Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Utah calls marriage equality an "affront to the soverignty of the State" in court filing


Here's the request to SCOTUS to stay marriage equality in Utah via the Associated Press:

In papers filed Tuesday with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the state asked her to overturn court decisions to let the marriages go forward.

Sotomayor handles emergency requests from Utah and other Rocky Mountain states. She can act by herself or get the rest of the court involved.

Nearly two-thirds of Utah’s 2.8 million residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Mormons dominate the state’s legal and political circles.

U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby’s decision on Dec. 20 came as a shock to many in the state, which approved the ban on same-sex marriage in 2004.

Since the judge’s decision, more than 900 gay couples in Utah have gotten marriage licenses.

Shelby and the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals have already refused to halt weddings while the state appeals.

And ironically, in some twisted logic, the filing claims that same-sex couples will be irreparably harmed in their dignitary and financial interests if their marital status is retroactively voided."

SO - don't void them Utah!

The full court filing can be read here.

A dapper Ben Cohen sends his New Year wishes


Nevada: January 1st start paying sales tax on all Amazon.com purchases


Beginning Jan. 1, the Internet sales giant Amazon.com will begin collecting sales taxes on purchases made by Nevada residents.

It's all because of an agreement signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval in April of 2012. According to Sandoval, the deal will bring Nevada $16 million a year in additional sales taxes.

Under the state's tax distribution laws, most of the tax revenue will benefit local governments and schools.

Amazon has a distribution centers in Fernley and Clark County. It is because of that physical presence the state is required to collect taxes on purchases made by Nevada residents.

I use my Amazon Prime subscription all the time, and this won't affect any purchases I make going forward.  I love the ease of using Amazon, plus with my Prime subscription for  $79 a year, I get free two day shipping plus access to hundreds of movies and TV shows streaming for free.

So while it's news, I'm not going to stop using Amazon.  I find the best prices there and it's easy.  That fits my lifestyle. 

Just saying...  :)

(source)

CNN Anchor Don Lemon on why it's still important to "come out"


Via Mediaite - CNN's Don Lemon ended OutFront on Monday night by talking about Robin Roberts coming out and why it's important for other famous people to publicly come out too. Lemon said, "Do people really need to do it anymore? The answer is yes."

He spoke of his own struggles coming out to people close to him, and then coming out publicly years later, saying he was fearful at how the news would be received by viewers and others.

Lemon said he was "afraid of people like Phil Robertson who claim to love everyone while simultaneously thinking that everyone's love is unequal."

I'm thankful we have public figures like Don Lemon, Robin Roberts and Thomas Roberts to be out front and public with who they are both professionally and personally.

Great way to end the year knowing folks like this represent me in some way.

Forward.


Times Square Applebees New Years Eve Celebration - $375 per person


Applebee's restaurant in the heart of New York’s Times Square is offering a $375-a-person New Year’s Eve bash that’s billed as “a night to remember.”

Wait - $375 for one person at Applebee's?

But wait - this isn’t your standard Applebee’s bill of fare, says the franchisee:

The party, which starts at 8 p.m. and wraps up at midnight, features an extensive buffet, a “premium” open bar, a house DJ, a dance floor, plus party favors galore.

And for those eager to see the ball drop, the restaurant lets patrons “make their way to the streets of Times Square.”

As for the vittles themselves, be prepared for “a ton of food” (steak and shrimp included) prepared by “some fairly sophisticated culinary people,” says Zane Tankel, who heads up all 38 Applebee’s restaurants in the New York metro area.

Add in the décor and “you wouldn’t know you were at an Applebee’s for that one night,” Tankel says.

Or you can sit at home with a nice bottle of wine, watch the ball drop on your 60" TV and have a much more relaxing time - in my humble opinion...

(via NY Post)

ABC News looks back at LGBT progress made in 2013


The year included coming out on the field, wins in legal battles all over the place, and ABC looks back at those big moments with interviews and video.

Request from your friendly neighborhood blogger

https://www.facebook.com/TheRandyReport

I wanted to take a moment to say "Thank You" to everyone who visits The Randy Report.  It's much more fun when you readers are here.

I have two requests and I hope you don't mind.

1. If you haven't already, and if you feel moved to do so, please Like my official Randy Report page on Facebook.  You can find it by clicking here or the picture above.

2.  If you find something interesting on The Randy Report, I'd very much appreciate it if you would Share or Tweet a link to that post.  I'm working hard on getting the word out about the work I do here and it would be fab to have your help.   The easy breezy buttons to do so are below.   "Likes" are nice on Facebook, but they don't help spread the word about  what I do here.

Hope you don't mind the ask :)

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year celebration!

Happy 2014!

Sydney, Australia welcomes 2014


We may be counting down 2013, but Sydney is already celebrating 2014.


Compilation: Best Vines of 2013



I still haven't found the best way to make use of Vines yet, but these collections show some of the creativity people have found with Twitter's video app.

Whatever happened yo taking a clever picture?  I'm soooo behind the times....



What do you think?

Monday, December 30, 2013

Candi & Randy Show: "New Beginnings - Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014"


Great show with my co-host Candi Fox on The Candi & Randy Show.

Candi and I wrap up the year that was 2013. We talk Duck Dynasty, LGBT progress, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and much more.

This show is my last appearance as a regular host of The Candi & Randy Show. No fights, no disagreements - just life is pulling both Candi and I in many directions, and in honoring my commitments I had to make a decision to take a hiatus from the show.

I'm so thankful to my fab co-host Candi for teaching me so much over two and a half years about hosting a radio show, interviewing guests and learning to open up when it comes to "talk radio." I couldn't have had a better time.

I'll be back as a guest host when Candi might need me, and happy to do so.

Listen in as Candi and I recap the year that was 2013 and look forward to what 2014 holds for us all.

By the way - we are almost at half a million listeners.  So if you hit play and listen to the first minute I'd be very appreciative as that gives us the "hit"... Plus, we're pretty fun :)


Current Entertainment Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with CandiXRandy on BlogTalkRadio

Marriage News Watch - December 30, 2013



From the clip description by AFER on YouTube:

We end the year with big marriage wins in Utah and New Mexico. But those victories could still be overturned.

We'll have the latest on attempts to undo marriage in those states.

We've also seen some major steps towards equality in Oregon, Ohio, Florida, Arkansas and Illinois.

Plus, AFER has date for a hearing in its Virginia case.

Tim Tebow signs with ESPN

Tim Tebow, pictured shirtless here in a press photo, has signed with ESPN as a football analyst

Former New England Patriots back-up QB Tim Tebow lands a gig with ESPN.

Via press release from ESPN:

Former Florida quarterback and Heisman winner, Tim Tebow, has been hired as a college football analyst for the SEC Network launching in August 2014.

Through a multi-year agreement, Tebow’s primary role will be as an analyst for SEC Nation, the network’s traveling pregame show that will originate from a different SEC campus each week beginning August 28, 2014.

In the months leading up to launch and after, he will contribute to a variety of ESPN platforms including SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and the network’s Heisman Trophy coverage, offering in-depth perspective as a legendary Southeastern Conference player.

First Lady Michelle Obama tweets support to GMA's Robin Roberts

https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/417705824417353728

The signature to the tweet - "-mo" indicates that Michelle herself sent the tweet and not a staffer.

Still no SCOTUS request for stay of marriage equality in Utah

https://twitter.com/BenWinslow/status/417718465990905856

At this point, you have to wonder what could justify a request for an "emergency stay" against marriage equality when clearly the Utah Atty General's office is taking so much time to prepare.

How much of an "emergency" could there be if there's this much foot-dragging?

Answer?  There is no emergency.

Forward.

New Mexico's largest newspaper to anti-gay opponents: It's time to move on


In an op-ed in the Albuquerque Journal, the editors urge those still opposed to marriage equality in New Mexico to "move on:"

The reality is that same-sex marriage is here to stay. In the past few years, it has gained wide support, reflecting a changing U.S. society that is more tolerant of different lifestyle choices and a growing consensus that allowing people of the same sex to marry is the right thing to do.

[snip]

The state Supreme Court has concluded that all people, no matter their sexual orientation, should be treated equally under the law when it comes to the right to marry. It’s time to recognize that and move on.

Thoughtful and balanced, you can read the rest of the article here.

Pew poll: Majority of Americans support marriage equality


According to Pew Research Center, just over half (51%) of the public now favors same-sex marriage, while 42% are opposed.  Sixty-seven percent believe gays and lesbians deserve equal rights.

Please note the direction of the graph lines over the past ten years.  The lines show growth in one direction. 

Brian Brown - are you paying attention?

Gallup poll: President Obama and Hillary Clinton "most admired" in America

America's two most prominent Democrats President Obama & Hillary Clinton - are again America's most admired man and woman by wide margins.

Via Gallup:

For the sixth consecutive year, Barack Obama ranks as the Most Admired Man among Americans, and Hillary Clinton is again the Most Admired Woman.

Both won by comfortable margins. Sixteen percent named Obama, compared with 4% each for former President George W. Bush and Pope Francis; Clinton (15%) finished ahead of television personality Oprah Winfrey (6%), first lady Michelle Obama (5%), and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (5%).


Brian Brown almost belligerent when confronted with facts on marriage equality


Brian Brown, of the hate group National Organization for Marriage, becomes almost belligerent when he jumps in to defend anti-gay marriage law on UP with Steve Kornacki this weekend.

After the rest of the panel speak calmly and cite current poll numbers, note Brian's clear shift in energy as he tries to beat back the facts he's been presented with. Also, his use of poll tested "catch phrases" like "redefine traditional marriage" instead of same-sex marriage or gay marriage. How many buzz words can you count here?

The rest of the panel do a great job of presenting the facts as they are regarding the forward trend of marriage equality.

It was interesting to see Brian in such unfamiliar territory. I'm betting we won't see him again on MSNBC any time soon. BUT I think this is important to watch because his tone and demeanor are very telling in how he addresses the issue.

On a side note - and I'm not being snarky here - but I can't help but note how bloated and heavy Brian Brown seems compared to the rest of the panel.  And note his physicality - shoulders hunched up, downward tilt of his mouth...  I'm not calling him "fat" - but he appears unhealthy. When you couple his angst and belligerence with his weight and fitness, I wonder if having such negative messaging to deliver is a factor?

Just thinking out loud.



Josh Barro on the obligations of being "out"


I've followed Josh Barro both on TV and online for a long time now.

Smart, intelligent turn of phrase and he comes across confident in his positions but not arrogant.

In the firestorm of the Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson debavle he's written openly about why Phil and his followers are wrong on a few things, homosexuality being at the top of the list. And for that he has gotten a ton of hate mail.

But Mr. Barro doesn't hide from the attacks. He's actually addressed many of them. Some in public in great detail - which entertained me to no end.

Today he writes about why he's not afraid to answer his critics and haters. Great essay everyone should read. Here's just an excerpt:

The only reason these emailers make me angry is that I think about how their insults affect other people. I'm too arrogant for self-loathing, but that's not true of everyone. A lot of gay people still live in communities where these hateful attitudes are dominant. A lot of gay children and teenagers are at the mercy of parents, teachers and clergy who hold bigoted views.

Being open and unashamed about being gay is just one small thing I can do to change the culture and make life easier for people who haven't had my luck.

And that's why I'm mystified by prominent gay people in business and media and Hollywood who choose to be in the closet. They have the ability to help lots of people who don't have their advantages, and they're selfishly passing on it under the guise of "privacy." Often, they do this while living quite gaily in places like New York and Los Angeles and reaping the benefits of social acceptance in their non-professional lives.

Imagine, for example, that you were a prominent daytime news anchor on a national cable news channel aimed at a conservative audience, and you were gay. You would have the potential, by coming out of the closet, to change millions of viewers' perspective on gay people for the better. You'd make it easier for your closeted gay viewers to love themselves, and easier for your viewers' gay children to come out.

Or you could live a fabulous gay life with your boyfriend in New York City while staying closeted to the national audience. Wouldn't that be a pretty decadent choice?

Read Josh's entire essay on Business Insider

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Those we lost in 2013 - original Mickey Mouse Club star and America's sweetheart Annette Funicello


As 2013 winds down, my radio show co-host and I are looking back at some of our favorite episodes that seemed to get a big reaction and resonate with our audience. 

On April 8th, when Annette Funicello passed away, Candi and I both had a visceral response to get on the air and celebrate the life and career of this all-American icon.

In a quick half hour prep/research rush, we found a lot of facts and stories about Annette's life that we didn't know. Next thing we knew, we were on the air we sharing those facts throughout the show.  Tens of thousands listened in as we took to the air armed with music and facts of her life and career.

The breakout star of the original Mickey Mouse Club, going on to star in the iconic 1960s "Beach Party" movies with Frankie Avalon, Annette became a part of pop culture forever.

Plus we discuss the topic of Multiple Sclerosis, the disease that daunted her for decades.

Listen in as we share a lot of her fun music and celebrate the life of Annette Funicello.


New Entertainment Podcasts with CandiXRandy on BlogTalkRadio

Good Morning America's Robin Roberts comes out

Robin Roberts on her return to Good Morning America this past January

GMA's Robin Roberts came out today in a post on her Facebook page expressing her gratitude for the support she experienced this year during her health crisis:

Flashback 12/29/12....Hard to believe this was 1 year ago today..when I reached a critical milestone of 100 days post transplant...and KJ was finally allowed to come back home.

Reading this comforts me and I hope the same for you: "If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present."

At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude.

I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health.

I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life.

I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.

I am grateful for the many prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I return every one of them to you 100 fold.

On this last Sunday of 2013 I encourage you to reflect on what you are grateful for too.

Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Peace, love, and blessings to all..XO

The 53 year old anchor has reportedly been with her girlfriend, Amber Laign is a licensed massage therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area, for ten years.

ABC News issued this statement of support: “We love Robin and Amber, who we adore and have all known for a long time. We were so touched by Robin’s Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.”

Roberts joins Jodie Foster, Wentworth Miller, Maria Bello, Jason Collins, and Tom Daley — among others — in the "celebrity 'coming out' class of 2013.

Roberts took a leave from GMA last year after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, which can be caused by chemotherapy.

After sharing her diagnosis on the air, the National Marrow Donor Program reported an 1800% increase in donors. Roberts returned to GMA in January of this year (see the above pic from her first day back).

On a personal note, my husband Michael has booked many guests on GMA and he is always quick to mention to people how warm and professional Robin is to work with.

Thanks Robin for your courage and grace.

Robin Roberts with her Jack Russell "KJ"

Viral videos of 2013: Indiana bigot Diana Medley meets Billy Madison



Huffington Post Gay Voices has assembled a great list of viral videos of 2013 that related to the LGBT community.

Randy Report readers will remember many of them featured here.

I had to post this one again for it's seemless editing and creativity in commenting on the Indiana Special Ed teacher Diana Medley, who back in February made headlines for her anti-gay statements. The video makes use of footage from the 1995 movie "Billy Madison," and the famous line "everyone is now dumber."  How appropos for Ms. Medley's idiotic comments.

Head over to HuffPost Gay Voices for more 2013 fun.

Photography: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo

Chute Dogging, Phoenix, Arizona, 1989, Blake Little
First you start with "who doesn't think cowboys are sexy?"

This February, Indianapolis' Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will play host to a new exhibit celebrating life at the gay rodeo — Blake Little: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo.

Via Gay.net:

The Los Angeles-based artist, who's photographed everyone from Tom Cruise to Jane Fonda to Jane Lynch, captured the grit and glamour of the gay and lesbian rodeo circuit in the '80s and '90s. The gay cowboys and cowgirls challenged gender roles and reveled in competition and comraderie.

The exhibit, curated by Johanna Blume, opens February 1 and will be at the Eiteljorg until the summer Pride season.

"This exhibit also explores the diverse and complex natures of individual and community identity in the West," Blume says. "Many of the people in these photos were LGBT men and women from rural backgrounds and the gay rodeo circuit gave them a place where they could embrace and celebrate their full identities."

Rodeo Partners Gene Hubert and Rick Ferreira, Sun Valley, California, 1991, Blake Little

The Prayer, Rick Simmons, San Diego, California, 1991, Blake Little


Los Angeles Cowboys, Hollywood, California, 1990, Blake Little

Boy Scouts to begin admitting gay scouts January 1st





Beginning January 1st, the Boy Scouts of America will begin admitting openly gay scouts:


The new policy was approved in May, with support from 60 percent of the 1,400 voting members of the BSA's National Council. The vote followed bitter nationwide debate, and was accompanied by an announcement that the BSA would continue to exclude openly gay adults from leadership positions.

Under the new membership policy, youths can no longer be barred from the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts or coed Venturers program solely on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gay Scouts will face some limitations.

"Any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting," says one BSA document. "No member may use Scouting to promote or advance any social or political position or agenda, including on the matter of sexual orientation."

While the new policies gained national attention earlier this year, Brad Haddock, a BSA national executive board member who chairs the policy implementation committee, says there been little fallout since the announcement.  "If a church said they wouldn't work with us, we'd have a church right down the street say, 'We'll take the troop.'"

(source)

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty: You need to marry a 15 year old girl


In this clip, Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty at the Sportsmen's Ministry in Georgia in 2009:

"Now that's a woman. They got to where they're hard to find. Mainly because these boys are waiting til they're twenty years old before they marry them.

"Look, you wait til they get to be twenty years old and the the only picking that's going to take place is your pocket.

"You got to marry these girls when they're about fifteen or sixteen and they'll pick your ducks."

Now, if an adult male were to "date" a 15 year old boy, he would be attacked as a pedophile.

You have to wonder about how those same "moralists" will react to Phil Robertson advising men to find wives who are 15 years old...?

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Freedom of speech at Tournatment of Roses Parade under attack by Karen Grube


The AIDS Healthcare Foundation third entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade will feature a same-sex wedding to take place atop a float themed "Love Is The Best Protection."


Some folks are attacking the couple's First Amendment rights to exchange their vows:


Karen Grube, of San Diego, said the Tournament of Roses should remove the AHF float from the parade. She has also called on corporate sponsors to remove their support of the parade if the wedding goes on as planned. And, she has set up a Facebook page seeking support for her cause.

“Gay marriage is illegal in over 30 states, why would they promote something that is blatantly illegal?” Grube said. “That’s just stupid.”

The 2014 Rose Parade is the first where gay marriage has been legal in California, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that deemed Proposition 8 unconstitutional.

Grube also said she didn’t think the Tournament should be involved in a group’s “political agenda.”

“It used to be a family thing, to get up on New Year’s Day morning and watch the parade,” she said. “It no longer is.”

Michael E. Thornton, a retired disabled veteran, said he will not be watching due to religious beliefs.

“Celebrating this ungodly activity is repugnant to me spiritually and I will not support this practice financially by viewing the parade,” he wrote in an email to this newspaper.

To point out the obvious, same-sex marriage is legal in California where the Tournament of Roses Parade takes place.

It will be interesting to see how many Duck Dynasty "Free Speech" warriors defend this gay couple for wanting to express their love publicly. Because, you know, the Phil Robertson support was about 'free speech' rights and not, you know, 'the gay.'

(source)

Happy birthday Joe Manganiello!


True Blood & Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello turns 37 today.

Thanks for the inspiration, Joe!

Joe's book "Evolution" has been a huge hit since it's release December 3rd.  The book not only details his fitness and nutritional tips. but addresses breaking through some of our own biggest mental blocks to achieve whatever goals we set.

(Guess who got a copy for Christmas?)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476716706/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1476716706&linkCode=as2&tag=onlinestorelink-20

Dance: "If you are in a shell" Harry Shum Jr. of GLEE


Glee's Harry Shum Jr. has a choreographed message for those with something bottled up inside, who might feel shy or have been bullied into silence.


Friday, December 27, 2013

Review: Britney Spears opens in Las Vegas


I had the chance to see the highly anticipated opening of Britney Spears' "Piece Of Me" at Planet Hollywood here in Las Vegas.  A few thoughts based on my thirty years in entertainment:

• Her dancers are very good.

• When a review begins with praise for the dancers, not the star - well, you do the math...

• How is her singing? She sounds JUST like the records.  And you know what I mean when I say that.

• The choreography is good, but the choreographers clearly watched rehearsals from the center of the audience only.  Warning - if you plan on seeing the show, make sure your seats are dead center.  If you're on the sides of the audience, you get left out.  Britney rarely addresses house left or right.

• To be perfectly frank, Britney is an attractive girl.  But considering how much dancing she's been given to do alongside her dancers, she pales in comparison.  She doesn't hold her own.  The choreographers didn't do her any favors by putting her in that position.  She moves well; but having her attempt to keep up with A-list dancers doesn't work.  Or put another way - she needs to work harder to keep up. And right now, she's not doing that.

• The costumes are interesting but seem like re-hashed or discarded Madonna tour ideas.  It's not clear why or what the reasoning is behind what the dancers are wearing other than "it looks cool."

• The lighting and video screens are utilized well.  Some creative things are done incorporating the lights, scenic and techno elements.  It's not necessarily a coherent thread from beginning to end, but there are some visually interesting things going on.

I'd give credit to the creative team but a full list of those names aren't readily available to folks like me.  No programs were handed out, and nothing on a website that I've seen. A search of the internet reveals that Antony Ginandjar is one of the co-choreographers.  There may be another choreographer, but I got tired of googling the internet.  Note to producers - you're paying what you surely feel is a credible creative team for what should be a world-class production.  Show some pride in hiring those folks and list there names somewhere.

In the end, if you are a big Britney fan - you'll enjoy.

If you are looking for the intersection of creativity, talent and star power, I suggest a cocktail before you enter the theater at Planet Hollywood.

UPDATE: More detailed than my thoughts above, it seems the New York Times and I agree on just about everything. Check out the review there.

Via Twitter

Las Vegas: "The event that shall remain nameless"


I took my brother, Gary (who's visiting for the holidays) to "an event that has to remain nameless until it opens officially tonight" at Planet Hollywood last night.

Was fun to be at "the event" with my brother, Michael and friends.  Kind of chaotic, but you expect that during the holidays in Vegas.

Check back later for my thoughts on "the event that shall remain nameless" later tonight, once the embargo is lifted.

A&E backpedals on "suspension" of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty


A&E Networks has lifted the "indefinite" suspension of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

Robertson set off a firestorm after his incendiary comments to GQ Magazine earlier this month comparing homosexuality to bestiality.  A&E's initial reactions was to "suspend" the patriarch from filming. 

Robertson has not missed any filming to date.

An A&E statement to The Hollywood Reporter read:

As a global media content company, A+E Networks’ core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principals.

That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about.

So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.

George Soros vs Koch Brothers

Via Occupy Democrats

Utah sees record numbers of marriage licenses issued


The Salt Lake Tribune has the details:

As of close of business Thursday, more than 1,225 marriage licenses had been issued in Utah since last Friday, according to numbers obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune. Of those, at least 74 percent were issued to gay and lesbian couples.

That’s more than 905 same-sex couples who received marriage licenses in a week punctuated by holidays and limited — in some counties — by when their clerk began to adhere to U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby’s order.

With an average marriage license costing $40, counties in Utah made a grand total of more than $49,000 in the three-and-a-half days most county clerk’s offices were open this week.

About three-quarters of that money came from gay and lesbian couples seeking marriage licenses.

Best News Bloopers of 2013


Everyone makes mistakes at work.

Fortunately, most of us don't make mistakes in front of thousands (or millions) of people.

Hit the Play button below for a stroll down "news blooper lane."


AFER recaps the year that was 2013



Recap of 2013 from the folks at the American Federation for Equal Rights:

In 2013, AFER took our case against Prop 8 to the US Supreme Court. Standing with us was an unprecedented groundswell of support, including you.

It was the first time a marriage case for gay and lesbian Americans had ever been briefed before the nation's highest court. And we won.

Gay and lesbian couples can now get married in the most populous state in America.

AFER continues to fight for marriage equality in federal court with a case in Virginia. Our Plaintiffs are two couples. They are represented by two of the nation's best attorneys.

See you in 2014!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Utah: Karma is a bitch

Graphic via Memeographs

To Utah, whose Mormon citizens gave millions to erase marriage equality in California...

Karma is a bitch, isn't it?

Happy New Year Utah!

How to drive Republicans insane


 U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, with Wall Street continuing its record-setting advance after data had fewer Americans than expected filing applications for jobless benefits last week, casting a positive light on the labor market.

So, since the GOP's answer for everything is to "blame President Obama" - I'm assuming conservatives have to give him credit for a stock market that has hit record highs 50 times in one year....?

Remember kids, he's supposed to be anti-business.

Worst Socialist ever... :)

(via CNBC)

NPR: The amazing year that was 2013

Utah's surprise decision to legalize same-sex marriage caps a landmark year for gay rights. The last 12 months saw a huge string of victories, from state legislatures, to Congress, to the Supreme Court.

NPR put together this very well-done recap of the past 12 months in LGBT progress. Amazing to look back and realize all this happened in one year.

It's a quick seven minutes.  Click below to listen.

Kwanzaa begins today!


Happy Kwanzaa!

Via Wikipedia:

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas.

The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.

It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67.

There you go.  No threat to Christmas or any other holiday.

Celebrate!

Happy Boxing Day!


Traditionally, Boxing Day is the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their bosses or employers, known as a “Christmas box”.

Happy Boxing Day everyone!

(via BosGuy)

California: Woman fights the anti-gay with gayest holiday lights ever


Last April, Dr. Mary Pham of Irvine, California, flew a rainbow flag above her house in support of gay pride.  However, soon after she became the target of anti-gay rhetoric and hate mail from her neighbors.  One friend told her "Not in Irvine, Mary."

Mary's response?    “Look, either you know what it is or you don’t,” Pham said in response. “Either it’s a pride flag, or it’s just a rainbow flag. And if it’s a pride flag, and you notice, either you like it or you hate it. And if you hate it then you’re just a jerk.”

This Christmas,  Pham told the OC Weekly  that she had decided to fight hate with love (and thousands of sparkly rainbow lights).

Here’s what Pham and her son did to make the biggest statement she could think to make!

Mary Pham FTW!

(h/t SheWired)

Utah County Clerk's office to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples


Ultra-conservative Utah County Clerks will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples today.

Nearly a week has gone by since most of the state County Clerks began to do so following a Federal District Court's ruling that banning marriage equality is unconstitutional.

Via Daily Herald:

"On Tuesday afternoon, December 24th, the 10th Circuit of Appeals denied the motion to stay the ruling by Judge Robert Shelby that Utah’s same sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. Based upon that motion and upon receipt of the further clarifications I was seeking; the Utah County Clerk’s Office will issue marriage licenses to all eligible applicants."

The state sought a stay on the ruling from both District Judge Shelby and then the Tenth Circuit of Appeals. Both denied the stay.

Word is the state will now reach out to SCOTUS for a stay, although the Utah AG's office has indicated this will take several days. The request would go to Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Considering two courts have said "no" and SCOTUS usually leaves marriage as a states rights issue, chances are slim for a stay to be issued from the high court. But it could happen.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: According to reports,  all Utah County Clerks offices, including those who had resisted issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, are now  allowing LGBT couples to receive marriage licenses.

The Utah attorney general's office had said counties could be held in contempt of federal court if they refused to comply.

Fake Nerd Guys

"Fake nerds" dressing up just to get attention, according to Fake Nerd Guys.
Just to be clear, the fake nerds got my attention :)

There is, apparently, a Tumblr account dedicated "exposing fake nerds" who only pose as nerds to get women's attention. It seems real nerds get very territorial about their "nerd-dom." Who knew?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man who identifies as a nerd/geek/gamer must be in want of female attention. This blog exposes fake nerd guys for the casual shams they are. Feel free to submit any relevant content.

Thankful that we have Fake Nerd Guys to ferret out the fakes.  Keep up the good work FNG.  It's handy to have a site that gathers all these pics in one place :)

Here's just a couple more "fake nerds" that drew the site's ire.

"Fake" 300 warriors

Fake Clark Kent "SuperNerd)