Friday, August 31, 2012

President Obama supports me as an equal



Yes. This is MY President.

This is why I can't possibly vote for Mitt Romney and his anti-gay platform.

"Out of many, we are one." President Obama supports me, and I support him.

Matt Zarley - "My Great White Way" Broadway medley



Matt performing a medley of shows he did on Broadway and his NYC years. Those shows include A CHORUS LINE, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, THE WHO'S TOMMY, CATS, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, CHICAGO, and CHESS.

This was part of Matt's show, MATT ZARLEY: BROADWAY TO BILLBOARD, filmed live @ Rockwell in LA on AUGUST 27, 2012.

Navy lieutenant swims to gold at London Paralympics



Only months after being blinded in Afghanistan, U.S. swimmer Bradley Snyder has won a gold medal in the men's 100m freestyle at the 2012 Paralympics. He also set a new Paralympic record during a qualifying heat earlier Friday.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006, Synder was lost his sight working with a bomb disposal squad last year.

His qualifying time of 57:18 would have put Snyder in first place in one of the early men's 100m freestyle heats at the London Olympics.

He may not get the recognition of Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte, but this US athlete makes me just as proud.

Snyder has a full schedule in London, where he'll swim the 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle, the 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 100m breaststroke, and the 200m individual medley.

Only one man should tell a woman what to do with her body...


I love this for several reasons, but first and foremost, this pic is from my last company of CHICAGO the Musical.

Love these women! I was lucky to share the stage with them. 

p.s.  and yes, I also agree with the message, tongue in cheek as it may be...

American Idol winner Phillip Phillips enjoying new success



Phillip Phillips, the latest American Idol winner, is enjoying his success with the American Idols tour, his single "Home" and adjusting to life in the limelight.

Las Vegas: Festi-Brawl at South Point Arena this weekend

You're in Las Vegas, have the long weekend ahead and need something to do? How about Festi-Brawl at the South Point Arena?

Gourmet Food Trucks, Free Beer Tasting and Live Music Come Together for a Night of Premiere Amateur Fighting from 5-10pm this Sunday.

Admission to the food truck area is free - my favorite part.

General seating for Tuff-N-Uff: FESTIBRAWL starts at only $25 and is available by calling South Point Arena Box Office at (702) 797-8055 or online at SouthPointArena.com.

Ticket holders get to attend the official pre-party for the event beginning at 5:00 p.m., which will feature free beer tasting and a live music performance by The Garage Boys. The first fighters will hit the ring at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature MMA fighters Tom Morales and Jake Swinney competing for the Championship Title.

Or go big with the purchase of The SPICEBOX Ultra Lounge package. The package will provide guests premium elevated floor seats on VIP couches for eight, a suite in the South Point for the night, two bottles of premium Spicebox Whisky with mixers, unlimited cocktail service with a visit from the Spicebox Prohibition Girls and Tuff-N-Uff apparel. For more information and to purchase The SPICEBOX Ultra Lounge Package please call (702) 797-8273 or visit the South Point Arena Box Office.

Here's the details:

Who: “Tuff-N-Uff: The Future Stars of MMA” along with the hottest gourmet food trucks from Las Vegas (Coast 2 Coast , Pop’s On The Go, Chi-Town , Hustler Sauced, Fat Daddy’s Ice Cream)

When: Sunday, September 2, 2012
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Where: South Point Arena
9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
I-15 at Silverado Ranch Boulevard

Randy Jackson booted as American Idol judge


TMZ is reporting that Randy Jackson is out as a judge on the hit TV show AMERICAN IDOL.

However, that doesn't mean he's gone. Apparently he will make appearances as a"mentor" as the folks behind the scenes think that he's still the "glue" that holds the show together.

Check out the story at TMZ.

Review: WICKED at The Smith Center

Act One finale of WICKED - photo by Joan Marcus

The Smith Center has hit another home run with the 6 week run of the national touring company of WICKED, now through October 7.

This production offers first class talent and extraordinary production values that make for a roller coaster ride of an evening in the theater. From laughs to touching moments of unlikely friendship to the soaring anthem of newly discovered inner courage - WICKED delivers.

The musical is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, a book that cleverly imagines the back story leading up to a tornado that sends Dorothy on a trip from Kansas to Oz. During this election year, it is timely in that it is filled with truths about the nature of political power and mass manipulation.

Nicole Parker hits a home run as "Elphaba" — the Wicked Witch of the West. Having played the role on Broadway, Parker's experience shows in her soaring vocals which makes the Stephen Schwartz score sound almost easy to sing (it's not.) Her first big song - "Wizard and I" - immediately lets the audience know that the difficult vocals will be no problem for Parker. And her Act One roof raiser - "Defying Gravity" - is top-notch. Plus she is very comfortable with playing not only the dark side of the role but the humorous moments, too.

Patti Murin's "Glinda, the good witch" brings a lot of lightness and pop to the evening. She starts out the evening with an approach that is less showy than I've seen, but grows considerably by Act Two.

Also strong were Tom McGowan as the "Wonderful Wizard of Oz", and Demaree Hill as the Wicked Witch's sister "Nessarose," whose big scene in the second act was one of the best performances of the role I've seen.

My one small reservation was that there were moments when the performances by the ensemble cast felt a bit phoned in, as if they’ve been doing this for a quite a while. Physical energy was dropped while exiting, and some choreography wasn't as clean as it could have been.

With vividly imaginative scenic designs by Eugene Lee, Susan Hilferty's quirky costumes that blend high style and fantasy and gorgeous lighting by Kenneth Posner, the show is fantastic to look at. Supporting all the terrific stage architecture on display is a powerful story of peer pressure, prejudice and even hints of racism in an immediately recognizable story. Joe Mantello's resourceful and inventive direction brings the evening to life in a manner that still feels fresh. And Wayne Cilento adds creative and stylish musical staging to the production.

The audience at the performance I attended was clearly spellbound, and there was an instant standing ovation at the beginning of the bows. The magic had been made.

Overall, it's a very strong production and Las Vegans should run see this show before it's six week run ends.

Photo by Joan Marcus

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

What: "Wicked"

Where: Reynolds Hall, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave.

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 7.

Tickets: $39-$150 (749-2000)

Grade: A-

Boxer Micky Ward pulls his endorsement of Sen. Scott Brown

Due to a lack of labor support and marriage equality, Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts has lost the backing of boxer Micky Ward.

Republican Scott Brown meant to hold an event today in which Ward, the boxer who inspired the Oscar-nominated movie The Fighter, would throw his weight behind the Massachusetts Senator's reelection campaign.

Ward pulled out at the last minute because, much to his chagrin, Brown does not support labor unions or marriage equality.
"I can’t support Scott Brown. I just can’t do it," said Ward about a half-hour after telling The Sun of Lowell he was backing the Republican. "I found out Scott (Brown) is anti-union and I’m a Teamster guy. I found out he’s also against gay marriage, and I say if you love someone, you should have the same rights no matter who you are.”
The Massachusetts senate race is one of the most-watched in the country. Brown, who replaced late Sen. Ted Kennedy, is going up against progressive Elizabeth Warren, a proponent of marriage equality. Though Warren was up in earlier polls, Brown has again pulled ahead. A Public Policy Polling survey released this week puts him about 5 points ahead of Warren.

Via Towleroad

New web series: "Hunting Season"



Ok, I'll admit it - I'm kinda liking the idea of these "web series" thingies.

I have a short attention span. Half-hour TV shows are tough for me to hang on for, and that's fast forwarding through the commercials.

So, since web series episodes are short, I can handle them. AND I don't have to program a DVR or set a time to watch.

The newest web series I'm going to give a chance is called "Hunting Season." Looks like it could be cute and anything that gives creative folks a chance to do show what they can do works for me.

From the series website: HUNTING SEASON is a new series based on the funny and painfully truthful blog of ALEX, a single gay 20-something in Manhattan, a smart and successful blogger at Gawker by day, who turns the spotlight on himself and his friends and starts anonymously writing about his social life. Based on the wildly popular blog, The Great Cock Hunt, and the novel of the same title published by Kensington Books.

The series will launch here on September 12, 2012, and new episodes will air on Wednesday nights through October 17, 2012.

It's a bit like Sex and the City, except gay and online.

Backstreet Boys on Good Morning America today



The Backstreet Boys were back on Good Morning America today for their first TV appearance all together since 2006!  While they've been touring for a while, they've done it without Kevin Richardson who decided to retire a few years back.  But now they're back together and sounding great.

Famous for always wearing shades, AJ McLean stayed true to his style being the only "boy" to wear cool John Varatos sunglasses for the performances.   I'm a Backstreet fan and a Varatos fan!



Condoleezza Rice passed over as Mitt Romney's running mate?


The story is going around that Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, was passed over as a running mate to Mitt Romney due to her support for abortion rights and civil unions.

According to Towleroad:
"Condi was fully vetted to become Mitt Romney's running mate and turned over financial records, including tax returns," a source told the site. "However, Mitt's advisers talked him out of it because Condi is pro-choice and she isn't willing to change her position on the controversial issue. Condi also supports same sex civil unions which again, put her at odds with Romney. Mitt had a hard time getting the ultra conservative support of the GOP and was told if he picked Condi that would immediately be lost and so he ultimately picked Congressman Paul Ryan to be his running mate."
I think it speaks volumes that Condi Rice appears to be TOO middle of the road politically to be on the ticket. Even with her experience and credentials as former Secretary of State.

Rumor has it she may make a run for Governor in California soon.

Andy Roddick announces retirement from professional tennis



Nine years after he won the U.S. Open, Andy Roddick announced Thursday that he'll retire after this year's tournament.

"I just feel like it's time. I don't know if I'm healthy or committed enough to go another year," he told reporters.

Roddick plays Bernard Tomic tomorrow night. Winning 32 career titles, his only major title was earned at the U.S. Open.


Federal judge restores early voting days in Ohio


The Obama campaign has sued the state of Ohio in federal court - to restore the three day early voting period that Republicans in the state legislature eliminated - and won.

A federal judge in Ohio on Friday restored early voting rights in the three days before the election, ruling in favor of the Obama campaign.

U.S. District judge Peter C. Economus ruled that "restoring in-person early voting to all Ohio voters through the Monday before Election Day does not deprive UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voters from early voting."

"Instead, and more importantly, it places all Ohio voters on equal standing," Economus ruled. He said the state "fails to articulate a precise, compelling interest in establishing the 6 p.m. Friday deadline as applied to non-UOCAVA voters and has failed to evidence any commitment to the 'exception' it rhetorically extended to UOCAVA voters."

Mitt Romney earlier had falsely tried to rewrite the issue: “President Obama’s lawsuit claiming it is unconstitutional for Ohio to allow servicemen and women extended early voting privileges during the state’s early voting period is an outrage,” Romney said in a statement.

Actually, the Obama campaign’s lawsuit, filed by the campaign in mid-July, explicitly asks a federal court to restore in-person early voting rights to ALL eligible Ohio voters on the three days preceding Election Day.

“This lawsuit seeks to treat all Ohio citizens equally under the law,” Obama for America attorney Bob Bauer said in a statement. “We want to restore the right of all to vote before Election Day.”

Under the Obama administration, the Justice Department has filed 10 lawsuits and reached nine settlements with various states to protect military voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

(Source)

Advice from the world's richest woman


From Australian mining tycoon Gina Rinehart, who inherited $30 billion from her daddy.
"There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire. If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself -- spend less time drinking or smoking and socialising, and more time working. Become one of those people who work hard, invest and build, and at the same time create employment and opportunities for others."
Rinehart says Australia needs to do away with the minimum wage "unless we want to end up like Greece."

Via JoeMyGod

Fact checking the Paul Ryan speech at RNC Comvention

Web series: "Where The Bears Are" - Episode 9

Where The Bears Are - Episode 9 BEAR FAN from Where the Bears Are on Vimeo.

President Obama responds to Clint Eastwood


Thursday, August 30, 2012

Parents - which guys do you like?


Rare bit of truth at the GOP National Convention


Cancelled: Jersey Shore's 6th season to be it's last


And so ends the dark, sad journey this nation has had to endure...

From MTV:
On Thursday,August 30, MTV announced that the upcoming sixth season of “Jersey Shore” will be its last, bringing the party to a close after three years, two continents and one lil’ bambino (not to mention countless punch-ups, blow-outs and catch phrases.)

he final season of "Jersey Shore" kicks off on Thursday, October 4, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, but MTV will commemorate the end of the show with a hot tub full of farewell programming, beginning Thursday, September 6, with a one-hour retrospective, called, appropriately enough, "Gym, Tan, Look Back."

Listen: Betty Buckley on The Candi & Randy Show


Betty Buckley joined us on The Candi & Randy Show last night to talk about her fab new CD "Ah Men - the Boys of Broadway" & her upcoming starring role in the United Kingdom premiere of Jerry Herman's DEAR WORLD.

We also shared several tracks from the brand new CD.  Great show!

For more info on Betty, go to www.BettyBuckley.com

If you missed the show, hit play on the player below and enjoy what many have named "The Voice of Broadway."

GLEE: New season previews



In this first sneak preview of the upcoming season of GLEE, we get our first glimpse at Brody Weston (Dean Geyer). Geyer describes his first encounter with Rachel: "He's showering, she comes in, he comes out naked..."

Dean Geyer plays "Dean Weston" Rachel's new potential boyfriend?

In addition to Geyer, Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist and Becca Tobin also are joining the series as Marley Rose, Puck's half-brother Jake and Cherrio Kitty, respectively.

In a newest preview of the upcoming season, it looks like Rachel is headed for a tough time in the "big bad Apple," New York City. Kate Hudson looks to be no "Mr. Shou" in terms of how she handles Rachel.



GLEE returns Thursday, Sept. 13 at 9/8c on Fox.

TV Networks ranked on LGBT Inclusiveness


GLAAD recently released it's annual report that scores the inclusiveness of what was available last season in its annual report — the Network Responsibility Index.

From GLAAD: "The sixth annual GLAAD Network Responsibility Index (NRI) is an evaluation of the quantity and quality of images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people during the 2011-2012 television season. GLAAD researched primetime programming on ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC and 10 cable networks from June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012. The report is intended to serve as a road map toward increasing fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBT media representations."

None of the networks received an "Excellent" score, though Showtime came the closest with 46% of its original programming being LGBT-inclusive. GLAAD also tracked the cable networks that it said were viewed as consistently conservative — TLC and the History Channel. See how those two networks fared on page 6 and get a look at the major networks on the following pages.

Head over to GLAAD to check out the report.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Marines Commandant has seen no problems regarding repeal of DADT


Almost a year after the repeal of DADT, the Commandant of the Marine Corps says that he's not heard of any problems related to the integration of openly gay and lesbian military.

From the Washington Blade:
“I don’t think there is a problem,” said Commandant Gen. James Amos during a National Press Club luncheon in downtown Washington. “I don’t see it. I don’t hear about it.” [snip] “We obey orders,” said Amos. “We do that better than anybody does and we have.” He again noted that he doesn’t “even get a question” about openly gay and lesbian servicemembers from subordinates and other Marines. “I don’t hear anything,” said Amos. “I’m not seeing anything at all, so I’m very pleased with how it’s turned out. I’m very proud of the Marines."
You may remember that General Amos had been one of the most vocal opponents of the repeal of DADT.

Michigan: Anti-gay hate crime gets a guilty plea


For the second time since the adoption of the Matthew Shepard Act, the federal government has won a conviction for an anti-gay hate crime. Via MetroSource:

Everett Dwayne Avery of Detroit admitted to striking a fellow customer in the face in a Detroit convenience store in March 2011 because of the man’s perceived sexuality. Avery's assault resulted in numerous facial injuries to the victim, including the fracturing of the victim’s eye socket.

In a statement released today, the Department of Justice confirmed that the 36-year-old Avery had pleaded guilty to the federal hate crimes charge.

Avery is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 28 and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

"Hate-fueled incidents have no place in a civilized society," said Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department is committed to using all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal, including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to prosecute acts of violence motivated by hate."
Another case being prosecuted under the federal hate crime in currently under way in Kentucky.

(source)

Chile: Marriage equality moves into majority in recent poll


According to the poll of 501 nationwide households conducted by Radio Cooperativa e Imaginaccion, 54.9 percent of Chileans support gay nuptials, while 40.7 percent remain opposed.

The survey “reflects a broad and mainstream acceptance” of such unions, said El Movimiento de Integracion y Liberacion Homosexual (Movilh), the nation's largest gay rights advocate.

“[T]he 54.9% approval of marriage between persons of the same sex is a clear sign of openness, which must be analyzed, understood and accepted by the government and to move forward in advancing approval of such unions,” the group added.

A gay marriage bill introduced more than two years ago by Senator Fulvio Rossi has yet to be debated.

Via OnTopMag.com

Log Cabin Republicans: "Our party dropped the hammer harder because we were there"


Log Cabin Republicans have long said that their presence in the GOP helps to further the fight for equality for the LGBT community. In fact, they were allowed to sit in on the drafting of the national party's platform.

But looking back at a platform that is very anti-gay, Log Cabin Republicans now feel their presence possibly made the platform even more hostile to gays and lesbians.

From NPR interview:
"When you back someone into a corner, they fight back twice as hard," said Casey Pick of the Log Cabin Republicans, a national organization representing the interests of gays and lesbians.

"The platform is ugly and harmful," she said during a Wednesday gathering of same-sex marriage supporters at a law firm just across the Hillsborough River from the site of this week's Republican convention in Tampa, Fla.

Pick, the Log Cabin's program director and an evangelical Christian, characterized the tone of the party's discussions about same-sex marriage in meetings of the Constitution subcommittee as largely "hostile." "We lost," she said. "And you could say the social conservatives in our party dropped the hammer harder because we were there."

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Ever the victim...


Can you believe it's been four years since we began the dark national journey that is Sarah Palin?

Ever the victim, she took to her Facebook page to complain that she wasn't able to "honor" John McCain tonight.
I’m sorry Fox cancelled all my scheduled interviews tonight because I sure wanted to take the opportunity on the air to highlight Senator John McCain’s positive contributions to America, to honor him, and to reflect on what a biased media unfairly put him through four years ago tonight. Granted, our honored and esteemed war hero has gone through much more than the liberal media can ever do to him in their efforts to harm this patriot. I look forward to hearing his words to his fellow Americans tonight more than any of the other convention speeches. God bless John McCain. Thank you for everything. And happy birthday, my friend  - Sarah Palin
I guess she now considers Fox News part of the "liberal media?"

I'm sure it really was all about John McCain, and not another chance for her to revel in the spotlight just a few minutes more...

Bless her heart...

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Betty Buckley on The Candi & Randy Show tonight


Excited!

Betty Buckley on The Candi & Randy Show tonight talking about her fab new CD "Ah Men - the Boys of Broadway" & her upcoming starring role in the United Kingdom premiere of Jerry Herman's DEAR WORLD.

Tonight at 9pmEST/6pmPST - click here to listen.

GOPRoud's people speak for themselves at Homocon 2012

(Roxanne Roberts/The Washington Post)
GOProud dipped into the convention social scene Tuesday with Homocon 2012, an invitation-only party for gay conservatives and supporters who believe in limited government and individual empowerment.

Around 600 guests packed into Tampa’s Honey Pot nightclub, where dancers sported “Freedom is Fabulous” t-shirts and Romney buttons were the accessory du jour.

But what made the evening most interesting was the direct honesty some gay supporters shared in terms of their own personal priorities in politics:

“I understand I’m going to be subject to certain limitations,” said Robert Stevens, sporting a Romney/Ryan button late Tuesday night. “I understand I won’t have equal rights. But I also want to be filthy rich, and I think the Republican ticket can get me there.”

I've often said how people vote and where they stand is a reflection of their own priorities in life.  I think it's great that GOProud members are open to sharing their own priorities of wealth over equal rights. 

We all get to choose.

(source)

Truth: Planet Earth


And there you have it.

Video: Watch "The New Normal" pilot online

The New Normal, a new sitcom about two gay men (Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells) who decide to have a child through a surrogate mother, is available for viewing online before it's network premiere September 11.



From the Advocate:

Rannells stars as Bryan and Justin Bartha plays David, a well-heeled gay couple preparing to have a child with the help of a sweet surrogate (Georgia King), despite the objections of her comically bigoted grandmother, played with great zest by Ellen Barkin.

The two gay dads scenario of the series not only taps into the cultural zeitgeist, it comes with an impeccable pedigree. It was conceived and developed by Emmy Award–winning hit-maker Ryan Murphy, on a long winning streak after Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story, and Glee writer Allison Adler, and it costars The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s breakout star, NeNe Leakes, as the unrestrained assistant to Rannells’s character.

The sitcom has already come under fire from conservative groups such as One Million Moms due to its subject matter. In addition, Salt Lake City TV station KSL has announced it won’t air the series, calling the subject matter “inappropriate” for the Mormon Church–owned affiliate.

In a recent interview with The Advocate, Rannells expressed his hope that viewers will respond to the show’s timely message.

“Gay or straight, the family dynamic has very much changed based on who’s around to raise the kid,” he said. “Because of divorce or financial reasons there are all sorts of people who have to pitch in to help raise kids.”

New Zealand steps closer to marriage equality


In the first of three votes which have to take place, New Zealand's marriage equality bill passed by a large margin:
The 80 to 40 vote in front of a packed and cheering public gallery was the first of three votes Parliament must take before the bill can become law, a process that typically takes several months and allows the public to weigh in. Only a simple majority was needed to ensure a second vote, and the margin is a strong indication that the law will be passed. Should New Zealand pass the measure into law, it would become the 12th country since 2001 to recognize same-sex marriages. Some states in the U.S. also recognize such marriages, but the federal government does not. Polls indicate about two-thirds of New Zealanders support gay marriage. It also has the support of most of the country’s political leaders.

Animation: How To Come Out Of The Closet




I like the message AND the animation.

From How to Be a Person, The Stranger's new guide to life:

"Every year The Stranger puts out an issue of advice for college students—all the things you need to know about life that everyone else “forgot” to tell you. And now the best of this advice is collected in How to be a Person: The Stranger’s Guide to College, Sex, Intoxicants, Tacos, and Life Itself."

"From which majors to avoid to how to do laundry, it’s all here, including the very best advice about sex and love from Savage Love columnist and It Gets Better Project founder Dan Savage."

Stephen Colbert explains how the gays sent Hurricane Issac to the GOP Convention


In his ever brilliant way, Stephen Colbert explains the science behind how the gays created Hurricane Issac to ruin the GOP National Convention.

Featurette clip from "Pitch Perfect"



I recently posted about the upcoming movie "Pitch Perfect" about the cutthroat world of a capella singing competitions.

Here's a "featurette" for the film.

Rebel Wilson is going to go over the top with this.

Follow the movie on Facebook here.

The gentle people at the GOP National Convention


Yes, this actually happened.  More details at Huffington Post.

Web series: "Where The Bears Are" - Episode 8


Where The Bears Are - Episode 8 BEARS IN HEAT from Where the Bears Are on Vimeo.

The Amazing Race cast announced! Team Chippendales!

Everyone knows I'm a big fan of THE AMAZING RACE. Haven't missed an episode of any season. Love it.

So, of course, I'm excited to see the new season and meet the teams, which were announced today. And lo, and behold, my favorite team already - Team Chippendales!  Scruffy, hunky guys - what's not to like?

Chippendale friends Jaymes Vaughan (left) and James Davis (right).  Here's their video package.

Jaymes Vaughan & James Davis of the Chippendales and CBS' The Amazing Race
Click pic for larger view
The new season premieres Sunday, September 30 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network

Go to CBS.com to meet the rest of the teams.

Jaymes Vaughan & James Davis of the Chippendales and CBS' The Amazing Race

Here is the full list of teams:

Name: Natalie Anderson
Age: 26
Hometown: Edgewater, N.J.
Current occupation: Physical Therapy Student

Name: Nadiya Anderson
Age: 26
Hometown: Edgewater, N.J.
Current occupation: Project Coordinator at Bridge2Peace
Connection: Twin Sisters


+++++

Name: Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Age: 43
Hometown: Sharon Springs, N.Y.
Current occupation: Goat Farmer/Advertising Executive/Author

Name: Brent Ridge
Age: 38
Hometown: Sharon Springs, N.Y.
Current occupation: Chief Executive Officer of Beekman 1802
Connection: Goat Farmers/Life Partners

+++++

Name: Rob French
Age: 46
Hometown: Boston, Ga.
Current occupation: Professional Monster Truck Driver

Name: Kelley Carrington-French
Age: 50
Hometown: Boston, Ga.
Current occupation: Professional Monster Truck Driver

+++++

Name: Trey Wier
Age: 23
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Current occupation: Land Consultant/Former College Athlete

Name: Alexis “Lexi” Beerman
Age: 22
Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas
Current occupation: Clothing Designer
Connection: Dating

+++++

Name: James LoMenzo
Age: 53
Hometown: Burbank, Calif.
Current occupation: Professional Musician/
Former Band Member of White Lion and Megadeth

Name: Mark “Abba” Abbattista
Age: 45
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Current occupation: Entertainment Lawyer
Connection: Friends

+++++

Name: Abbie Ginsberg
Age: 31
Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.
Current occupation: Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Name: Ryan Danz
Age: 35
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Current occupation: Financial Service Company Owner
Connection: Dating Divorcees

+++++

Name: Jaymes Vaughan
Age: 30
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Current occupation: Chippendales MC

Name: James Davis
Age: 27
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Current occupation: Chippendales Dancer
Connection: Chippendales Dancers/Best Friends

+++++

Name: Rob Scheer
Age: 52
Hometown: Ketchikan, Alaska
Current occupation: Lumberjack and Entrepreneur

Name: Sheila Castle
Age: 44
Hometown: Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Current occupation: Retail Manager
Connection: Engaged

+++++

Name: Caitlin King
Age: 24
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Current occupation: Special Ed Teacher

Name: Brittany Fletcher
Age: 25
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Current occupation: Medical Device Sales
Connection: Best Friends

+++++

Name: Gary Wojnar
Age: 52
Hometown: Livonia, Mich.
Current occupation: Substitute Teacher

Name: Will Chiola
Age: 53
Hometown: Dearborn Heights, Mich.
Current occupation: Substitute Teacher
Connection: Best Friends/Substitute Teachers

+++++

Name: Amy Purdy
Age: 32
Hometown: Summit County, Colo.
Current occupation: Motivational Speaker/Snowboarder
(Amy is a double amputee)

Name: Daniel Gale
Age: 36
Hometown: Summit County, Colo.
Current occupation: Executive Director
Connection: Dating On and Off

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

From Barbra's upcoming CD - "I Think It's Going to Rain Today"



From Barbra Streisand's upcoming CD RELEASE ME

Release date: Sep 25, 2012 - click here for more info.

New music: Betty Buckley "Ah Men - the Boys of Broadway"

 
Available today, new music from Tony Award-winning Broadway star Betty Buckley: AH MEN - THE BOYS OF BROADWAY, based on her critically acclaimed concert of the same name.

Like Betty, I'm from Fort Worth, Texas, and we both attended the same high school - although not at the same time.  But in the 1970s - with successes on Broadway and TV already - she made a stop by Arlington Heights High School and spoke to our drama class.  She spoke about acting and then, in an impromptu moment, sang for us unaccompanied.  I was transfixed, and a fan of her voice (and acting) from that moment on.

When I was appearing on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, Betty was giving her breathtaking performance as "Norma Desmond" in Sunset Boulevard.  During the run of Dolly! many stars came backstage to say 'hello' to Carol Channing.  I'd see them meet her on the stage after the curtain came down after the show as I had to cross the stage from my dressing room to the stage door.  The only time I ever stopped and stuttered a 'hello' to anyone was when Betty Buckley came backstage. It was my chance and I took it. And she was as gracious then as she is today.

I recently discovered that Tennessee Williams admired Betty's work. On the blog "Follies of God," James Grissom shared with his readers that Tennessee had this to say about Betty Buckley:

Her singing voice is a wonderful example of that intercourse that exists only with a singer: When a singer is in possession of a great talent and an honest intensity of purpose, nothing can prevent the relationship between song and singer from taking place, with all of us voyeurs to the consummation.

She owns her material, but she doesn't grasp it so tightly that we can't also share in it, love it, feel to it. I find her a radiantly pure singer.

She helps me to the fog. I feel she belongs to me now.

I recently had the chance to interview Betty about her new CD, her current appearances around the country and her upcoming UK premiere of Jerry Herman's Dear World at Charing Cross Theatre.

You can listen to the interview tomorrow night on The Candi & Randy Show, but here are just a few of Betty's thoughts on the new CD:

• The inspiration for the new CD goes back to her young crush on Russ Tamblyn in the movie of West Side Story: "When I first saw the movie of West Side Story, I was about 14 and I was just in love with Russ Tamblyn who played "Riff."  Everything about him as "Riff" - I thought he was the coolest guy ever.  And it went way beyond a crush.  I wanted to dance like him, walk like him, talk like him.  I wanted to be a Jet."

• Betty had a short list of songs she knew she wanted to sing in this show/CD: "I knew I wanted to sing "I Can See It" from The Fantasticks, I knew I wanted to sing "Hey There" from The Pajama Game, "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin... I knew I wanted to sing "Venice" from Elegies and "Maria" from West Side Story, and I knew I wanted to sing "I Won't Dance."

• When asked if there's a male role in the music theatre catalog she'd like to do, she doesn't hesitate: "I think I could be a really dangerous Sweeney Todd."

• On heading to London to star in the UK premiere of Dear World: "I'm really excited about it.  I've known about this for about a year and a half.   It will be a revised/new version of the show.  It's going to be really beautiful, I think.  I'm really excited."

I reached out to Broadway legend Jerry Herman for his thoughts on Betty starring in the new production and Jerry had this to say:
"Dear World requires a superb singer; Dear World requires a superb actor; and Betty Buckley is both. I so look forward to the London premiere with Gillian Lynne at the helm."
Betty has been appearing across the country singing songs from the new CD.  Find the nearest concert date on her website - www.BettyBuckley.com

Lucky for me, she'll be performing at The Smith Center here in Las Vegas November 15-18.  Can't wait to see her sing these great songs.

You can hear the full interview and several of the songs from the new CD by listening tomorrow night on The Candi & Randy Show - 9pmEST/6pmPST.

Check out the new CD on Amazon by clicking here.

Amazing footage: Koala swims from shore to outrigger canoe



Wow. Hard to imagine this happening.

According to the BBC: "Although it is not unknown for the marsupials to take to the water, experts believe the animal might have felt trapped on a tidal bank in Tallebudgera Creek and decided the canoe was its best way to escape."

(h/t Towleroad)

GOP Nat'l Convention: Ron Paul supporters revolt

As expected, the Ron Paul delegates made their statement today at the GOP National Convention.

Mitt Romney supporters shouted the Paul supporters down with chants of "USA! USA! USA!"

New poll: Support for marriage equality continues to grow in Nevada

From Public Policy Polling:

• 47% of Nevada voters think gay marriage should be legal to versus 42% who think it should be illegal. That's up from a 45/43 spread in late March.

• Black voters now narrowly support marriage equality, 47/41, in the wake of President Obama's announcement in May. PPP previously found that they opposed it 63/21.

• 80% of Nevada voters support some form of legal recognition for gay couples - either marriage or civil unions - to only 17% who are completely opposed.  Even among Republicans, 74% at least support civil unions.

Las Vegas hits the trifecta of Pride Grand Marshals - Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin & Margaret Cho


To quote a line from one of my favorite off-Broadway shows Pageant - "more is better."

Las Vegas - a city known to do things in the "bigger and better" category, will be welcoming not one, not two but three major LGBT icons as Grand Marshals for the Las Vegas Gay Pride Parade.

Joan Rivers, Margaret Cho, and Kathy Griffin have been announced as the Grand Marshals, and they'll be performing in Las Vegas during the Pride festivities. 

In addition to seeing them at the start of the 2012 Las Vegas Gay Pride Parade Friday, September 7 at 7pm,  we'll be able to see our favorite funny ladies in their own shows:

• Margaret Cho at the Terry Fator Theatre at the Mirage on Thursday, September 6th at 10pm

• Kathy Griffin at the Terry Fator Theatre at the Mirage on Saturday, September 8th at 10pm

• Joan Rivers will be at the Venetian on September 6-8, performing at 9:00pm

Las Vegas Pride President/ Parade Chairman Ernie Yuen says,“We are very excited and proud to host an amazing trio of beauty and talent; best of all they all make us laugh!"
 

Yuen says, "What a great way to start our spectacular event. This will be history making for us and I am sure the LGBT community will be out in full force to welcome these wonderful LGBT supporters.”

For more info about Las Vegas Gay Pride 2012, click here.

Video: How To Be Gay In High School



Blogger David Levitz recently posted his video blog post "How To Be Gay In High School" which really made me smile.

He's a smart, young guy who really seems to be paying attention to his journey through life. And, he does offer some very smart tips for folks who realize they are gay while still in high school.

Here are just a few:

• Don't "crush on straight boys.  Having crushes on straight boys ends poorly for both parties.

• I'm glad Grindr didn't exist when I was in high school.  I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it but I definitely think people under the age of 18 should stay away from things like that.

• If there are no gay people around you, explore the YouTube community.  I think if you can get to know someone at the other end of the country and it's available to you - that's what's great about our generation.

Watch the video.  I like this guy.  He's open, authentic and honest.  Check out his other videos on YouTube here.

Gay Republicans take out full page ad in Tampa Tribune supporting marriage equality

More Republicans I can like!

The Log Cabin Republicans and Young Conservatives for the Freedom To Marry are running a full page ad in the Tampa Tribune during the Republican National Convention asking the conservative party to join the clear path of history and get onboard with marriage equality. The ad points out how and why marriage equality fits into the conservative viewpoint.

From the Log Cabin Republicans press release:

The full-page color ad, featuring photos of same-sex couples and their families, emphasizes that the freedom to marry is fully consistent with principles valued by conservatives: freedom, personal responsibility, and the importance of family. The ad comes in the wake of the party's extreme stance on marriage in its draft platform, which includes support for a federal constitutional amendment banning the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Tony Perkins, the president of the anti-gay Family Research Council, authored the marriage plank, which is expected to be ratified at the convention.

"Gay or straight, Republicans are united in the belief that strong families are critical to a free society," said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans. "As fellow conservatives, Log Cabin Republicans actually agree with Tony Perkins about the importance of family values. The difference is, we believe that the freedom to marry is directly in line with the core ideals and principles of the Republican Party - less government, more individual freedom, personal responsibility and the importance of family."

"The writing is on the wall for the Republican Party: Stand up for the values they say they believe in, or risk being seen as irrelevant with younger conservatives," said Sarah Longwell, Vice President at Berman and Company and a member of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee. "This is a party that should support freedom - for all people, and all families."

Here's the ad below:

LogCabin TampaTrib Ad

Geraldo Rivera predicts GOP will move toward marriage equality in near future



Fox News' Geraldo Rivera speaks with Michelangelo Signorile about the GOP position on marriage equality and where he believes the issue is headed in the near future.

From HBO's "The Newsroom" - Will McAvoy on the Tea Party



Classic Aaron Sorkin writing addressing the Tea Party movement - point by point.

If you aren't watching "The Newsroom" you really should. Great show.

Australia: No To Homophobia campaign endorsed by Australian Football League rugby code



From the YouTube page: In an Australian-first, a new public campaign will combine TV ads, social media, online support resources and moving personal stories from people who have experienced harassment to challenge every single member of the community to say no to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

Two television ads, to be broadcast nationally over the next year, depict the most common everyday situations where people face harassment -- at school, in sports, at work and in public spaces like cafes and on the street. They show people experiencing harassment and witnesses taking action to put a stop to the offensive behaviour. TV ads focusing on homophobic harassment have never been shown in Australia.

An online resource at www.notohomophobia.com.au helps people get informed, find support and take action by hosting all the relevant information, resources and contacts in one place.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Soldiers give Prince Harry naked salute

While I know the whole world knows about Prince Harry's recent naked adventure in Las Vegas, you can only imagine what it's like living here in Vegas with the story.

As it continues to live on, there's now a Facebook page with folks giving Prince Harry naked salutes to show their support for his naked party ways. Many are soldiers...



(h/t JoeMyGod)

Video: Behind the scenes footage of Tom Daley's shirtless Heat Magazine shoot



Go behind the scenes with Tom Daley for his shirtless photo shoot with Heat Magazine.

Novak Djokovic Marriage Proposal from Kid



At a practice session for the US Open, a boy from the stands yells "Djokovic will you marry me?"

In a very classy move, he waves the boy down from the stand for a hug and a few practice serves. Think about what this must have meant to the boy, who has a wicked serve, by the way...

Earlier this year, while in Australia, I stayed in a small boutique hotel in Melbourne during the Australian Open. I know the owner and he shared with me that I was staying the room right under Djokovic. I joked with friends during the week that the biggest tennis star in the world was sleeping on top of me :)

I only passed him in the lobby a few times but it's always cool to see athletes with so much pressure on them be gracious and cool.

Watch the video with Nole and the lucky kid.

(h/t Towleroad)

Web series: "Where The Bears Are" - Episode 7


Where The Bears Are - Episode 7 A BEAR AND HONEY from Where the Bears Are on Vimeo.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo talk headlining in Vegas

Quote: The Newsroom

"I'm not a liberal, I'm a registered Republican, I only seem liberal because I believe that hurricanes are caused by high barometric pressure and not by gay marriage."

Quote from Aaron Sorkin's hit TV show "The Newsroom"

MA: Sen. Scott Brown at odds with GOP anti-gay marriage plank


In the GOP's proposed platform, the marriage plank supports a federal “constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman” and “campaigns underway in several other states to” amend their constitutions to define marriage as a heterosexual union. 

The platform is also critical of the decision by the Obama Administration to stop defending DOMA and the repeal of DADT.  The language suggests a Republican administration would reinstate DADT.

Sen. Scott Brown, who is in a tight race against Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren, a strong supporter of gay rights, told Boston Spirit, a Boston Globe blog, that he is at odds with parts of the platform.

“Scott Brown believes gay marriage is settled law in Massachusetts and it's time to move on to issues like jobs and the economy,” the Brown campaign wrote in an e-mail. “He opposes a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and woman.”

Boston Spirit points out that the statement is  “notably silent on where the candidate stands on DOMA and whether he would vote to overturn the law.”

Via OnTopMagazine

Tweet of the day - Harvey Fierstein


Vice President Biden visits the gays in Provincetown


Vice President Joe Biden made a stop in gay summer vacation spot Provincetown, Massachusetts for a fundraiser this past Sunday at the base of the Pilgrim Monument.

Politico reports:

Vice President Joe Biden thanked gay rights advocates Sunday for advancing not just their own civil rights, but also the “civil rights of every straight American.”

“You are freeing the soul of the American people,” Biden said to loud applause during a stop in Provincetown, Mass., according to a pool report. Biden honed in on the LGBT issues during his campaign speech at the Pilgrim Monument and Museum, which is located in a prominent gay community in Cape Cod. “If I had to use one adjective to describe this community it’d be courage," Biden said. "You have summoned the courage to speak out, to come out. We owe you.”

Lambda Legal hosts virtual town hall on marriage equality with special guest Zach Wahls

New Archbishop of San Francisco and strategist for Prop 8 arrested for DUI

Oakland Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, who was recently named by Pope Benedict as the new Archbishop of San Francisco and a leading strategist in the campaign to pass Proposition 8 in California, was arrested for driving under the influence, the San Diego Union Tribune reports:

Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, 56, who was appointed archbishop in July, was taken into custody Saturday at 12:26 a.m. after being stopped on College Avenue near Montezuma Road, police said. Cordileone, who is a San Diego native, was booked into county jail on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence and later posted bail... The Archdiocese of San Francisco has not returned a call asking for comment on the arrest.

Via Towleroad

I never make the same mistake twice


Marriage News Watch - August 27, 2012

Fox News introduces Romney sons with gay anthem



Someone made a funny over at Fox. LOL...

Here's something I didn't know about the iconic song: “It’s Raining Men” was written in 1979 by David Letterman sidekick Paul Schaffer and gay songwriter Paul Jabara, who died of complications from AIDS in 1992. After being turned down by Donna Summer, Grace Jones and Diana Ross, the song was eventually recorded by one-hit-wonder The Weather Girls. The LGBT community adopted the song as a gay anthem, catapulting it to the number one song in 1982.

I never knew Donna Summer and Diana Ross turned the song down. Makes me think of all the acting roles folks turn down or other songs recording artists say no to.

via Raw Story

Web series: "Where The Bears Are" Episode 6

Where The Bears Are - Episode 7 A BEAR AND HONEY from Where the Bears Are on Vimeo.

Poll: Majority of Americans agree wealthy should pay more in taxes


The Pew Center has released the results of a new poll that shows 58% of Americans feel the wealthy should pay more in taxes.

In addition, Pew adds "Even among those who consider themselves upper or upper-middle class, fully 52% say upper-income people pay too little. Only 10% of this group says upper-class adults say people pay too much in taxes."

Other results of the poll show that 63 percent of those surveyed said the Republican party favors the rich. Nearly 70 percent said the Democratic party favors either the middle class or the poor.

However, it is worth noting that the vast majority of middle class respondents - 92% - say they admire the rich who get wealthy through hard work.

More results here.

France looks to legalize marriage equality by 2013

Come October, it looks like France will join other European countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Spain in allowing gay marriage.

From LGBTQNation:

The French government is expected to introduce legislation in October that would legalize same-sex marriage, a move that would bring France in line with several European countries and fulfill an campaign promise by President François Hollande.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, had previously announced in the French Parliament that gay and lesbian couples would be permitted to marry and adopt children by 2013.

“In October, we will send a bill to the National Assembly and the Senate to allow same-sex couples to marry,” Ayrault said Saturday, in an address to Socialist Party members at their annual gathering. “It would also allow them to form families and adopt children.”

Once introduced, the bill will be debated in France’s two houses of Parliament, which are both controlled by Hollande’s Socialist Party.

France legalized civil partnerships in the 1990s. Polls show a majority of French citizens support marriage equality.

Sarah Longwell explains why conservatives should support marriage equality



Sarah Longwell, a member of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee, talks with Thom Hartmann about why she as a conservative supports the freedom to marry.

Find out more about Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry: http://freedomtomarry.org/youngconservatives

Kickstarter success stories on The Candi & Randy Show



What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects.

Last night on The Candi & Randy Show, we spoke to Emmy Award winning writer Leslie Nipkow and Broadway veteran T Oliver Reid about their success with the fund-raising program.

I've featured several Kickstarter projects on The Randy Report in the past, and so I wanted to explore the whole enchilada and find out from folks who have found success with the program what the experience was like and what tips they may have for those thinking about raising funds for a creative project through Kickstarter.

From the Kickstarter website:
Every project creator sets their project's funding goal and deadline. If the project succeeds in reaching its funding goal all backers' credit cards are charged when time expires. If the project falls short no one is charged.

Since it's launch in April 2009:
• $331 million pledged to projects
• 2.6 million people have backed a project
• 28,000 projects successfully funded

But Kickstarter is about much more than money. People come to Kickstarter to build community around their projects. It's inspiring to be supported by people you know, and amazing to connect with strangers who are discovering your ideas for the first time.

TIME Magazine listed Kickstarter as one of the Best Websites of 2011 and one of the Best Inventions of 2010.
Check out more at www.kickstarter.com

Sammy Davis Jr did it all



From a TV special shot at the Palace Theater.

Geez, Sammy literally did EVERYTHING. The first section reminds what a phenomenal tap dancer he was, and then the second clip in the video showcases his amazing vocals.

The timbre, the pitch, the phrasing, the commitment. All of it perfect.

Love this.

Chris Matthews addresses GOP party playing the "race" card

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


Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's "Hardball," ripped into GOP chair Reince Priebus over Mitt Romney's "birther" joke last week and playing the "race" card in campaign ads.

Said Matthews: "It is an embarrassment to your party to play that card... This stuff about getting rid of the work requirement for welfare is dishonest — everyone's pointed out it's dishonest... And you are playing that little ethnic card there. You can play your games and giggle about it, but the fact is that your side is playing that card."

Priebus wasn't having it but Chris Matthews did not back down. Good for Matthews. Priebus and the GOP can sit back and deny, but what Chris Matthews says here is true. And the GOP knows it.

US Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte on E! Fashion Police



I think he's cute and a good sport.

The end bit with Joan doesn't really pay off all that well, but who cares?

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Mitt Romney - "The Do Over"



New from the Obama campaign.

Love the dramatic flair.

SIGHT - a short film about augmented reality

Sight from Sight Systems on Vimeo.


I found this on Towleroad.

Imagine this as our future.

A very cool, short futuristic film by Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo.

This is their graduation project from Bezaleal academy of arts.

2012 AFAN Black & White Party with Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo



Great gala event in Las Vegas last night as Aid for AIDS Nevada held one of their largest fund-raising events of the year - The Black & White Ball.

Many of Las Vegas' top headlining performers showed up to wow the audience at the Nirvana Pool at the Hard Rock Hotel was transformed into an unforgettable party atmosphere, with a sea of people dressed in black and white, all with the common goal to fight HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. The party began at 9pm and attendees were treated to tastings from some of Las Vegas’ premier restaurant and spirit vendors.

A special surprise was Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, former American Idol finalists and now leading Broadway and music artists in their own right, took to the stage for a rousing "Any Way You Want It.' See my iPhone video above.

The event expertly moved along by host Jaymes Vaughan, and we were also treated to an appearance by US Senate candidate Shelley Berkley, a longtime ally of the LGBT community.

For more info about AFAN visit their website at www.afanlv.org

Diana DeGarmo, Michael, Ace Young and me at 2012 AFAN "Black & White Party"