. My dogs are slowly adjusting to the idea that they are not the ONLY dogs in the world (no, I never really socialized them, so they are bewildered by the rare "other dog" that may appear).

Charlie is also really smart. And did I mention cute?

Zach Wahls speaks at GLAAD Media Awards NYC 2012



Last night writer & LGBT advocate Zach Wahls took the stage at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York to share anecdotes from his personal journey following his speech in front of the Iowa House of Representatives which was the most-watched political clip of 2011 according to Youtube.

He talked about the impact of his video, including changing the mind of a soldier on marriage equality and building confidence in a lesbian woman to become a mother. He also spoke jokingly about questions he gets asked about growing up with two mothers. Zach was particularly funny in offering his answer to one question about his moms - "which one is the man" - by saying "that's like looking at chop sticks and asking 'which one is the fork?'"

“Since that speech went viral back in February of 2011, I’ve been all over the country, from California to New York, down to Florida, continuing to share my story and have this conversation about gay marriage or as I like to call it, marriage,” said Zach Wahls.

I think this guy rocks. Amazing to think he's so young and yet so articulate.

Fox News: What's the BFD? WTF?



After its years-long misinformation campaign against health care reform, Fox News is now down to attacking the Obama reelection campaign for selling what Fox deems as "vulgar" T-shirts to celebrate the law.

The campaign recently released a line of T-shirts bearing the slogan, "Health reform still a BFD," which plays off Vice President Joe Biden's famous open mike moment during the health care law signing ceremony in March 2010.

On March 23, Fox's leading culture warrior, Todd Starnes, called the "BFD" shirts "vulgar." Fox Nation quickly trumpeted his attack:

This morning, the Fox & Friends Saturday crew devoted several segments to parroting Starnes, with guest co-host Nicole Petallides calling the shirts "so vulgar" and asking, "Would [Obama] like his daughters to wear that T-shirt?" Co-host Clayton Morris said: "I wouldn't want my son to see that. I wouldn't want him to see Daddy in a T-shirt like that."

Morris also said that "you expect more from the presidency of the United States than to be tweeting out from their own account driving to you a T-shirt that has a vulgarity on it. It just doesn't sit well."

The Democratic National Committee's Organizing for America arm released a line of shirts with the slogan, "Health reform is a BFD," a week after Biden's comment -- two years ago.

And if Fox genuinely feels that "BFD" is offensive, wouldn't the network also object to the "WTF" construct?

In January 2011, Fox News contributor Sarah Palin used the phrase "WTF" on the network to repeatedly attack Obama's 2011 State of the Union speech. Palin, of course, was the Republican Party's vice presidential candidate in 2008.
(source)

GLAAD Media Award winners NYC 2012 - complete list


The following is a list of all award recipients announced at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York:

• Craig Zadan & Neil Meron received the prestigious Vito Russo Award
• Katy Butler, who has been lobbying the Motion Picture Association of America to lower the rating for the documentary Bully, so younger people may view it
• Outstanding feature film: "Pariah"
• Outstanding reality television program: Dancing With The Stars
• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: "Battle Against Bullying" ABC World News with Diane Sawyer (ABC) [accepted by: reporter Josh Elliott]
• Outstanding Magazine Article: TIE: "15th Anniversary of the Passage of the Defense of Marriage Act" (series) by Chris Geidner (Metro Weekly) [accepted by: Chris Geidner] and "Black & Gay in Corporate America" by Carolyn M. Brown (Black Enterprise) [accepted by: Carolyn M. Brown]
• Outstanding TV Movie Or Mini Series: Cinema Verite (HBO)
• Outstanding Talk Show Episode: "Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests" The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
• Outstanding TV Journalism - Newsmagazine: "The 'Sissy Boy' Experiments" Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN)
• Outstanding Newspaper Article: "Led by the Child Who Simply Knew" by Bella English (The Boston Globe)
• Outstanding Newspaper Columnist: Frank Bruni (The New York Times)
• Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage: The New York Times
• Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: The Advocate/Out
• Outstanding Digital Journalism-Multimedia: "Injustice at Every Turn" (ITLMedia.org)
• Outstanding Blog: Towleroad and Mombian
• Outstanding Music Artist: Lady Gaga, Born This Way (Interscope Records)
• Outstanding Comic Book: Batwoman by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman (DC Comics)
• Outstanding Los Angeles Theatre: No Word in Guyanese for Me by Wendy Graf
• Outstanding New York Theatre: Broadway & Off Broadway: The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures by Tony Kushner
• Outstanding New York Theatre: Off-Off Broadway: Southern Comfort book and lyrics by Dan Collins, music by Julianne Wick Davis

SPANISH-LANGUAGE

• Outstanding Daytime Talk Show Episode: "Lesbianas celebran 10 años" Caso Cerrado (Telemundo)
• Outstanding Talk Show Interview: "Entrevista con Raquel Gómez y Mony Ruiz Velasco" Al Punto (Univision)
• Outstanding TV Journalism - Newsmagazine: "Asesino" Primer Impacto (Univision)
• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: "Ángeles del cambio" Noticiero 34 (KMEX TV-34 [Los Angeles, Calif.])
• Outstanding Newspaper Article: TIE: "Casamiento e hijos biológicos para pareja gay hispana de EEUU" by Claudia Torrens ( Associated Press) and "Madre hay una sola, no necesariamente" by Virginia Gaglianone (La Opinión)
• Outstanding Magazine Article: "Nueva York la igualdad" by Michelle Oyola (People en Español)
• Outstanding Digital Journalism Article: "Las 7 señales de un niño transgénero" by Paula Andalo (Univision.com)
• Outstanding Music Artist: Ricky Martin, Música + Alma + Sexo (Sony Music Latin)
• Special Recognition: El Diario la Prensa

Additional categories will be presented at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 21 and in San Francisco on June 2.

Ketel One Vodka Hosts 'Walk Of Change' At The 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 24: Celebrities and supporters stopped by the Ketel One Vodka “Walk of Change” at the GLAAD Media Awards to make their mark - literally.

For each celebrity handprint left, Ketel One donated $1,000 to GLAAD. Participants included Bernadette Peters, Cheyenne Jackson, Jay Manuel and Thomas Roberts.

When leaving his hand print on the Ketel One Walk of Fame, Cheyenne Jackson brought attention to his new wedding ring saying, “Look at my wedding ring!! This is so weird!”

Smash star, Phillip Spaeth, wasn’t shy about getting his hands dirty for a good cause when leaving his handprint on the Ketel One Walk of Change.

Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters flexed her stardom as she playful posed for the camera and even stated, “Am I making a muscle?” as she left her handprint.

The always fabulous Bernadette Peters

Vinny Guadagnino from Jersey Shore

Craig Zadan, producer

Jay Manuel and Cheyenne Jackson

Thomas Roberts of MSNBC
Phillip Spaeth from SMASH


Photo Credit - WireImage for Ketel One Vodka

GOP vs ObamaCare - "Kill It Dead"



What would repeal of the Affordable Healthcare Act mean to you?

• Cheaper drugs for seniors in the doughnut hole. REPEALED.

• Coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. REPEALED.

• Free access to Preventative services. REPEALED.

• Women won't have to pay more than men. REPEALED.

• No lifetime cap on coverage. REPEALED.

• Protection from insurance company abuses. REPEALED.

Think about it: Do you HATE having those protections from insurance companies YOU pay?

Jon Hamm & Jimmy Fallon play "Water War"



On a visit to Jimmy Fallon's show to promote the return of "Mad Men."

The real fun began when Jimmy challenged Jon to a game of war — but with a twist. At the end of each round, the winner got to douse the loser with a glass of water. The clip is very, very cute, thanks to Jimmy's incessant giggling and Jon's good sportsmanship.

One of the more entertaining late night skits I've seen in a long time.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Tawny Heatherton's long lost music video "Run Crazy Man"



From David Drake's recent sold-out run of "My Tawny Valentine" - Tawny's 1985 Euro Disco smash "Run Crazy Man." Go Tawny!

For those who haven't kept up, "Tawny Heatherton" is the brilliant David Drake's newest theatrical creation. The niece of 70s icon Joey Heatherton, Tawny is still following butterflies and rainbows. She may get a bit lost every now and then, but her public finds her.

How could anyone top the lyric "paper or plastic? both are fantastic..."

Directed by Ned Stresen-Reuter
Music by Trevor Kuprel
Styling by Christopher Mathieson
Featuring Tawny's back-up boys, Aaron Tone & J.Stephen Brantley
Announcer: Joseph Addeo

Mad Men recap - it has been 17 months...



Since it's been 17 months since Mad Men last aired new episodes, here's a reminder of how Season 4 went...

And don't forget Mad Men returns tomorrow night - March 25th on AMC at 8pm.

Finland to may adopt marriage equality


Marriage equality has been proposed in Finland by a group of local MPs. The suggested legislation would change the civil definition of marriage in the country while protecting religious groups that wish to remain homophobic.

Reports the Star Observer:

The Finnish Parliament have now sent the initiative to the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, where its passage is uncertain.

The draft amendment was signed by 76 of the 200 members of Parliament, with more lawmakers including Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen expected to vote for it, Reuters reports.

European Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Alexander Stubb, the first signatory of the initiative, spoke passionately for the amendment during debate.

“This initiative is aimed at dismantling a system that causes inequality, in which couple relationships are divided into A and B categories” he said.

Finland was one of the first countries to recognize the legal status of same-sex relationships by instituting a domestic partnership registry in 2002.

Rick Santorum looks for win in Louisiana today



The math is pretty much done for Rick Santorum, but onward he goes...

New Ab Fab clip released - Sport Relief

US men arrested on Atlantis Cruise ship in Caribbean speak out


Two gay men from California have spoken about their ordeal that began onboard an Atlantis Cruise ship in the Caribbean:

The trouble began shortly after the cruise ship Celebrity Summit docked Wednesday morning at Dominica in the eastern Caribbean. Mayer and Hart were in their room when they got a call from a cruise ship official.

“We were summoned that the captain wished to speak to us,” Mayer said. “We were caught off guard.”

Three cruise ship officials and six Dominica police officers were waiting for them. After police interviewed both men separately, the assistant captain spoke, Mayer said.

“At this time, we are going to eject you from the ship. We have zero tolerance toward your behavior,” Mayer recalled him saying.

Police drove them to their headquarters, where they sat on a bench for nearly two hours without legal representation despite repeated requests, Mayer said.

After police took pictures and obtained fingerprints, a high-ranking officer began a nearly four-hour interrogation.

“He said: ‘You’re being arrested for being gay. We’re arresting you for the crime of buggery,’” Mayer said. “He said that other people said that we were engaging in homosexual sex. He repeated that several times. I told him I didn’t know why they would say that. I wasn’t doing that.”

Mayer said he was naked in his cabin and nearly naked on the balcony. “I was less partially clothed than I should have been.”

The two men were charged with indecent exposure and put in a five-by-eight-foot cell to await an appearance before a magistrate.

“The treatment was inhumane,” Mayer said. “We were detained for approximately 26 hours, and 19 of those locked in a cement cell, which had no running water, no toilet, no lights. It stunk of feces and urine. It was infested with cockroaches, ants and bugs.”

Mayer said police brought in government officials to look at them.

“They paraded many people by to look in on us as if we were some type of animal, which was quite humiliating,” he said. “People got great joy in the pleasure of taunting us.”

On Thursday morning, police drove them to the courthouse in the capital of Roseau, passing through an angry crowd, Mayer said.

“They were chanting and banging on the police vehicle. They were screaming things,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life, other than in movies. Both my partner and I really feared for our safety.”

Once in the courtroom, Chief Magistrate Evaline Baptiste ordered the men to pay a nearly $900 fine after they pleaded guilty to indecent exposure. He called the two men “rogues and vagabonds.”

Police then drove them to the airport, Mayer said.