Friday, November 30, 2012

"Let's Have a Kiki/Turkey Lurkey Time" from GLEE Thanksgiving

This is my Bruno - every meal...


An Autistic High School Football Kicker Leads His Team To Victory



I love hearing stories like this.

My older brother is mildly autistic, and growing up his challenges weren't identified.

It's only in the last few years I was able to have him diagnosed and with that knowledge, it's a bit easier to know how to help him.

Autism Spectrum Disorder covers a range of issues, many that only present in social ways.

My brother loved going to our high school football games. Other students at the time sometimes found his devotion to school spirit odd or unusual. It was difficult to for him to relate to them, and being teenagers, some often weren't very kind. He would go to a local park and practice kicking a football for hours. I think he would have loved to have been a part of a team like Anthony is in New Jersey.

Watching Anthony Starego realize a way to be a part of something he loves is amazing.

This made my day.

(via Buzzfeed)

Las Vegas: Special event tonight benefiting Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada

Head down to David Yurman Store at the Caesars Forum Shops tonight for a special fund raising event for The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada.

Starting at 6pm until 8pm, there will be champagne and passed hors d'oeuvres. No charge to attend and a percentage of any sales will be given to the Center as a gift.

Gorgeous things to purchase, great people to see - what could be better to start the holidays? Come out and support a great organization.

Please RSVP to Diana Morgan - diana@thecenterlv.com or 702-733-9800


Maryland: Same-sex couples can marry Jan. 1, 2013

Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler

Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said on Thursday same-sex couples can begin to marry in the state on Jan. 1.

He wrote in a 19-page opinion that clerks can begin to issue marriage licenses to gays and lesbians as soon as Dec. 6, as long as they don’t take effect until the same-sex marriage law takes effect at the start of the new year. A 1999 law states a marriage license is not valid until 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after a clerk issues it.

Gansler concluded this requirement does not “expressly prohibit licenses becoming effective after that time.”

“Although there is a legal reason why same-sex couples cannot be licensed to marry before midnight on Jan. 1, 2013…, there is no such legal reason why they should not be licensed to marry at any time after the moment the law takes effect,” he wrote.
 
The same-sex marriage law voters approved by a 52-48 percent margin earlier this month is scheduled to take effect on a legal holiday when clerks’ offices are typically closed. It was previously believed the earliest a same-sex couple would have been able to legally marry under Maryland law was 6 a.m. on Jan. 4.

(via Washington Blade)

Funny: Ten cakes


BREAKING: SCOTUS lists no gay marriage on upcoming cases

Just announced on MSNBC - the US Supreme Court has not listed any of the current gay marriage cases presented for appeal.

There may be news on Monday, but after high expectations that word would arrive today, there is no news.  The justices are next schedule to meet in conference to consider new cases on Dec. 7.

This is kind of a head-scratcher in that everyone was expecting some kind of news regarding Prop 8 in California and the many DOMA appeals submitted for consideration by SCOTUS.

CNBC's Rick Santelli has a melt-down on camera and storms off



CNBC's Rick Santelli has a melt-down on air over the idea that President Obama is now trying to do exactly what he promised he'd do during the election regarding asking the very wealthy to pay their fair share to help balance the budget. The election, by the way, he won decisively, with a majority of Americans supporting slightly higher taxes on the wealthy.

In mid-segment, he throws things at the camera and storms off. Sounds like someone I'd really like to have a conversation with.

And by the way - I also posted today that in the middle of these conversations about raising taxes on the wealthy that US corporate profits hit an all-time high last quarter. But we couldn't possibly ask the billionaires to pay a little more...?

President Obama is the worst socialist in the history of the world

Click pic for larger view

The Republican rhetoric about President Obama and the private sector is so common, it no longer surprises: the White House has an "anti-business" agenda, the argument goes, which undermines private enterprise.

And yet, we continue to see new evidence all the time that Obama is the Worst Socialist Ever.

The New York Times reported yesterday, "United States corporate profits reached a record high in the third quarter of this year, even adjusted for inflation, according to a report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis." Check out the chart above.

You'll notice in the image, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, that post-tax corporate profits collapsed when the economy crashed in 2008, but then sharply improved after Obama became president, reaching their highest point ever this fall.

It's against this backdrop that the right still complains bitterly that the president is a radical socialist who says mean things about "job creators." To ask slightly more of those enjoying record profits, Obama's detractors argue, is an "outrage."

Indeed, many of the business leaders who've benefited under the status quo invested heavily to defeat the president -- ostensibly because they've been so dissatisfied with the status quo.

(source)

Ian Parks from "Where The Bears Are" web series


The sexy, fun and furry Ian Parks, of the award winning web series WHERE THE BEARS ARE, dropped by The Candi & Randy Show this week.

Ian fills us in on the making of the series, the newly released DVD of Season One (with details of the bonus features - alternative scenes with a bit more skin) and what's next for the BEARS cast.

Hit the player above to listen. For more about the series and to buy the DVD, go to wherethebearsare.tv
The cast of WHERE THE BEARS ARE
Promo pic for WHERE THE BEARS ARE
Ian Parks of WHERE THE BEARS ARE

Music: Newly remastered "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

I'm really in a Christmas music mood today.  Finally hit me, I guess.

Who doesn't love this CD (and TV special)?  Released this year, this is a newly remastered version of the music with additional tracks. 

Although we have DVDs of those great children's holiday shows to watch whenever we please now, there was something special in "making sure we didn't miss Charlie Brown Christmas" or any of the other fab shows way before DVR or DVD.  It really made watching an event.  I kinda miss that today.

But it does create a cool atmosphere when trimming the tree or having friends over to be able to hear this great music. Maybe this recording is what started my appreciation for jazz? Maybe.

If interested, you can download the newly remastered Charlie Brown Christmas at Amazon.

Macklemore responds to teacher being suspended for allowing student to play "Same Love" in class


A performing arts teacher, Susan Johnson, was suspended from South Lyon's Centennial Middle School in Michigan for allowing a student play Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' pro-equality anthem "Same Love" in class.

Macklemore responded on his website:
I believe that Ms. Johnson getting suspended is completely out of line and unjust. However, I think it’s important for moments like these to be exposed and for us to pay attention and respond. This level of intolerance and fear is still very active in America, but at times is not completely visible. This incident is just one of tens of thousands that have happened across the country where schools have exposed a latent homophobia, preventing safe space for all young people to feel confident in being themselves. It’s clear that Ms. Johnson felt bullying and “gay bashing” were issues that needed to be addressed, and by doing so, was punished.

I wrote the song “Same Love,” not with the expectation that it would cure homophobia and lead to marriage equality across the US (although that’d be awesome). It was written with the hope that it would facilitate dialogue and through those conversations understanding and empathy would emerge. This incident demonstrates how too often we are quick to silence conversations that must be had. Even if people disagree, there is far more potential for progress when people are vocal and honestly expressing their thoughts about gay rights. When we are silent and avoid the issue, fear and hatred have a far greater life span.

It’s discouraging that a song about love and civil rights has led to a teacher getting suspended from her job. But that’s where we are at. For those of us who get a pit in our stomach when reading a story like this, it just makes it abundantly clear there is far more work to be done.
The school is standing by its decision to suspend Johnson.

Bo Inspects the 2012 White House Holiday Decorations



Bo makes a final inspection of the 2012 White House Christmas decorations before 90,000 visitors come through the doors of the People's House this holiday season.

Find out more about the 2012 White House Holiday celebrations, including the special tributes to troops, veterans and military families at wh.gov/holidays.

Carrie Underwood to star in live NBC broadcast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC


From BroadwayWorld: Five-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood will star in the coveted role of Maria von Trapp in NBC’s live broadcast of “The Sound of Music,” based on the original Broadway musical.

The live telecast of “The Sound of Music” will be a three-hour event on a date to be announced near the holidays in 2013.

NBC is partnering with the acclaimed "Smash" producing team of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (film versions of the Oscar-winning "Chicago" and "Hairspray") for “The Sound of Music.”

“Speaking for everyone at NBC, we couldn't be happier to have the gifted Carrie Underwood take up the mantle of the great Maria von Trapp,” said Greenblatt. “She was an iconic woman who will now be played by an iconic artist.”

"We're thrilled to be presenting the Broadway version of ‘The Sound of Music’ live,” said Zadan and Meron, “and having Carrie Underwood as the star brings it to a new generation who will fall in love with it for the first time as many millions of people already have. It's a particular joy to us as producers to see this amazing artist stretch into new territory with this classic musical."

"To have a star like Carrie Underwood perform Maria in ‘The Sound of Music’ – and in such a very special and unique production -- is exciting beyond words,” said Ted Chapin, President, Rodgers & Hammerstein. “Part of the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein is how their work has adapted itself to so many different incarnations, and I am certain the fresh spirit Underwood brings to her own songs will transition into exciting versions of the classic songs we all know and love.”

Carrie's most recent CD release - "Blown Away" - is fab.  This is one American Idol winner who has truly lived up to the title and opportunities that came with it.  And she just gets better.  Can't wait for her "Maria" in SOUND OF MUSIC.

Stocking stuffer ideas: Musicares Person of the Year - Barbra Streisand

With all the excitement about Babs touring - with her sister Roslyn and son Jason included - plus her new CD of previously unreleased material "Release Me," this DVD release might have escaped some.  Great stocking stuffer idea for the Streisand fan.

On February 11, 2011, Barbra Streisand was honored as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year.

At a gala event in Los Angeles, Barbra and an all-star cast of guests performed many of the songs she made famous throughout her illustrious career.

Features guests Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Faith Hill, Diana Krall, Barry Manilow, Leann Rimes, Seal, Stevie Wonder, and others, as well as two songs performed by Streisand herself.

Most importantly, proceeds from the sale of this product will provide essential support for MusiCares®, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.  Click here for more info.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Nevada: Federal judge upholds gay marriage ban


A federal judge in Nevada has rejected a lawsuit brought by Lambda Legal on behalf of eight gay couples challenging the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

On Thursday, Chief Judge Robert C. Jones, of the U.S. District Court in Nevada, said the state can limit marriage to opposite-sex couples.

In its suit, Lamba Legal charged that Nevada's ban on same-sex marriage violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and relegates same-sex couples "to only a second-class status."

Jones, a George W. Bush appointee, ruled that the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection of the laws does not "prohibit ... the People of the State of Nevada from maintaining statutes that reserve the institution of civil marriage to one-man–one-woman relationships."

"Homosexual persons may marry in Nevada, but like heterosexual persons, they may not marry members of the same sex. That is, a homosexual man may marry anyone a heterosexual man may marry, and a homosexual woman may marry anyone a heterosexual woman may marry," he wrote.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs signaled that the case will likely be appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court.

"This is not the end of this fight," said a spokesperson for Lambda Legal. "We will appeal and continue to fight for these loving couples, who are harmed by Nevada's law barring marriage for same-sex couples."

"We are confident this ruling will be overturned on appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals," said Lamda Legal, in a statement.

(source)

Dogs rule - November 29, 2012



This dog knows how to have fun.

Dogs rule.

Warwick Rowing 2013 - "Brokeback Boathouse"



This is the trailer for the 2013 video from the sexy rowers at the University of Warwick Boat club.

Follow the boys as they strip off for two days of shoots for the calendar in a variety of locations, including Warwick Castle, a large country house and, of course, the boys' very own boathouse.

More info at www.warwickrowing.org

Ricky Martin - From EVITA to The Voice Australia

Ricky Martin to join The Voice Australia

Ricky Martin will be the new coach of The Voice Australia.

He replaces Keith Urban who transferred to American Idol. He joins Seal, Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem for Season 2.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Ricky Martin will join the Australian edition of The Voice as a coach for the music competition show’s second season.

The first season of the show on the Nine network became the country’s top-rated TV show. Martin replaces Keith Urban who left the show to take on his new role on American Idol.

Martin will join the Australian version of The Voice alongside coaches Seal, Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem for the 2013 season.

“Ricky Martin is one of the world’s biggest stars,” said Nine’s director of television, Michael Healy. “He brings huge experience to our panel of coaches, which he’ll pass on to our Australian Voice artists in 2013. Most of all, we think he’s the perfect addition.”

Ricky Martin to leave Broadway's EVITA 1/26/13


After helping make the show a hit, Ricky Martin will be leaving Broadway's Evita at the end of January.

Martin, who plays Che, will join the musical's two other leads in departing the show; all will be replaced. Martin's final performance is January 26.

The pop star signed a deal to star in his own television show and is also considering going back to the studio, as well as writing a children's book. Read more here.

(source)

Dr. Oz Show feeling backlash for "Ex-gay" episode

A controversial "Dr. Oz Show" episode has sparked the ire of the nation's most high-profile lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy groups for promoting the "dangerous and harmful practices" of reparative therapy.

The episode, which aired Nov. 28, debated the merits of so-called reparative, or "ex-gay," therapy. Among the featured guests was Julie Hamilton, a representative of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (or NARTH) which has routinely been at odds with American Psychiatric Association and other scientific organizations.

In a blog post on his website, Oz defended Hamilton's appearance, saying that he "felt that we needed to include all parties who have considered reparative therapy to hear the stories of people who have tried these treatments. Although some viewers may disagree with this tactic, if we want to reach everyone who might benefit from understanding the risks of this therapy, you have to present multiple perspectives."

He then went on to note in the blogpost:
"After listening to both sides of the issue and after reviewing the available medical data, I agree with the established medical consensus. I have not found enough published data supporting positive results with gay reparative therapy and I have concerns about the potentially dangerous effects when the therapy fails, especially when minors are forced into treatments."

GLAAD, GLSEN, and PFLAG yesterday a joint statement denouncing the show for its handling of the topic. An excerpt:

Producers of the Dr. Oz Show framed their program on so-called reparative therapy in a way that provided a lengthy platform for junk science.

The first two segments of the show featured two proponents of so-called reparative therapy, neither of whom was challenged, at any point, by Dr. Oz or any guests. These two “ex-gay” activists, however, were invited to stay and rebut statements by opponents throughout the rest of the program.

NARTH representative Julie Hamilton was introduced by Dr. Oz as an “expert” and spoke to countless parents and youth in the audience, as if NARTH’s work and practices represent legitimate and acceptable medical practices.

Producers held conversations with GLAAD, GLSEN and PFLAG National leading up to the episode, but did not disclose that a representative of NARTH would be featured.

Although the show also featured guests who condemned the idea and practice of “reparative therapy,” Dr. Oz himself never weighed in, and the audience was misled to believe that there are actual experts on both sides of this issue. There are not.

(source)

The evolution of the world compressed into 24 hours



The fab, fun guys as AsapSCIENCE have a new two minute science lesson for us today.

If you were to compress the evolution of the world into one 24 hour period, this is how 4.5 billion years would play out.

Cool. Love these guys.

Cat friend vs Dog friend



(via JMG)

Colorado: Civil Unions may be coming soon


In the last election, many anti-gay Republicans were voted out of Colorado's state government. In light of that, LGBT activists and Democratic officials are confident they may finally pass civil unions there.

And according to the Denver Post, they're going to start almost immediately after the new session commences.

After two years of fighting over the issue, the Republicans who controlled the House and killed the measure are out of power, paving the way for a civil unions bill to head to Gov. John Hickenlooper, who supports legal recognition for same-sex couples.

But the victory will be bittersweet for Sen. Pat Steadman, the gay lawmaker who has led the fight for civil unions.

The Denver Democrat said he believes allowing gays to marry, rather than just form civil unions, would truly represent equality, but marriage is banned under Colorado's constitution.

And he won't be able to share the moment with his partner of 12 years, Dave Misner, who died in September after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

"It's going to be very sad for me, and sort of anticlimactic," Steadman said.

Sen. Steadman points out that since voters amended the constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage, he has to abide by the rules:

"As a state senator, I cannot propose marriage equality because our constitution forbids it, and I took an oath to uphold our constitution," Steadman told the paper. "But my oath also requires me to uphold the federal constitution and its promise of equal protection of the law. These obligations are in conflict and I cannot remain satisfied with the status quo."

President Obama issues World AIDS Day Proclamation


"Today, we reflect on the strides we have taken toward overcoming HIV/AIDS, honor those who have made our progress possible, and keep in our thoughts all those who have known the devastating consequences of this illness. The road toward an AIDS-free generation is long -- but as we mark this important observance, let us also remember that if we move forward every day with the same passion, persistence, and drive that has brought us this far, we can reach our goal. We can beat this disease. On World AIDS Day, in memory of those no longer with us and in solidarity with all who carry on the fight, let us pledge to make that vision a reality.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim December 1, 2012, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and comfort to those living with this disease." - President Obama.

Santorum 2016?

The Weekly Standard is reporting that Rick Santorum is considering another run at the presidency in 2016.

In 2012, Santorum won nearly 4 million votes and 11 GOP primary contests — the same number of states, Santorum points out that Ronald Reagan won in his failed 1976 presidential bid.

"I’m open to it, yeah. I think there’s a fight right now as to what the soul of the Republican party’s going to be and the conservative movement, and we have something to say about that. I think from our battle, we’re not going to leave the field."

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Tom Daley dances almost naked for your entertainment



Tom Daley does "the Mobot" in aid of the Mo Farah foundation.

Learn the Mobot with Olympic champion Mo Farah: http://bit.ly/DoTheMobot

'Do The Mobot' by Tigermonkey

Today's stupid human trick: How to eat corn in ten seconds

NYC: T Oliver Reid opens tonight at Feinsteins

My fab friend, T. Oliver Reid, who has appeared in more Broadway shows than I can count,  a 2012 MAC award recipient for Best Debut-male and the 2011 Julie Wilson award, will open tonight at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency, 540 Park Avenue in NYC.  Additional performances will be on Sunday December 2, Monday December 3 and Sunday December 9, 2012. All performances will be at 10:30 PM.

Reid’s new show, “Drop Me Off In Harlem”is an evening of club-hopping to the music of Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington and Andy Raza through the elegant nightclubs and working class speakeasies that made uptown gay and delightful, however dull and depressing downtown Manhattan could be.

Stephen Holden of The New York Times (THE NEW YORK TIMES people!) said of Reid, "the wistfulness of his tone and the smoothness of his delivery are all his own… a soulful crooner with resemblances to the young Bobby Short”

T. Oliver's Broadway shows include some of the Great White Way's biggest, splashiest hit musicals: “Kiss Me Kate", "Chicago", "Follies," "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "Never Gonna Dance", "La Cage Aux Folles", "The Wedding Singer", "Damn Yankees”, "Mary Poppins”, “Sister Act” and the upcoming “Cotton Club Parade”.

The music charge for the show is $20 with a one drink minimum.

For reservations, please call 212-339-4095.

For more information or the order online, visit www.feinsteinsattheregency.com. Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency is located at 540 Park Avenue @ 61st Street, New York, NY 10021

Novak Djokovic strips down for female fans at exhibition match



Accidental Bear points up this one minute video where world class tennis player Novak Djokovic goes shirtless to give some female fans a treat in Brazil.

College student pranks class with semester-long hispanic accent



In his public-speaking class at Los Angeles City College, Jose Barrientos has spoken in front of his classmates in a Mexican accent about his idol, actor David Hasselhoff, and the history of Cinco de Mayo.

But in the final speech of the semester last week, Barrientos, 26, an aspiring comedian, ditched the intonation he had been using since August to reveal that he had pulled a prank on all of them.

The Army veteran switched to his normal accent-less English during his persuasive speech. His classmates and his professor were stunned.

His professor seemed to think that was just fine. Barrientos said he got his final grade back in the class Tuesday, and earned a 700 out of 700 for the course.

"My professor pulled me aside, looked me in the eye, and said, 'Well done,' and sort of walked away," he said.

After the big reveal, Barrientos posted a video on YouTube that documented his speeches throughout the semester, as well as his classmates' reactions after his final speech. The video has garnered more than 1.5 million hits since it was posted a week ago.

More at ABC News

Follow Jose at www.facebook.com/JoseIsFunny

Alabama: Mallory Owens says her beating was not a hate crime


Mallory Owens, the Mobile, Alabama woman beaten on Thanksgiving by her girlfriend's brother, is speaking out about the attack and says that it was not a hate crime, allegations her own family has been making since the assault, WKRG reports:
Mallory's family told News 5 on Monday that she was beaten by her girlfriend's brother for being gay. Mallory doesn't remember much from that night, but says being gay is not the reason she was attacked.

"A lot of things have happened between us, but it doesn't make me hate her brother," said Owens. "I don't hate her family at all, or anybody for that matter."

Her girlfriend Ally Hawkins is by her side. She says her brother's actions are not justified, but he had his own reasons for the attack. They are reasons that will be released when the time is right.

"It's not a hate crime at all," said Ally Hawkins. "We both know the reason why this happened, and it doesn't make any excuses for him, I'm not defending him at all. I know why he was angry, and that will come out."
Mallory is now staying at the house where the attack happened.


Student strips in front of fundamentalist preacher to shut him down



Apparently this video has been around for a while but is just now getting attention.

Let's just say - I'm hitting the "Like" button.

At the University of Central Florida free speech lawn, a Baptist preacher (Micah Armstrong) talks about the sins of sexuality.

In response, one student (Austin Cooper) strips in front of him.

Austin for the win.

St. Louis County Council passes LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance


The St. Louis County Council has passed LGBT non-discrimination protections:

An overflow crowd of more than 250 people spilled out of the council chambers in Clayton; 92 of them signed up to address the council, and most took advantage of that opportunity in a public comments segment that lasted more than two hours.

And as could be expected on an issue that involved religion and civil rights, most of them spoke fervently.

The ordinance adds protections for people in employment, housing and public accommodations in unincorporated areas, regardless of their sexual orientation. It also expands protections on the basis of gender and disability.

The bill passed 4-3 and includes exemptions for religious organizations.

From the passage of marriage equality in three more states (Maryland, Maine, Washington) by popular vote in the recent election, to the re-election of the most gay-friendly President we've ever had, to the election of the first openly lesbian US Senator (Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin) to the possible repeal of Prop 8 after tomorrow's news from SCOTUS, this has the potential to be the best month ever for LGBT rights and people.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Angus T. Jones of TWO AND A HALF MEN apologizes for slamming the hand that feeds him

Angus T. Jones, of the TV show TWO AND A HALF MEN, issued an apology a day after slamming the show that pays him handsomely. Here's the text of the apology:

"I have been the subject of much discussion, speculation and commentary over the past 24 hours. While I cannot address everything that has been said or right every misstatement or misunderstanding, there is one thing I want to make clear.

"Without qualification, I am grateful to and have the highest regard and respect for all of the wonderful people on Two and Half Men with whom I have worked and over the past 10 years who have become an extension of my family.

"Chuck Lorre, Peter Roth and many others at Warner Bros. and CBS are responsible for what has been one of the most significant experiences in my life to date. I thank them for the opportunity they have given and continue to give me and the help and guidance I have and expect to continue to receive from them.

"I also want all of the crew and cast on our show to know how much I personally care for them and appreciate their support, guidance and love over the years. I grew up around them and know that the time they spent with me was in many instances more than with their own families. I learned life lessons from so many of them and will never forget how much positive impact they have had on my life.

"I apologize if my remarks reflect me showing indifference to and disrespect of my colleagues and a lack of appreciation of the extraordinary opportunity of which I have been blessed. I never intended that."

Take that for what it's worth.

Mr. Jones makes $350,000 an episode and his original statement slamming the show was eye-raising at the very least.  Here is the original statement:

"A lot of people don't like to think about how deceptive the enemy is," said Jones. "There's no playing around when it comes to eternity ... People will see us and be like, 'I can be a Christian and be on a show like Two and a Half Men.' You can't. You cannot be a true God-fearing person and be on a television show like that. I know I can't."

In his speech, Jones also said: “If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching Two and a Half Men. I'm on Two and a Half Men and I don't want to be on it.

Please stop watching it and filling your head with filth. People say it’s just entertainment. Do some research on the effects of television and your brain, and I promise you, you’ll have a decision to make when it comes to television, especially with what you watch."

Consumer confidence at four year high



A new report released Tuesday shows consumer confidence is at its highest level in four years.

“Experts predict that sales rising around 4 percent for the holidays. Consumer confidence is the result of how confident people feel about the income determines their spending and ultimately the overall shape of the economy.”

The Conference Board’s monthly confidence index rose for the third straight month with November’s peak being 73.7 percent -- the highest its been since the 2008 recession began.

The Global Economic Intersection breaks down the numbers, showing consumer confidence was at an all-time low during the recent 18 month recession, averaging just 54 percent.

“If people don’t feel certain at least a little bit about their future, they’re not as likely to go out and buy that washing machine, that refrigerator, that small appliance and certainly not a car or even a home.”

A writer for The Hill’s Finance and Economy blog isn’t so confident the number will stand.
He writes, “If the fiscal cliff’s $600 billion in tax hikes and sudden spending austerity hits, consumer sentiment could rapidly evaporate.”

But BusinessWeek argues that sustained gains in consumer spending may help overcome concern about the fiscal cliff.

The report also shows Americans planning to buy a home rose to a record high.

Costco vs Sam's Club - Where you shop matters


Now, if Costco can provide their employees with this much compensation AND still be profitable, why can't Walmart employees get the same kind of treatment?

Check out the stats below - Costco gets more out of their employees by treating them better. Is there a lesson to be learned here?


In a first, President Obama nominates openly gay Latina judge for Federal court

President Obama submitted another list of judicial nominees today, including Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro, who is poised to become the first openly gay Latina jurist on the federal level.

Judge Alejandro is one of three nominees for seats on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

“These nominees are emblematic of the president’s commitment to nominating qualified, diverse nominees to the federal bench,” said Marge Baker of People For the American Way. “They are also a sign of the president’s commitment to solving the vacancy crisis in our federal courts without delay.”

PFAW notes that obstruction by Senate Republicans have kept numerous bench positions vacant for many months.

(via GLAAD)

Associated Press doesn't like the word "homophobia"

The Associated Press Stylebook, which most U.S. papers utilize as a usage guide, now frowns upon the use of the term "homophobia," with editors saying it amounts to a diagnosis of mental illness.

“It’s just off the mark,” AP deputy standards editor Dave Minthorn told Politico. “It’s ascribing a mental disability to someone and suggests a knowledge that we don’t have. It seems inaccurate. Instead, we would use something more neutral: antigay, or some such, if we had reason to believe that was the case.”

The online version of the stylebook has recently added language saying writers and editors should not use “phobia” words such as “homophobia” and “Islamophobia” in “political or social contexts,” and next year’s print edition will include it as well, Politico reports.

George Weinberg, the psychologist who coined the word “homophobia” in his 1972 book Society and the Healthy Homosexual, said he disagreed with the AP’s decision.

“I just want to go on record as disagreeing with the AP’s decision not to use ‘homophobia,’ the word. I am a psychologist and author who coined the word a long time ago. It made all the difference to City Councils and other people I spoke to. It encapsulates a whole point of view and of feeling. It was a hard-won word, as you can imagine. It brought me some death threats. Is homophobia always based on fear? I thought so and still think so. Maybe envy in some cases. But that’s a psychological question. Is every snarling dog afraid? Probably yes. But here it shouldn’t matter. We have no other word for what we’re talking about, and this one is well established. We use ‘freelance’ for writers who don’t throw lances anymore, and who want to get paid for their work. Fowler even allows us to mix what he called dead metaphors. It seems curious that this word is getting such scrutiny while words like triskaidekaphobia (the fear of the number 13) hangs around.”

(source)

When a straight blogger comes out

I love reading the blog posts of Dan Pierce who writes the wildly popular blog "Single Dad Laughing."

In just a few years he's developed a very large following, and his writing is full of fun, laughs and heart as he chronicles life as a single dad.

He also made a lot of "blog noise" with what is probably his most famous post "I'm Christian Unless You're Gay" noting the often seen hypocrisy and thoughtless comments by some on the religious right and sometimes within ourselves.

Today, he posted what may be his most personal blog post to date as he comes out as bisexual. The post is lengthy and thoughtful as he offers an almost stream of consciousness of coming to grips with his sexuality at the age of 32. And how he's endured the pressures and pain of family and friends either laughing at or openly denigrating the LGBT community.

I imagine the majority of those comments he's witnessed and suffered through came from people who may have thought they didn't know anyone in the LGBT community.

Now they do.

I know it took a lot of courage for Dan to not only "own" who he is for himself, but also to his family, friends and public who know him for his blog. I also know that "it gets better." It's not a cliche, it's truth.

Dan's coming out will have powerful impact not only on his own life, but his readers as well as they realize that the man they've come to know through reading his blog is still the same man. And even better, they have just a little more insight into who their LGBT neighbors, friends and family may be.

Here's just bit of Dan's courageous post. You can read the whole post by clicking here. Why not go take a read and leave a supportive comment. At last count, there have been over 900 comments in less than two hours. All of the ones I read were positive. Go show Dan some internet love and give him a pat on the back.

Bracing myself against both sides of my bathroom sink as I scrutinized something significantly deeper than my own reflection, I finally whispered aloud my first truly honest thought about my own sexual orientation.

You see, I’ve never wanted to be anything other than straight.

Since I was eleven years old, I’ve been desperate to only be attracted to those of the opposite sex. I’ve masked and obscured any feeling I’ve ever felt that threatened my place within the realm of what I’ve been coached is both normal and acceptable.

Several months ago, I was finally forced to an edge where I couldn’t pretend any longer. The act of pretending had pushed me continually deeper into life-threatening depression, and it was time to figure out how to admit my own secrets to the world, and far more importantly, how to admit them to the one person who could never be at peace until I did.

To do so became my only option if I ever wanted to be authentically happy, if I ever wanted to be authentically intimate with another, or if I ever wanted to finally stop existing as a fake.

And so, I’ll just say it.

I’m not straight.

Those words are by far the most difficult words I’ve ever typed, and I know they’ll be far more difficult to share.

[snip]

A few months ago, I used an admittedly effeminate hand gesture at family dinner. I naturally use it all the time, only this time it was shortly after the emotional shift toward coming out had started to happen within me.

My brother saw me do it. He laughed uncomfortably and then all too seriously said, “please tell me you’re still straight.”

There are many that have worried about my sexuality for a long time now. And the way he said it, I intrinsically knew that to be anything other than straight might do great damage to something between us. I just laughed it off. I wasn’t ready to tell him yet. I couldn’t tell him yet.

Dear God, please don’t let me be anything other than straight.

The thought pierced me then perhaps more than ever before, though I’ve struggled against the current of such thoughts thousands of times over the past 21 years.

Since that moment, I have been particularly sensitive and observational of such statements being made by others. My heart wants to tune them all out. My mind tries to absorb every one of them. It’s been a never-ending tug of war between the part of me that wants to maintain the love and admiration of those around me and the part of me that franticly seeks freedom to finally be who I have always dreaded that I am.

“I can’t stand fags,” a friend said so nonchalantly at game night one Friday evening. He then listed his reasons for his revulsion and the table got lost in jubilant conversation about how many gays there are where we live nowadays. Many thoughtless and vicious jokes were made within the group, all proceeded by raucous laughter. I laughed at some of them too so they wouldn’t suspect the truth that was melting me.

Dear God, please don’t let me be anything other than straight.

I brought a woman to a social event. I really liked this woman. I was very attracted to her. You see, I’m attracted to men, but I’m also very much attracted to women. Some friends we were with began joking about how we were all probably secretly bisexual. She turned to me and laughed, “there is no way I would ever date someone who was like that.” My heart bore its way into my stomach, and I did my best to maneuver the discussion elsewhere.

Dear God, please don’t let me be anything other than straight.

I was at dinner with some close friends. “I’m pretty sure those guys over there are gay,” one of them said, motioning to two men who were laughing together at another table. “It’s so weird and unnatural and I don’t think I’ll ever understand how people can be like that.” I assured them I didn’t understand it either.

Dear God, please don’t let me be anything other than straight.

Read the rest at Single Dad Laughing.

Anti-gay bill first on Uganda Parliament's schedule today

Click pic to enlarge

JoeMyGod points out that first up on Ugandan Parliament's Notice of Business today is the infamous "Anti-homosexuality Bill" which would make being gay an offense worthy of being imprisoned for life.

The Washington Blade reports that American diplomats have again expressed concern to the Uganda government over its pending Anti-Homosexuality Act.

Victoria Nuland, a State Department spokesperson, said during a daily briefing Monday that Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson met with high-profile leaders in Uganda “over the weekend” and raised concerns about the bill, which among other things would punish homosexual acts with life in prison.

Human Rights Campaign rates cities by LGBT inclusion


The Human Rights Campaign has released a new Municipal Equality Index designed to rate cities much like the HRC's Corporate Equality Index.

The index rates 137 cities, including the country’s 50 largest cities, the 50 state capitals, and 75 municipalities with a high proportion of same-sex couples.

From ThinkProgress: The index measured cities according to non-discrimination policies and partnership recognition, as well as LGBT inclusion in civil services and law enforcement. Eleven of the cities scored a 100 percent rating, while 25 percent had at least 80 points. Here are the cities with the perfect scores:
  • Long Beach, California
  • Los Angeles, California
  • San Diego, California
  • San Francisco, California
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • New York, New York
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Seattle, Washington

ThinkProgress points out that the index doesn't necessarily rate a city's "welcoming climate" but helps to point out where cities are making an effort to be inclusive of LGBT folks. And, it goes without saying, inclusiveness and equality makes for better business for attracting business talent and economic growth.

Check out the index at Human Rights Campaign.

James Franco GREASE tribute footage in REM's new video



Two years ago some footage was leaked of a possible GREASE sequence with James Franco and Anne Hathaway during their unfortunate Academy Awards hosting gig. It looks like it's now turned up in a new video for R.E.M.'s song "That Someone Is You' - with Franco as Danny Zuko and perhaps Anne Hathaway (with a big kitty head) as Sandy.

Not sure what the symbolism is with the cat head. What do you guys think?

(via Towleroad)

Morning Dance Lesson



The girl is sassy, but I think the little boy is amazing.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Star of TWO AND A HALF MEN asks fans to stop watching show




Angus T. Jones made news today asking his fans to STOP watching "Two and a Half Men" claiming it's nothing but "filth" that contradicts his deep Christian values.

19-year-old Jones -- who makes $350k AN EPISODE playing 'Jake' on the show -- is seen in a new video for the Forerunner Christian Church in which he talks about his commitment to his faith and explains, "If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching 'Two and a Half Men.'"

"I'm on Two and a Half Men and I don't want to be on it."

"Please stop watching it and filling your head with filth. People say it’s just entertainment. Do some research on the effects of television and your brain, and I promise you you’ll have a decision to make when it comes to television and especially with what you watch on television ... it's bad news."

(via TMZ)

Fox News ends interview after guest calls Fox News "a wing of the Republican Party"



Author and Pulitzer prize winner Tom Ricks had his time cut short on Fox News after pointing out that Fox News’s coverage of the Benghazi attacks has been inordinately heavy during an interview with the conservative network on Monday.

Ricks, who has written extensively on the American military, called Fox an “operating as a wing of Republican Party” that “hyped” the Benghazi attack as a faux-scandal.

Later, a “news staffer” told Ricks that he was rude while he was on air. Ricks’ segment, according to an interview he gave with the New York Times, was about “half as long as planned.” 
“I had told the producer before I went on that I thought the Benghazi story had been hyped. So it should have been no surprise when I said it and the anchor pushed back that I defended my view,” Ricks told Politico. Ricks also told the New York Times that he was going to discuss the “lack of combat readiness of some Army units” but he never got the opportunity,. “They seemed to lose interest in that,” he said.

(via ThinkProgress)

Dean Geyer of GLEE performs on Australian Idol



I didn't realize he came in 3rd in the 2006 season of Australian Idol.

Talented guy. Not into the long hair in this clip so much...

Very easy on the eyes these days on GLEE.

Joe Scarborough: Raising taxes on wealthiest "won't wreck economy"



From today's Morning Joe on MSNBC: "There is something immoral" about the wealthiest Americans paying a 15% tax rate.

Scarborough, a former GOP congressman, also remarks that raising taxes on the wealthiest "won't wreck the economy."

Check out the clip above.

Neil Patrick Harris dreams "in puppet"



From superherofan: Neil Patrick Harris has a new Web series called “Neil’s Puppet Dreams” coming to Nerdist on November 27.

There will be puppets, of course, and shirtless dancers like Neil himself, his partner David Burtka  and Joe Manganiello in a pineapple tanktop.

Did I mention Joe Manganiello in a pineapple tanktop?

Interview: Gareth Thomas in The Observer


Just a bit from Gareth Thomas' interview in The Observer:

• My fear of coming out wasn't about rejection. I was scared people would say: "Why were you lying to me? If you've been lying about that what else are you lying about?" Lying is my biggest regret.

• My sport was my comfort. The routine, the camaraderie, the team… everyone's around you. After rugby you're on your own. Every day was the same, but now it's different and that's really scary. I had to change my mindset, stop fearing what I didn't know.

• People say getting fit is 90% diet and 10% exercise, but that's bollocks. If you train hard you earn the right to a chocolate bar.

• Other sportsmen have confided in me that they're gay. The advice I give is that coming out is great for you as a person, but that you also have to remember you're a role model. As a sportsman you take the money and the glory, but you also take the responsibility that comes with it and make sure the stories that follow are positive.

• Neither my ex-wife nor I regret getting married. There was so much good in the seven years we spent together. The regret for me is the hurt I caused not just her but my parents, too.

• Am I British? No way. I'm as Welsh as you can get.

Don't forget that Gareth Thomas – The REAL Celebrity Fitness DVD is on sale now from gareththomasfitness.co.uk and selected Tesco stores. Part of the profits from sale will go to the Life Music Foundation (lifemusicfoundation.org)

(via The Observer)

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Does anyone still wear a hat?... Other than cute people...

I've never been a "hat person." One of those folks who look cute in a hat. Baseball cap, pork pie hat... whatever. Not me. Just don't have the face.

Me and a baseball cap means "I need coffee more than I care what I look like."

It would be nice to be "hat cute" but I'm much more "hat utilitarian". And I'm good with that.

More coffee...

The Amazing Transformation of a Guy Who Didn't Give Up



Must watch YouTube clip.

I understand the man's name is Arthur and the workout he used is DDPYoga which is run by Diamond Dallas Page (a former Pro-Wrestler for WCW & WWE).

We all complain along the way. We all think we're overwhelmed. We all think we can't fix something in our lives.

So did this guy. Now look.

I'm sometimes one of those people who think I'm a bit stuck, too.

Get unstuck.

Forward.

Shirtless Justin Bieber tweets abs pic from gym

Justin Bieber tweeted a self-pic of his abs with the caption "Back in the gym."

I know girls lose their minds over him, but somehow this still seems like some kind of teen porn or something since he's only 18. 



Video: Dawn of a New Day for Marriage



Morgan Freeman narrates this new second commercial for the Human Rights Campaign.

The clip will be aired during the Sunday morning news shows.

Text of the clip:
"America stands at the dawn of a new day," he says as images of women's suffrage and Martin Luther King Jr leading the Million Man March flash across the screen. Just as people did during those civil rights fights, we must now all come together to support our gay and lesbian comrades.

"Now, across our country, we're standing together for the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry the person they love," Freeman says. "And, with historic victories for marriage, we've delivered a mandate for full equality. The wind is at our back, but our journey has just begun."

For more info on how to get involved:  http://www.HRC.org/Marriage

Forward.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thomas Roberts talks getting married on Melissa Harris-Perry Show

 

MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry hosted an in depth discussion on her show about the evolution and expansion of LGBT families, which included guest (and still-glowing newlywed) Thomas Roberts. Roberts explained while sharing his wedding photos with the panel:
"I grew up pretending a lot to fit in; pretending to be straight. When you find your voice, you don't want to shut up about it - and I have found my voice and feel very privileged to have found it. Patrick and I were together for 12 years up to the point when we got married. We deserved that opportunity. It's good stuff."
Wow, this makes me happy to watch. I can't imagine this being discussed so openly ten years ago. And the joy and enthusiasm in Thomas' voice is smile inducing.


GLEE: Holding Out For A Hero



This week's super hero themed duets episode may be one more sign that perhaps GLEE has "jumped the shark."

But you have to laugh and enjoy - especially the use of the whip in this clip as "style fan" for hair blowing.

I will say though - whether for good or bad reasons, I'm still finding things on the show to entertain me.

BTW - Out.com points out that the split done at the beginning of the GLEE clip could be a nod to what is considered the "Best Drag Queen Entrance EVER!"; watch the footage of the late Tandi Iman Dupree covering Tyler's 80s hit, and get ready to scream at the :25 mark

George P. Bush, son of Jeb Bush, files paperwork to run for Texas office


George Prescott Bush, the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and the nephew of former Texas governor and ex-President George W. Bush, has filed preliminary paperwork to run for office in the Lone Star state in 2014. Given his family ties plus the Republican landscape of Texas politics, he stands to become a prominent voice in the next generation of Republican leaders.

His father Jeb Bush recently sent out a email to his own supporters looking for donations for George Bush v3.0.
“The office that George is considering running for is Land Commissioner which overseas the mineral rights, commercial real estate owned and sovereign submerged lands of the State of Texas as well as veterans affairs and historic archives,” he wrote.
Land commissioner is a less high-profile position than governor or lieutenant governor, but is considered a strong stepping stone for Texas pols, hoping to run for higher office statewide. David Dewhurst, now the state’s lieutenant governor, among others, began in the land commissioner position.

Apparently part of the approach is to find a position that won't require a drawn out primary with an opponent. So, the young George is definitely looking for the right fight to begin a political career.

Considering his family name plus his hispanic heritage, plus he's fairly handsome, he may be part of a new, young line of GOP names to follow.


Read more at Politico

Boeing Corp will deny pension survivor benefits to same-sex married couples





The Boeing Corporation has told union negotiators that it will deny pension survivor benefits to same-sex married couples despite passage of a marriage equality law there, The Stranger reports:

Ray Goforth [executive director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001] explains that his union has long sought equal pension benefits for same-sex domestic partners, to no avail. But since voters approved same sex marriage—establishing parity with married straight couples—Goforth re-framed the proposal to apply to his union's gay Boeing employees who wed. "Their answer was that they had no intention of granting pension survivor benefits to legally married same-sex couples because they didn't have to," Goforth explains. Boeing representatives told him that pensions are governed by federal law, which doesn't recognize same-sex marriage, thereby trumping the state law on the matter.

"We were profoundly disappointed to see that they would use a loophole to engage in institutionalized discrimination," Goforth says.

Boeing issued a statement to its employees late yesterday saying the company "is taking a closer look at how R-74 might impact company policies once it takes effect in December" but Goforth insists that the company was "unequivocal" in its statement to union negotiators that it intends to withhold the benefits.

I am NOT amused.

Bigotry is still bigotry


Wrap it up in pretty paper - or whatever - it's still bigotry.

"Shop Small Business" Saturday


Friday, November 23, 2012

Larry Hagman of DALLAS and I DREAM OF JEANNIE fame dies at 81


Larry Hagman, the North Texas native who played the conniving and mischievous J.R. Ewing on the TV show Dallas, died Friday at a Dallas hospital. He was 81.

Mr. Hagman died at 4:20 p.m. Friday at Medical City Dallas Hospital from complications of his recent battle with cancer, members of his family said.

“Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most,” the family said in a statement. “Larry’s family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday. When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. The family requests privacy at this time.”

The iconic role of J.R. Ewing metamorphosed Mr. Hagman’s life. He rocketed from being a merely well-known TV actor on I Dream of Jeannie and the son of Broadway legend Mary Martin, to the kind of transnational fame known only by the likes of the Beatles and Muhammad Ali.

More at DallasNews.com

Movie: "Les Miserables" receives standing ovation at first screening

From ShowBiz411: "Cheers and a standing ovation this afternoon at the first screening of the film version of Les Miserables."

"Tom Hooper, Oscar winner for The King’s Speech, has made a thrilling, sensational epic of the legendary Broadway show."

"This now becomes the Titanic of this year’s awards season, the film to beat."

"Hugh Jackman is a triumph as Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway sings the heck out of the film’s big numbers, and Samantha Barks just about steals the film."


Uganda: Anti-gay "Kill The Gays" bill moves ahead in Parliamentary committee


Ugandan lawmakers are putting the so-called "kill the gays" bill on the fast track.
 
MetroWeekly reports that the bill passed a Parliamentary commitee today, sending it to the next level of votes.

Reports say the call for gay people to be executed has been removed from the hateful measure, there bill still includes a life imprisonment component: 
According to Uganda’s NTV network – as tweeted by Frank Mugisha (@frankmugisha), director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) – an unnamed member of the committee confirmed that a penalty of life imprisonment has remained in the bill in place of execution.

While sexual relations between members of the same sex are already illegal in Uganda, if the bill becomes law it will be among the world’s harshest against gay people. NTV reports that the bill should receive floor debate next week.
Religious leaders in Uganda have been pressuring politicians to pass the anti-gay law there and have asked Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to get the bill made into law as a "Christmas gift"

Post Thanksgiving Day Parade party


I've heard about Closing night parties, but this is a new take...

GLEE's Dean Geyer takes his skateboard to Santa Monica

Dean Geyer shirtless while skateboarding in Santa Monica
Click pic to enlarge

The GLEE star took himself out to Santa Monica for some shirtless fun in the sun.

With things heating up on GLEE with Dean and his developing relationships between "Rachel" and dance teacher Kate Hudson, he probably needed the R&R.