Monday, June 30, 2014

President Obama surprises LGBT White House reception guests with gender identity executive order


Today, as President and Michelle Obama welcomed notable LGBT media figures to the White House to celebrate Pride Month, the President surprised many during his remarks by announcing a NEW executive order banning discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of not only sexual orientation, but gender identity as well.

See below from White House transcript:

"We’ve still got a little more work to do. I’ve repeatedly called on Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Right now, there are more states that let same-sex couples get married than there are states who prohibit discrimination against their LGBT workers. We have laws that say Americans can’t be fired on the basis of the color of their skin or their religion, or because they have a disability. But every day, millions of Americans go to work worried that they could lose their job -– not because of anything they’ve done -- (baby cries) -- I know, it’s terrible -- (laughter) -- but because of who they are. It’s upsetting. It is wrong.

"The majority of Fortune 500 companies already have nondiscrimination policies to protect their employees because it’s the right thing to do and because many say it helps to retain and attract the best talent. And I agree. So if Congress won’t act, I will. I have directed my staff to prepare an executive order for my signature that prohibits discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. (Applause.)

"And I’ve asked my staff to prepare a second executive order so that federal employees –- who are already protected on the basis of sexual orientation –- will now formally be protected from discrimination based on gender identity as well. (Applause.)

"So we’ve got a lot to be proud of, but obviously we can’t grow complacent. We’ve got to defend the progress that we’ve made. We’ve got to keep on reaching out to LGBT Americans who are vulnerable and alone, and need our support –- whether it’s teenagers in rough situations to seniors who are struggling to find housing and care. (Baby cries.) I know, it’s tough. (Laughter.)"

You can watch his speech in the video below. You may need to move to the 15:00 mark.


Shia LaBeouf checks into rehab

Following what was clearly not his best weekend, Shia LaBeouf has apparently checked into rehab in Los Angeles, according to X17.

LaBeouf made headlines this past weekend for his disorderly conduct at a performance of Cabaret on Broadway.

Labeouf was acting erratically and being abusive to other audience members until he was forcibly removed by the police and arrested.

Now it appears he's making moves to address some issues:

X17online can report, exclusively, that the troubled actor is getting help at a celebrity-frequented treatment facility in Hollywood.

We followed the actor from his Hollywood Hills home, just an hour ago, to a private facility where other stars have sought treatment -- driven by someone believed to be from the rehab facility. When the car arrived at the gated drive to the center, a nurse and security guard were there to great Shia. In fact, earlier in the day when we spotted Shia in his driveway, we noticed his was carrying the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Blue Book.

Our photographer tells us: "Shia was nervous; he didn't look good all morning. He was looking down and wasn't even talking to his driver. It looked like he didn't want to do it, but he knew he had to."

Ryan Kwanten and Alexander Skarsgård "True Blood" sex scene


SPOILER: Do not hit play if you haven't watched this episode from the final season of TRUE BLOOD on HBO

Very sexy scene between "Jason Stackhouse" and "Eric Northman."

About shooting the scene, Kwanten told TVLine:

'There was word on the street that a scene was coming, and to be honest, Alex and I had been — not necessarily begging to work together — but we’d been pondering the thought, “What if we were ever put in a scene where it was just the two of us? What would happen?” And this is what our illustrious writers came up with.'

He said the scene with Skarsgard took a few hours to film and both were in good spirits throughout.

'I always have a lot of fun, and I think that’s the important thing to remember,' he said. 'We’re just there to have fun and to stay true to the characters. Thinking back to this particular scene, I just remember Alex and I laughing a lot.'

Not sure how long the posted video will last online. Watch while you can :)



(via Gay Star News)

Nevada gets Ninth Circuit Appeals Court date for marriage equality


Mark your calendars - September 8th is the date that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear 20 minutes of oral arguments in the case of Beverly Sevcik v. Brian Sandoval.

Eight couples sued the state of Nevada over it's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in 2012. That judge upheld the law sending the case to appeals.

What has changed since 2012, you might ask? In February of this year, the Nevada Attorney General dropped opposition to the lawsuit saying due to recent rulings the law was "indefensible." With the state's governor and AG stepping aside from a case they say is unwinnable, only the Coalition for the Protection of Marriage is left to argue it alone.

Currently, same-sex couples can marry in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

(source)

Zac Efron gives us a little "Wiggle" by Jason Derulo

Marriage News Watch - June 30, 2014

President Obama Announces He Will Use Executive Power To Address Immigration


In light of a Congress that refuses to address illegal immigration issues, President Obama announced today that he will use whatever legal executive powers he has to begin to repair the country's immigration laws.

From the New York Times:

White House officials said that Speaker John A. Bohener informed the president last week that he would not bring an immigration overhaul to the floor this year. As a result, officials said Mr. Obama would vow to use his powers to address longstanding concerns about the impact of deportations on the families of illegal immigrants.

“The president will address the Republican leadership’s unwillingness to bring immigration reform up for an up-or-down vote, and the president will announce a new effort to fix as much of our broken immigration system as he can through executive action,” a White House official said.

Among the first of several expected actions by the President, he will order more enforcement resources to the southern border of the US to cope with a recent surge in border crossings by children. He has also asked his staff to prepare a list of executive actions which the President can use to address as much of the illegal immigration issue as is possible through his office.

The President signaled he expects that list by end of summer.

Hunky Chris Pratt covers Men's Fitness Magazine


Chris Pratt, the "hunkier than ever" star of "Guardians of the Galaxy" chats on his up and down weight loss journey from comedic character guy to movie-star leading man in the new Men's Fitness.

Go get it now.





(h/t Boy Culture)

Political leaders respond to SCOTUS Hobby Lobby ruling

Via Politico

True Blood/Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello is PEOPLE Magazine's "Hottest Hollywood Bachelor"

Joe Manganiello is People Magazine's Hottest Hollywood Bachelor for 2014 - check the shirtless pics of the famous True Blood werewolf

People Magazine, in their all-knowing wisdom, has named True Blood/Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello as their "Hottest Hollywood Bachelor" for 2014.

And you can't have a "hottest bachelor" feature without appropriate shirtless pics to go with!

In the feature interview, Joe talks about what he finds sexy in a partner and how his own "hot-blooded" personality factors into who would or would not make for the ideal person for him. A few excerpts from the feature:

"I am part Sicilian," he tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story. "I am passionate. I am a hot-blooded person. If you don't like spicy, then maybe I'm not for you."

"I'm at my best when I have someone to wake up next to."

As for his favorite part of a woman, "I'm big into smell," he says. "It's funny I got cast as a werewolf. There's something about the smell on that part of a woman's neck where it meets the jaw, ahhhh! It's heaven."

For more Joe, his thoughts on crushes, plus more of Hollywood's hottest bachelors - pick up this week's edition of People Magazine.

Shirtless Joe Manganiello in photo shoot for People Magazine's "Hottest Hollywood Bachelor"

New York: Gov. Cuomo announces plan to end AIDS epidemic by 2020


At this year's NYC Gay Pride event, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced an aggressive new plan to target and end the AIDS epidemic in New York State:

'Thirty years ago, New York was the epicenter of the AIDS crisis -- today I am proud to announce that we are in a position to be the first state in the nation committed to ending this epidemic,' the governor said in a statement.

'New York State has reached an important milestone in controlling the AIDS epidemic, and through this comprehensive strategy, we are decreasing new HIV infections to the point where by 2020, the number of persons living with HIV in New York State will be reduced for the first time,' Cuomo continued.

The proposition has three parts: 1) identifying those with HIV who are still undiagnosed and connecting them with healthcare, 2) making certain those who are diagnosed have access to anti-HIV therapy, and 3) 'providing access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk persons to keep them HIV negative.'

(via Gay Star News)

Video: Toronto hosts WorldPride 2014

US Marine turned underwear model Alex Minsky featured in HUNGER GAMES promo

Alex Minsky, US Marine and underwear model featured in Hunger Games promo poster

In advance of the upcoming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, the studio has produced Capitol propaganda posters called "District Heroes."  Each district features a "citizen" of that area and the main industry for that district.

Hunky and inspiring US Marine turned underwear model Alex Minsky is featured on the District 7 poster highlighting the Lumber District.  Text accompanying the beautifully shot pic:

"Elias Haan, 26, has kept the axe handed down to him by his great-grandfather as a reminder of the hardships he and his great District have overcome."

Below is another poster for the Transportation District.  Find the entire collection at the Hunger Games "Capitol" website.

SCOTUS rules in favor of Hobby Lobby on contraception


The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby giving businesses the right to opt-out on religious grounds over healthcare insurance for employee birth control.

The decision could open the door to other employers seeking to withhold coverage for other medical procedures at odds with firm religious beliefs.

The Human Rights Campaign released this statement regarding the ruling and it's impact on the LGBT community:

“Religious groups have a long-established first amendment ability to operate according to their own beliefs,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Legal Director Sarah Warbelow.

“Instead of protecting religious liberty, this ruling gives license for businesses to use their personal beliefs as a reason to deny people access to basic, yet crucial medical services.”

HRC remains hopeful that the Court’s limitation in this case will be extended to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

We will remain vigilant in the event business owners attempt to use this decision to justify other forms of discrimination, including against LGBT people.

In the immediate aftermath, some members of the LGBT community will feel the effects of this decision; countless lesbian and bisexual women as well as some transgender men rely on contraception.

HRC will continue to work closely with our partners in the women’s and reproductive health movements, as well as other LGBT groups, as this issue continues to be debated.

(via Politico)

Designing Women star Meshach Taylor passes away at 67


Actor Meshach Taylor passed away Saturday night after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

Taylor was best known for playing Anthony Bouvier on the classic sitcom Designing Women and for his role as flamboyant window dresser "Hollywood Montrose" in the 1987 film Mannequin and its 1991 sequel.

(via The Backlot)

Out Apple CEO Tim Cook marches in San Francisco Gay Pride Parade with employees

Elton John believes Jesus Christ would support same-sex marriage


Elton John says that he believes Jesus Christ would support same-sex marriage if he were around today:

"The church hierarchy, the traditionalists, might be up in arms about it but times have changed. If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that he was, saying this [gay marriage] could not happen.

"He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together, and that is what the church should be about."

In the same interview, John says that he hopes to speak to Russian leader Vladimir Putin about the LGBT community this fall when he travels there.

I'm sure that will fix everything...

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Tony Perkins plays the 'bad loser' over LGBT Executive Order


Tony Perkins writing for the anti-gay hate group Family Research Council:

"After 30 days of nonstop, in-your-face celebration, the White House is capping off 'gay pride' month with its biggest gift yet. Next Monday, the pot of gold at the end of this President’s rainbow is an executive order giving special workplace benefits to the sexually confused.

"For the far-Left, it caps off a long fight to get the administration to do what Congress has not: order employers to put aside their profits, principles, and practices in the name of political correctness.

"The President’s order implementing part of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) -- once considered 'too radical' even for his own party -- forces government contractors and subcontractors to hire gays, lesbians, transvestites, and transsexuals -- regardless of their legally protected morals.

"This level of coercion is nothing less than viewpoint blackmail -- and from the federal government no less!"

You'll note how Perkins calls President Obama's executive order calling for federal contractors to treat LGBT folks with dignity "special workplace benefits."

And he refers to the gays as "sexually confused."

ENDA is hardly "too radical" for the President's own party - the US Senate passed the legislation months ago in a bipartisan fashion.

What Perkins can't handle is the fact that those he openly disdains are slowly but surely finding their way to equality.  And he can't stop it.

Eric Bana's butt has retired from show business


Eric Bana explains to Conan that his butt has retired from show business.

Fortunately, Conan is prepared with a movie retrospective of the Bana butt.

Yay for naked Eric Bana!

HLN's Nancy Grace tells father his missing child has been found in basement


On the air and live, HLN's Nancy Grace tells the father of a missing 12-year-old Detroit boy that his son has been found alive in the father's basement.

I find the father's reaction odd. If I truly thought my child was missing and found out he's alive, I think I'd jump up and run to where my child was. The father just sits there acting bewildered.

And Nancy Grace seems to be hinting at something nefarious, as if the father has done something...?

Just an odd exchange...

Fur ball of the day: Craig Ramsey


Saturday, June 28, 2014

Empire State Building celebrates NYC Pride 2014


To celebrate this year's NYC Pride Week, the Empire State Building's lights will cast a rainbow across New York City over the next three nights.

(h/t JMG)

Animated web-series: Somewhere in Palm Springs

Life is hard when you have to wait four minutes for a waiter

Somewhere In Palm Springs is the story of 3 gays and their pet gal pal.

Series description: "Life is hard when you're young, dumb and hungry...poolside in Palm Springs, California. Somewhere In Palm Springs is the harrowing tale of 4 friends forced to wait a normal amount of time for their lunch to arrive to their lounge chairs — they share hopes, dreams, neuroses, and the sordid details of their various one night stands. They may be vapid, but, hey, at least they're vapid."

Thankfully, my group of gays does NOT act quite like this.

To be specific, "not QUITE" like this.  However, we can have a high maintenance moment here or there.

I, of course, am easy-breezy all the time.


"Jill" the waiter - yes, he's a boy

Shirtless Brad Pitt in classic 80s Pringles commercial

Shirtless Brad Pitt in 80s Pringles commercial

Like many actors before hitting it big, Brad Pitt did his share of commercials in the 1980s.

Check out the baby-faced Brad as he hawks Pringles potato chips in this VERY 80s ad.



(h/t Towleroad)

Dog loves his corn on the cob



I'm posting this because I do this exact same thing with Bruno the wonder dog.

So smart that he realizes not to try to eat the cob, just the corn. And I'm always careful that he doesn't get the cob itself. That gets safely thrown away so he can't get to it.

Dogs rule.

President Obama: No apology for executive orders while Congress does nothing


President Obama's response to GOP Speaker of the House John Boehner announcing his intention to sue the President for issuing executive orders to help move the country forward in light of the current "do nothing" Congress.

Bravo, Mr. President.  The American people want action, not stagnation.

It should be noted that President George W. Bush issued far more executive orders during his administration than during Obama's, and the Republicans had NO problem with that.

I wonder why...?

Out singer Sam Smith talks on his recent success, coming out, World Cup and one night stands


Out singer Sam Smith, whose new album In The Lonely Hour is breaking records day by day, stopped by Fresh 102.7 to talk about a multitude of things since his star began to rise so meteorically.

At one point, the hosts asked him about his thoughts on his recent success, being gay and what advice he'd give to others on the issue of coming out:

"Just be yourself and don't make [your sexuality] an issue. If other's around you are making an issue, I understand. Fight for your rights, of course. But, also. Let's make it a normality. To make it equal we kind of need to act equal if you know what I mean...The world is getting better in some places. It's getting worse in some places, but everyone needs to just focus on themselves as individuals and do what makes them happy. And be brave. Listen to my record, it will help (laughs)."

Watch the interview below where all sorts of things creep into the chat like Speedos, thrift shop smells and the benefits of high hair.

Gym inspiration: Kellan Lutz

Shirtless Kellan Lutz (Hercules, Tarzan) giving you serious gym inspiration
(via Hunk du Jour)

Friday, June 27, 2014

The state of marriage equality in the US by population


Currently, 19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow same-sex marriage licenses, which means 43.6% of Americans live in a state with marriage equality.

9 states have had their bans overruled, but a judge issued a stay while the decision is contested.  Those states represent 21.5% of the US population.

22 states have a same-sex marriage ban currently being contested in court. Those states represent 34.9% of the nation.  There are no states whose same-sex marriage ban is going unchallenged.

Those who married since Wednesday’s ruling striking down the state’s gay marriage ban are in limbo.

(via Chicago Sun-Times)

7th Circuit Court of Appeals grants stay, halts same-sex marriage


From the IndyChannel:

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion by Indiana's attorney general to stay an earlier ruling overturning the state's same-sex marriage ban, effectively halting the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses in the state.

The court issued the stay just after 6 p.m. Friday following an emergency motion filed that afternoon by Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller.

In the motion, Zoeller says a stay is needed to "stem the long-term negative impact that may be created by hundreds, if not thousands, of same-sex marriages that ultimately may prove to have no basis in law."

I love how Zoeller says "ultimately may prove to have no basis in law." Wishful thinking on his uber-conservative part.   It's clear where this is all headed.

Marion County alone issued 586 marriage licenses in the past two days; the majority of those to same-sex couples.

From Hoosiers Unite for Marriage:

"We are extremely disappointed that the court has issued this stay, and we are committed to protecting the freedom to marry in Indiana," the statement read. "More than anything, this is a terrible blow to the legally wedded Indiana couples and their families who were finally — after so long — recognized this week under Indiana law."

Hunky dad cheers his little girl on singing "Let It Go"

I can't not post this.

I think the "Let It Go" lip-dubs videos are done, but this dad is so "in it" with his little girl - I couldn't stop watching.

"Let it rage on, girl!"


News Round-up - Week of June 27, 2014

Bryan Thompson of Motor City Masters
• Meet hunky Bryan Thompson - the sexy, gay gear head on TruTV's Motor City Masters

• Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin says the GOP needs to get past divisive social issues like same-sex marriage to win elections

• Small town homophobic mayor blocks fired lesbian police chief from getting job back

• Everyone but Whoopi Goldberg is gone from THE VIEW

• CNBC TV show grinds to a halt as panelist accidentall outs Apple CEO Tim Cook as gay

• Boulder County Clerk in Colorado is still issuing marriage licenses to the gays and will continue to until a court tells her to stop

• Indiana County Clerk refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because "religion"

And as we head into the weekend, let me leave you with this shirtless, locker room pic of Team USA at the World Cup after the hunky athletes realized they were moving on to the next round :)


Anti-gay radio ad combines McDonalds, Macys and "The Young & the Restless" for hilarious results


I'm not exactly sure if they meant it to be funny, but a coalition of anti-gay folks called "No Unequal Rights" are trying to repeal the recently passed LGBT protections in Houston.  (I'm not sure what "no unequal" really means but for now, stay with me....)

It sounds like a Saturday Night Live skit, but, maybe it's for real?

I laughed out loud; you probably will too.

Good thing they found that perfect McDonalds employee to speak out, right?



(h/t Good As You)

Documentary: "To Be Takei"


Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans.

Join George and his husband Brad on this star's playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love.

Opens August 22nd in theaters and on iTunes.

More info at ToBeTakei.com

Grammy Museum to unveil new exhibition "Donna Summer: Four Seasons of Love"


Fans of classic 70s and 80s pop/rock/dance music - mark your calendars!

On July 2, 2014, The GRAMMY Museum will unveil its latest temporary exhibition Donna Summer: Four Seasons of Love.

Located on the Museum’s fourth floor, the exhibition will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic career of 5-time Grammy Award-winner Donna Summer. This will be the first exhibition highlighting the career of the legendary “Queen of Disco.”

“Donna Summer galvanized a diverse group of music fans and she was able to give credibility to a genre of music that had many skeptics,” said GRAMMY Museum executive director Bob Santelli. “We are honored to tell her story and help demonstrate why Donna Summer is not only the undisputed ‘Queen of Disco,’” but also one of the most successful female artists of all time.”

On display through Spring 2015, the exhibit, (produced by client relations rep Brian Edwards and Summer’s son-in-law Rick Dohler) will feature gowns, costumes, set design sketches, handwritten lyrics and notes, rare and never-before-seen photos, hand-painted pieces from Summer's Fine Arts Collection and much more from the Donna Summer estate.

With a career that spanned decades and musical genres, Donna Summer holds the record for most consecutive double albums to hit #1 on the Billboard charts (3) and first female to have four #1 singles in a 12 month period; three as a solo artist and one as a duo with Barbra Streisand.

Donna Summer was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female (1979, "Hot Stuff") as well as the first-ever recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording (1997, "Carry On").

In 2004, she became one of the first inductees, as both an Artist Inductee and a Record Inductee into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in New York City.

Most recently, Summer was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame on April 18, 2013, less than a year after her death on May 17, 2012.

The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district.

(via press release)

Las Vegas: Award-winning entertainer Eric Jordan Young at Cabaret Jazz TONIGHT!


Award-winning actor/singer/dancer Eric Jordan Young has been called “a one-man force of nature.”

Tonight, Young takes the stage at The Smith Center's Cabaret Jazz in Once In A Lifetime, his one-man show which puts all of his singing, dancing and story-telling gifts on display. Expect new versions of such standards as “Birth of the Blues,” “Where or When,” “That Old Black Magic" and “Candy Man.”

He is the recipient of the 2011 & 2012 Broadway World Award for Best Performance By a Lead Actor for his work in VEGAS! THE SHOW where he originated the role of “Ernie.”

Eric has appeared on Television (Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Ugly Betty), Broadway (RAGTIME ’09, CHICAGO, SEUSSICAL, LOOK OF LOVE, RAGTIME ’98), Off-Broadway (NYSF, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center), in National Tours and Regional Theatre, as well as Concerts, Commercials and Recordings.

Eric has appeared in concert with several Symphonies throughout the country including the NY Pops at Carnegie Hall.

His solo album, Once In A Lifetime, finds inspiration from the World’s Greatest Entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr.

Don't miss Eric tonight at 7pm at Cabaret Jazz.  

Learn more about Eric Jordan Young and watch him perform online at:
www.ericjordanyoung.com
www.sammy.ericjordanyoung.com

Music Video: Demi Lovato "Really Don't Care" featuring LA Pride Parade


Demi Lovato debuts her latest single - "Really Don't Care" - just in time for NYC Pride where she will be the headliner at this year's Pier Dance.

The video was shot just weeks ago at LA Pride, where she served as Grand Marshal for the Parade. The video is a virtual gay-splosion of pride.

Check out Demi on iTunes here.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins becomes fourth Republican Senator to endorse same-sex marriage


Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has become the fourth GOP senator to endorse same-sex marriage.

Sen. Collins said in a statement: “A number of states, including my home state of Maine, have now legalized same-sex marriage, and I agree with that decision."

The Human Rights Campaign responded by endorsing Collins for reelection:

“Senator Susan Collins has played a pivotal role in advancing support for LGBT equality -- from her dogged support for the repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” to her critical vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act last year, to her proud support for marriage equality,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “HRC is proud to stand with Senator Collins, and with allies on both sides of the aisle like her, because she firmly believes that every American should be evaluated based on their abilities, and not who they love.”

“I am grateful for the support that I continue to receive from the Human Rights Campaign for my work in the Senate to end discrimination and achieve LGBT equality,” said Senator Collins. “HRC fully understands the need to have allies in both the Republican and Democratic caucuses, and I am proud of the reputation that I have established for working with my Senate colleagues of both parties in a bipartisan spirit for fairness and equality. I look forward to our continued work together to bring people together and remove barriers that divide us.”

While The Randy Report clearly leans left, I've always said I appreciate the moderates on both sides of the aisle in government. Susan Collins has consistently been open to finding common ground on a multitude of issues, including those of particular importance to the LGBT community.

I agree with the HRC in their endorsement.

Collins joins three other Republican senators who have publicly stated their support for same-sex marriage: Illinois’ Mark Kirk, Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Ohio’s Rob Portman.

Gun advocacy ad features kids finding and playing with dildos


From gun safety advocacy group Evolve comes this ad designed to encourage adults to keep guns stored safely away from children's reach.

Tagline: “If they find it, they’ll play with it. So always lock up your guns."

In the ad, a young mother is picking up her son from a play-date as the two boys race around the house. The boys run out onto the front lawn enjoying some sword-play with two super-sized dildos clearly found somewhere in the house.

Cue the embarrassed look on the mothers' faces.


(via RawStory)

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Actor Shia LaBeouf removed from audience at Broadway's CABARET


Actor Shia LaBeouf was not only escorted out of a performance of Cabaret on Broadway tonight in handcuffs. And according to sources, it got stranger and stranger. 

Apparently, due to spitting on police officers he had to be restrained in a face mask.

The 28-year-old actor was escorted out of the performance in handcuffs during intermission after he was “slapping random people on the behind and on the back of the head. He was also smoking.”

When taken to the Midtown North precinct, who got a little rowdy with the cops who were trying to take of his handcuffs. He told them, “F–k you. I’ll f–k you up,” a source told Page Six.

The cops decided not to take the handcuffs off after he said that, so he started spitting at the officers, who then put him in a face mask.

Photo below of LeBeouf being arrested.

Theater: A CHORUS LINE opens at Sacramento Music Circus

The Finale of A Chorus Line at Sacramento Music Circus

Finally getting a chance to exhale as I've spent the past two weeks in Sacramento choreographing what feels like a new, fresh and creative A Chorus Line for Sacramento Music Circus.

Uber-proud of the fab cast and crew there. We opened Tuesday night this week to excellent reviews (thank you, thank you, thank you - grateful), and now I'm back at home in Las Vegas with hubby Michael, Bruno the wonder dog and the rest of the pups.

I can only describe this as a truly calm, creative and collaborative experience working with one of the best and most respected directors in theater today - Stafford Arima. The producers of the theatre thought we would make a good team, and I'm happy to say it was a joy from beginning to end.  I think it's rare you walk into an experience with a new "team-mate" and find such a solid connection and unified artistic vision.  Everyone connected to the production from Stafford to our music director Valerie Gebert to the designers who brought the show to life were all on the same page.

I will admit there was a tiny amount of trepidation on my part in taking the job since, as you can guess, A Chorus Line makes "the line" an integral part of the show.   Staging a show that is iconically about a line -  IN THE ROUND - can make for some big creative leaps in order to honor the Pulitzer prize-winning material.

I've been associated with the show for 29 years, performing it for the first time in 1985. Since then, I've been a part of the show as an actor in many national and regional productions (with original cast members Donna McKechnie, Baayork Lee and Kay Cole), and as director/choreographer of several productions in my own right.

Releasing my decades of experience with the show could have been much more difficult, except for our secret weapon - director Stafford Arima. Stafford did not have a history with the show. And that, coupled with his innate talent for questions and creativity moved the show from just another "step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch" to a very new, "out of the box" production.

When my muscle memory would sometimes kick in, and I'd think "how do we...?," Stafford would ask "do we have to do it that way...? What if we...?  Could we...?" and suddenly new ideas became reality.

Do we have to form a single line in the finale?  Can "At The Ballet" spread out to the entire theater?  Can we use mirrors in the production without blocking the audiences view?  

"Deconstructed" became the catch word.  And as Martha Stewart would say, "This is a good thing."

The only things I made sure I brought to the production were ideas/concepts that I had learned over the years from original Broadway cast members that honored the integrity of the piece. The voice of the individual; that everyone is special.  The further and further we got into the rehearsal process, the more comfortable I was that we were doing Michael Bennett (the original Tony Award winning director/choreographer) proud in sharing the intent of the piece.  It was never about starting on the right or left foot - it was about what were we saying.  As Stafford would say over and over "Trust the text."  I would add, "the Pulitzer Prize-winning" text.

I did find one special place with which to land the iconic "logo" line of the show.  That made me happy.  To find out where, come see the show :)

Sacramento Music Circus photog Charr Crail (production pics) and cast member John Williford (rehearsal and opening night pics) shared several photos with me that I've posted here to give you a sense of the journey that is this A Chorus Line.

Should you be interested in what the critics had to say, you can read the Sacramento Bee and Broadway World reviews by clicking those links.  I'm very grateful for the kind words all around.

And, there's a video montage from the production featuring this fab cast below.

Thanks to all at Sacramento Music Circus.

 Kick, ball, change and thanks to everyone for doing "what you do for love."



"Hello 12, Hello 13" with the company

Jen Foote ("Sheila"), Juliane Godfrey ("Judy") and Katie Huff ("Kristine")

Eric Sciotto as "Zach" and Kate Levering as "Cassie"

The Finale

Opening ballet combination with Courtney Iventosch ("Lois") and Kate Levering ("Cassie")

Nick Varricchio as "Mike Costa"

Adam Fleming and Katie Huff as "Al" & "Kristine"

Xavier Cano as "Paul San Marco"

The Opening of A Chorus Line at Sacramento Music Circus

Zach (Eric Sciotto) rehearsing "One"

Taking a break with the cast during rehearsals

In rehearsal: "At The Ballet"

Drew Humphrey ("Don Kerr"), Kat Murphy ("Laura" & my associate choreographer) with me and hubby Michael at the opening night party.  More wine!

The exceptionally attractive cast of A Chorus Line at the opening night party

Even more of the gorgeous cast of A Chorus Line at the opening night party