Monday, February 29, 2016

Broadway Legend Betty Buckley Has Had Enough Of The Ugly Political Discourse


Today, my dear friend, Betty Buckley, who happens to be a Broadway legend, put her foot down and declared the political season ugly and undone.

Miss Betty Lynn made it clear the ugliness must stop.

I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you Miss Betty for your clarity of voice and truth.

We are friends, and she knows I love her. Our friendship is based on this, because she lives by her truth.

This. This right here. Read this.

Dear Friends,

I have reached my Tipping Point. This is the worst political season I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. We are at a new and precarious low in our great Country's history. I believe in free speech and wholesome debate. And the debasing and contemptuous, racist, sexist, homophobic, hate-filled posts I read every day are making me feel very ill.

I cannot abide the distortion of the founding principles of our Country, our Constitution and Christianity itself. While I have many friends here with differing views than my own, I have worked hard to be tolerant and open, and I have shared with you, individually, as respectfully as I am able.

And, now, I need to say this: I will not tolerate any further bashing of President Obama on my page. I will not allow any further mindless, propaganda based bashing of Hillary Clinton. I will not allow hatred or contempt here. That's one thing I can do. While I have tried to be open to conversation and debate, I now feel that this coming election rhetoric has descended to a new low. I am done! If you post something ugly on my page I will block you. If you show even a shred of disrespect not only for our President and my candidate or any other human being, here, I will block you. Whether or not we have been "friends" online or in person, I simply will NOT allow it.

And I also need to say to my Republican and Right Wing friends: Donald Trump is clearly a narcissistic psychopath. He is a dangerous man! He and/or Cruz would take us back to the Dark Ages. If you aren't awake to that fact, I ask that you rethink the fundamental human and humane issues. The only way we all win is if we work together to find compromise and treat one another with respect and fundamental courtesy.
I will NOT abide inhumanity or the representation of ignorant, cruel belief systems here.

With respect and love,

Betty Lynn

News Round-Up: February 29, 2016


Some news stories you may have missed:

• Facebook is teaming up with Australian Marriage Equality so that all 14 million Aussies will have access to a marriage equality banner for their profile pictures.

• It's Leap Day! Take advantage of your "once every four years extra day!"

• Canadian Prime Minister and all-around good guy will posthumously pardon a man who was sent to prison in the 1960s simply because he was gay.

•The triumphant revival of MISS SAIGON in the West End was filmed and will be made available in cinemas this coming fall.

• You can expect a gay character joining the STAR WARS universe as J.J. Abrams says, "It seems insanely narrow-minded and counterintuitive to say there wouldn’t be a homosexual character in that world.”

• Marco Rubio wins the "race to the bottom" as he suggests Donald Trump has a small penis.

• After ten years of silence, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asked a question today.

• Even bestie Joe Scarborough had to dump Donald Trump over the recent David Duke/White Supremacy debacle. Scarborough calls the incident "disqualifying."

• A journalist covering a Donald Trump rally in Virginia today was choked and body-slammed by Trump security for stepping a foot out of the media pen. Check the bottom right part of the video below:

Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick Reunite For " Trumped The Musical"


As is his tradition, Jimmy Kimmel hosted his post-Oscars show on ABC following the annual film awards celebration.

Lots of funny stuff with perhaps the best served up by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick reuniting as their "The Producers" characters with a new scheme to bilk millions from old ladies and using Donald Trump as the frontman for the job.

The original musical focuses on two Broadway producing con-artists who plot to create a show guaranteed to fail so that they can present it as the next big hit and abscond with the investment funding and profits. In Kimmel’s take, Lane and Broderick are political consultants with a similar plan to profit off the fundraising for a doomed candidate, and they realize that Trump is exactly the kind of “train-wreck, gold-plated nincompoop,” they’re looking for.


From the producers of "The Producers," #Trumped starring Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman and Donald J. Trump...
Posted by Jimmy Kimmel Live on Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sam Smith's Gay Oscar Flub


Out singer/songwriter Sam Smith had something of a surprise last night at the Oscars when his song "Writing's On The Wall" snagged the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

But he kind of fumbled in his otherwise gracious acceptance speech saying he thought he was the first openly gay man to win an Oscar.

Smith referenced an interview Sir Ian McKellen gave to the Guardian recently where he said that, while straight men play gay and win the Oscar, openly gay men don't have the same results. “No openly gay man has ever won the Oscar; I wonder if that is prejudice or chance,” McKellen said, later adding, “My speech has been in two jackets: ‘I’m proud to be the first openly gay man to win the Oscar.’ I’ve had to put it back in my pocket twice.” He was speaking about gay men in acting roles.

Smith, in his speech, said, “I read an article a few months ago by Sir Ian McKellen, and he said that no openly gay man had ever won an Oscar. If this is the case—even if it isn’t the case—I want to dedicate this to the LGBT community all around the world.”


Oscars: Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith Win Best Original Song for "...
Watch SAM SMITH dedicate his Best Original Song win to the LGBT community. #Oscars
Posted by The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday, February 28, 2016

Of course, there have been many openly gay people who have won Oscars in the past: Sir Elton John, Melissa Etheridge, Stephen Sondheim, screenwriters Alan Ball and Bill Condon, and many more.

Among those who took to Twitter to correct Smith was another past winner, Dustin Lance Black, who had a mic drop moment of his own:





Smith was eventually told of his inaccuracy backstage, where he still seemed confused thinking he's only the SECOND gay man to win.

“S–t. F–k that. Two’s my lucky number, so it’s all good. Who was the other person?”

“When I read the Ian McKellen piece I was just bowled over by it. I wanted to take this opportunity to show how much I care about my community,” he said. “In the past in my career people had said that I didn’t.”

Smith also copped to being slightly not his usual self, adding he was “completely overwhelmed. I can’t even speak. I’m a little bit drunk as well.”

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Tweet Of The Day: Bernie Sanders

Oscar Winners 2016


A rather predictable Academy Awards ceremony, apart from Chris Rock's constant hard hitting on the #OscarsSoWhite campaign.

The artists honored for the "Big Six" were all completely worthy for their amazing work.

Probably the biggest upset was Lady Gaga's loss for "Best Song" to Sam Smith's Bond film tune. Surprisingly, Smith made note that he was perhaps the first openly gay person to win an Oscar without doing a simple Google search.

Obviously, readers here will know that Dustin Lance Black, Melissa Etheridge, Elton John, and Stephen Sondheim have all previously won Oscars.

Be that as it may, Gaga's performance was clearly the highlight of the evening.



Radio Show: Looking Back At The Wild Week In Politics


Check out my latest radio show on BlogTalkRadio.

This episode I look back on the week's biggest political campaign stories - from the Nevada Caucuses to the South Carolina Primaries to the upcoming Super Tuesday.

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump both had big weeks but what's going to happen on Super Tuesday? I take a look at the most recent polls and offer what I think could happen.

And don't forget that "rock 'em sock 'em" Republican debate this week where Wolf Blizter basically lost control of the debate and the shouting was really something to see. Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz went full-court press on The Donald. Will it work? Too little too late?

And - Donald Trump refuses to disavow being endorsed by a former Ku Klux Klan leader. Will his supporters care? (Answer: no)

Mya Taylor Becomes First Transgender Actress To Win At Independent Spirit Awards


Congratulations to transgender actress Mya Taylor who took home the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 31st Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday for her performance in the acclaimed indie hit film, Tangerine.

In her acceptance speech Taylor said, "I have had a long journey through my 2015 because I had come from almost nothing and then got this role and this movie, and my life just did a total 360."

"There is transgender talent. There's very beautiful transgender talent. So, you better get it out there and put it in your next movie."

Donald Trump Refuses To Distance Himself From Former KKK Leader David Duke


Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump saw his racist comments of several months now come home to roost this week as former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke gave the Trumpster a full-throated endorsement.

When asked about the endorsement, however, Trump refused to condemn Duke or the KKK.

Via Talking Points Memo:

CNN "State of the Union" host Jake Tapper asked Trump if he would "unequivocally condemn David Duke and say you don't want his support."

Trump dodged the question.

"I don't know anything about David Duke," he said. "I don't know what you're even talking about with white supremacy or white supremacist. I don't know. I don't know, did he endorse me, or what's going on? Because, you know, I know nothing about David Duke. I know nothing about white supremacists. And so you're asking me a question that I'm supposed to be talking about people that I know nothing about."

Tapper pushed back. Trump suggested Tapper send him a list of "the groups" and he could research them. At which point, Trump said he would "disavow if I thought there was something wrong."

"The Ku Klux Klan?" Tapper asked.

"It would be very unfair," Trump continued talking over Tapper. "So give me a list of the groups and I'll let you know."

"I'm just talking about David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan here," Tapper said.

"Honestly, I don't know David Duke," Trump said. "I don't believe I've ever met him, I'm pretty sure I didn't meet him, and I just don't know anything about him."

While today Trump said he didn't know anything about Duke or the KKK, on Friday he was asked about the endorsement and a the time he said he "disavows" the support.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Hillary Clinton Wins South Carolina Democratic Primary

http://nbcnews.to/1QkCsAV

Immediately after polls closed in South Carolina, NBC projected former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will win the South Carolina Democratic Primary.

The final tally was a crushing win with Clinton getting 73% of the vote to Sanders' 26%.

This brings Hillary's total to winning three of the first four Democratic contests.

She currently leads in 10 of the 11 states holding contests on the upcoming Super Tuesday.

Hillary gave a great victory speech, especially these lines:

"We don't need to make America great again. America has never stopped being great," Hillary Clinton delivers victory speech after #SCPrimary win: http://on.msnbc.com/1VKZ9P4

Posted by MSNBC on Saturday, February 27, 2016

New York Daily News On Chris Christie Endorsement Of Donald Trump


Joe Santagato Covers Reviewer Request Topics


One of my favorite vloggers, Joe Santagato, looks at viewer requests for subjects to address.

Breast feeding, lottery gambling and crazy girl friends all get the Santagato treatment.

Love this guy.


Donald Trump On Bringing Back The American Dream

Donald Trump explains exactly how he's going to bring back the American Dream

When he gets to the "beautiful red hat," he might as well have said "Ooh! Pretty colors!"

#NoDetails #NoPolicy #Fraud #Poser

That Time When Hillary Clinton Stopped The Democratic Convention To Nominate Barack Obama As Dem Nominee


At the 2008 National Democratic Convention, then Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York called for a stop in the roll call of states, asking that in the spirit of party unity the convention move directly to electing her former opponent Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee.

Classy move.

I hope to see similar class at this year's convention.


Former President Of Mexico Compares Donald Trump To Hitler


Former Mexican President Vicente Fox doubled down on his criticism of Republican front-runner Donald Trump, this time saying the Trumpster reminds him of Adolf Hitler.

From CNN:

"Today, he's going to take that nation (U.S.) back to the old days of conflict, war and everything. I mean, he reminds me of Hitler. That's the way he started speaking," Fox told CNN's Anderson Cooper in a phone interview on "Anderson Cooper 360."

"He has offended Mexico, Mexicans, (and) immigrants. He has offended the Pope. He has offended the Chinese. He's offended everybody."

Fox's comments come one day after he delivered a scathing response on Trump's plan to make Mexico pay for a wall between the Mexico-U.S. border.

"I'm not going to pay for that f***ing wall," Fox said in an interview with Fusion's Jorge Ramos.

Fox isn't the first to compare The Donald to Hitler. Several pundits across political media point to Trump's divisive rhetoric and note what they say are similarities to the methods Hitler used during his rise to power in Germany.

Marco Rubio: "Donald Trump Is A Con Artist"



I personally agree with Sen. Marco Rubio.

But, given how these things play out, how does Rubio u-turn and support Trump in a general election after this? Because that is what will be expected of him.

Share your thoughts in the comments. I'm curious what folks think...



Jurors See Video Confession Of 2013 Greenwich Village Hate Crime


Jurors currently deliberating the murder of a gay man in Greenwich Village in May 2013 were shown a cellphone video Thursday of homophobic killer Elliot Morales confessing to his crime after being taken into custody.

Via New York Post:

“I f–king shot him dead!” Morales shouts, cackling, as several NYPD officers restrain him face-first on the pavement.

“Diagnosis dead, doctor!” he continues, laughing to the police. “They don’t teach you that in the academy, right?”

Morales then tries to lick the pavement and lifts his head as if he’s about to slam it into the concrete, but a cop stops him.

Morales, 36, is representing himself at his murder trial in Manhattan Supreme Court for the hate-crime slaying of stranger Mark Carson in Greenwich Village on May 18, 2013.

The officer said that when he first arrived on the scene at Third Street near MacDougal Street, Morales told him, “I shot him dead. He deserved it. He was acting tough in front of his bitch.”

Morales, charged with second degree murder as a hate crime, faces life in prison if convicted. He asked for, and received, permission to represent himself in the court case.

Rapper Killer Mike Apologizes For Using Anti-Gay Slur "Fag"


Run the Jewels rapper/social activist and Bernie Sanders supporter Killer Mike, who  recently took heat for telling the story of a woman who said women shouldn’t vote for Hillary Clinton "just because she has a uterus,” made a straight up apology to the LGBT community via Twitter last night for his use of the word "fag."

“Yrs ago I like a dumb Hetero guy said “fag”. Today I no longer use that stupid word. I am sorry to all my gay brothers and sisters. Today I know better and I do better. My fans know this already but that’s for all who my not have witnessed my growth. Love & respect.”









Friday, February 26, 2016

Preview: Season 2 - I AM CAIT


Clip description:

Caitlyn Jenner is coming into her womanhood and evolving as a person. She realizes there's too much at stake to get it wrong.

The quick glimpse into the new season shows Caitlyn trying on a wedding dress (?), talking about being a better transgender advocate and even meets Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Watch the trailer below.

Out Music: Brandon Stansell "Dear John"


Bitter-sweet music video from out country musician Brandon Stansell - "Dear John."

The Los Angeles-based singer shares a sad breakup, but the story takes a turn making the song and video more impactful.



Donald Trump Trashes 1st Amendment Over Freedom Of Speech

Trump Actually Seriously Suggests Suing Newspapers Who Are Neg...

Donald J. Trump wants to change the laws so the media can’t say negative things about him

Posted by NowThis Election on Friday, February 26, 2016


Donald Trump speaking at a campaign stop today:

“One of the things I’m going to do if I win, and I hope we do and we’re certainly leading. I’m going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. We’re going to open up those libel laws. So when The New York Times writes a hit piece which is a total disgrace or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money instead of having no chance of winning because they’re totally protected."

Donald Trump Unhinged

Marco Rubio Goes Full-On Against Donald Trump On Campaign Trail


In the aftermath of last night's Republican debate where Sen. Marco Rubio attacked front-runner Donald Trump over and over again, Rubio continued the assault on the campaign trail touching on every possible insult he could find from the Donald touching up his makeup at the debate to several misspelled tweets today.

“He had this little makeup thing applying, like makeup around his mustache, because he had one of those sweat mustaches. He wanted a full-length mirror. Maybe to make sure his pants weren't wet. I don't know.”

“‘Wow every poll said I won the debate last night.' Now this is him about himself, okay — ‘Great honer.’ I think he meant to say honor. I don’t know how he got that wrong because the e and the o are nowhere near each other on the keyboard.”

“How does this guy in not one tweet but three tweets misspell words so badly? I only reach two conclusions. Number one, that's how they spell those words at the Wharton School of Business where he went. Or number two, just like Trump Tower, he must have hired a foreign worker to do his own tweets.”

“You all have friends thinking about voting for Donald Trump. Friends do not let friends vote for con artists.”

It was practically a Don Rickles routine.

Clearly the GOP establishment leaned on Rubio to do SOMETHING to slow Trump's assent to nominee. But is it too late?

Watch Rubio campaigning today below. It's practically a stand-up comedy act.


Music Video: Troye Sivan "Youth"


Aussie YouTube sensation Troye Sivan drops his new music video, "Youth," from his album Blue Neighbourhood.

My first thought was perhaps the song would be a bit "young-ish" for me, but I like the medium vibe and the anthemic chorus.

Oh, and the pretty colors.

Via MTV:

The vid takes us inside a hazy, neon-washed house party where alcohol, sex, and tongue piercings are all the rage. But there are moments of quiet intimacy, too, and nods to… well… youth: light-up sneakers, Care Bears and blanket forts all make an appearance. It ultimately feels like a marriage of maturity and recklessness, as Troye sings about loving too hard and not really caring about the consequences.


Front Page Of New York Daily News


New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Endorses Donald Trump



At this point, does anyone care?

I'm guessing Gov. Christie is looking for the Attorney General spot in a Trump administration...?

Marco Rubio Hits Donald Trump On "I Love The Poorly Educated"


Marco Rubio has a new campaign spot out attacking Donald Trump over his now infamous "I love the poorly educated" line.

I'm thinking Hillary may want to borrow this for the general election...


Sen. Lindsey Graham Jokes "My Party Has Gone Batshit Crazy!"


Speaking at the Washington Press Club Foundation Dinner last night, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham got big laughs for some unexpected remarks.

Saying that Hillary Clinton is about to become president, Graham laid that at the feet of the GOP: “How could that be? My party has gone batshit crazy.”

On the severe dislike that members of the U.S. Senate have for Sen. Ted Cruz: “If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody could convict you."

Watch below:


Ted Cruz Corners Trump On Government Paying For "Everyone's Healthcare"


Donald Trump has lost track of what he has and hasn't said along the campaign trail.

At the Republican debate last night, Sen. Ted Cruz cornered The Donald on whether he ever said the government "should pay for everyone's healthcare?"

Trumpster denied saying it, and the Cruz campaign rushed this attack ad out showing Donald saying EXACTLY that just a few months ago.

Watch :30 Of GOP Debate As It Devolves Into Chaos


30 seconds of chaos at the GOP debate
Here's where the GOP debate went completely off the rails.
Posted by Ezra Klein on Thursday, February 25, 2016

This is just fascinating. Grown men acting like this trying to win votes?

Wolf Blitzer got terrible reviews for doing practically nothing to moderate the debate.











Hillary Clinton On Working With Republicans To Get Things Done


Hillary Clinton talks with Mika and Joe Scarborough of "Morning Joe" about the infamous emails, attracting younger voters and building relationships with Republicans in Congress to get things done.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Riddle Me This


Former President Of Mexico: "I'm Not Going To Pay For That F*cking Wall!"


White House hopeful Donald Trump loves telling his supporters (and anyone who'll listen) that he plans to build a big wall between Mexico and the United States, and he has a plan to MAKE Mexico pay for the wall.

In a recent interview Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, said Trump has another thing coming.

From Real Clear Politics:

In an interview Thursday with Jorge Ramos on Fusion, former Mexican president Vicente Fox responds to Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border. “I’m not going to pay for that fucking wall! He should pay for it. He’s got the money,” Fox said.

“Are you afraid that he’s going to be the next President of the United States?” Ramos asked. “What would that mean for Mexico?”

“No no no, democracy can not take that, crazy people that don’t know what is going on in the world today. This worries me, the last caucus in Nevada… he won 44 percent of Hispanics.”

“I’d like to know who those Hispanics are, because they are followers of a false prophet,” Fox said. “He’s going to take them to the desert, and if they think that they will benefit with an administration led by Donald Trump, they’re wrong. They must open their eyes. Please, you Hispanics in the U.S., open your eyes.”

Trump did boast that he won 44% of Hispanic voters in Nevada. What he fails to articulate is that the 44% represents the total of Hispanic voters who took part in the REPUBLICAN caucus. Hispanic voters comprise about 16% of all voters in Nevada. Which means he actually got about 7% of the Latino vote.

In any case, Trump continues to say Latinos love him, but the facts say otherwise.

Kentucky State Senate Committee Advances "License To Discriminate" Bill


Fairness Kentucky reports on another anti-LGBT "License To Discriminate" bill that would seek to nullify all pro-LGBT local ordinances.

A “License to Discriminate” bill that would sanction discrimination against LGBT Kentuckians passed out of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee this morning. Senate Bill 180, introduced by Senator Albert Robinson of London, seeks to gut local LGBT Fairness Ordinances passed by eight Kentucky cities. Those cities include Covington, Danville, the State Capital Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Midway, Morehead, and the small Appalachian town of Vicco.

“Senate Bill 180 is nothing but a license to discriminate,” shared Fairness Campaign director Chris Hartman. “This legislation seeks to undo the hard work of eight Kentucky cities that chose to protect all their residents from discrimination. These cities, like nearly 200 local employers in the Kentucky Competitive Workforce Coalition, know that discrimination is bad for business. Should the Kentucky General Assembly pass this license to discriminate, it will have untold negative effects on our commonwealth’s tourism, economics, and business development.”

Nevada: Gov. Sandoval Says "No" To SCOTUS Consideration


Brian Sandoval, moderate Republican and current governor of Nevada, has taken himself out of consideration for the current vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Via Politico:

“Earlier today, I notified the White House that I do not wish to be considered at this time for possible nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States,” Sandoval said in a statement. “I have also spoken to Senators Reid, Heller and McConnell and expressed the same desire to them. The notion of being considered for a seat on the highest court in the land is beyond humbling and I am incredibly grateful to have been mentioned.”

It really became news that Sandoval was being floated as a possible replacement for recently deceased Antonin Scalia.

New Poll: Marco Rubio Trails Donald Trump By Double-Digits In His Homestate Of Florida


In the first new poll since former Gov. Jeb Bush dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump has a big lead over Sen. Marco Rubio in the state of Florida.

It goes without saying that Rubio represents Florida in the U.S. Senate.

This is very bad news for Rubio.

The survey, by Quinnipiac University, shows Trump leading Rubio 44-28 percent less than three weeks before Florida’s March 15 primary. And voters — tens of thousands of them — are already casting ballots by mail, which leaves Rubio very little time to make up the deficit against the Republican front-runner.

“If Sen. Rubio can’t win in his own home state, it is difficult to see how he can win elsewhere,” said a statement from Peter A. Brown, the poll’s assistant director.

It's worth noting that the Florida Republican primary is "winner take all." So Rubio's current trend of coming in second will do him no good in this scenario.

Contrast this news with the RealClearPolitics Texas GOP poll averages showing Sen. Ted Cruz leading in HIS home state of Texas over Donald Trump and Rubio by about 7%.

Click to enlarge

Donald Trump Gets No "Honeymoon" With Jackie Gleason


Jackie Gleason's "Ralph Kramden" of the classic TV show The Honeymooners is no fan of Donald Trump.

Funny bit of video editing here :)



(h/t kenneth in the 212)

Italian Senate Approves Civil Unions


The Italian Senate has just approved legislation which would legalize civil unions in Italy by a vote of 173-71.

The bill will head to the House of Deputies where the legislation is expected to pass easily.

Italy is the only major Western European country to not recognize same-sex couples.

The legislation is not perfect in that it comes stripped of adoption rights. And, of course, it's not full marriage.

But sometimes, you have to move forward with whatever you can and live to fight another day.

Good going, Italy!

Bryan Hawn Covers Beyoncé "Formation"


Bryan Hawn and his famous backside bring you his latest cover video - Beyoncé's "Formation."

This may not be the Super Bowl, but Hawn's super-Butt deserves just as much exposure, don't you think?



Funny: The Problem With 'Jeggings'

The Problem with Jeggings

Posted by CollegeHumor on Monday, February 22, 2016

Jimmy Kimmel Helps Donald Trump Celebrate "Poorly Educated" Voters


Jimmy Kimmel pokes fun at Donald Trump celebrating his Nevada win with the support of "poorly educated" voters.


Donald Trump With "Gay" Voice


JoeMyGod points up this video of Donald Trump's victory speech after the South Carolina primary.

Without changing any words, the voiceover has been changed to a stereotypical "gay" voice.

Does this constitute mocking Trump by "making him gay?" Or is it funny?

You'll recall the 2015 documentary "Do I Sound Gay?" which addressed the idea of this dynamic.


New Music: Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Amy Sky "LIV ON"


Via press release:

International superstar and multiple Grammy Award-winner Olivia Newton-John, Grammy nominee Beth Nielsen Chapman and SOCAN Award-winner Amy Sky are lending their vocal and songwriting talents to create “LIV ON,” a collaborative, newly recorded eleven-song collection intended for those who wish to transcend loss while walking a journey toward new-found meaning and hope.

This inspiring new project grew out of the three artists’ personal experiences with loss and illness, which they all survived to “LIV ON” and celebrate each day with a depth of gratitude. This labor of love stemmed from the trio sharing their stories together and expressing their deepest feelings from the most difficult to the most celebratory. It’s the hope that this music can uplift hearts burdened by grief while at the same time bring comfort to the listener. 

“As a group, it's our intention with this album to create songs with a message of compassion and hope,” said Newton-John. “They are for anyone facing a time of challenge in their life, whether it is grieving a loss - or on the journey to health and recovery.” 

“LIV ON” – means “to thrive, to have hope and to remember.” The message is clear in the lyrics of the album’s title song: 

Live on, Live on
Brighter skies will come again
Cry the tears you cry
And then live on, live on
Love is all we leave when we are gone...Live on



With songs such as “Don’t Know What To Say,” “My Heart Goes Out to You,” “Immortality,” and “Stone In My Pocket,” the lyrics express different phases of the delicate recovery process while validating the experience so the listener can heal once again and soar. In addition, each artist revisits songs that have brought love and light to many of their fans. The album includes new interpretations of “Grace and Gratitude” (Newton-John), “Sand and Water” (Nielsen Chapman) and “I Will Take Care of You” (Sky). 
 
“LIV ON” will be available on Friday, June 10, 2016. 

More information here.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Daily Dance: Legion Of Extraordinary Dancers "Yellow"


Ali Forney Center's Carl Siciliano Interviewed On "The Daily Show"


The Daily Show's Jessica Williams sat down with virulently homophobic pastor James David Manning of Atlah Worldwide Church, and yes, kids, he's still crazy as ever.

Additionally, Williams chats with Ali Forney Center handsome Executive Director Carl Siciliano, who’s currently raising funds to buy the property, which is up for auction due to around $1 million in debt.


UK Cast Of The Sound Of Music Goes All Out In "The Sound Of Gaga"


Check out this impressive tribute to Lady Gaga by the current UK cast of The Sound of Music.

Looks like the talented cast adapted their staging to accommodate the Gaga songs. Well done!

Here's the clip description:

At the 2015 Oscars, Lady Gaga performed a medley of songs from The Sound of Music to mark the 50th Anniversary of the classic movie. In return, the cast of The Sound of Music pay their thanks to the ‘Mother Monster’ by performing their take on some of Lady Gaga’s hits.




And Lady Gaga approves:



(h/t Towleroad)

CNN: Republican Governor Of Nevada Being Vetted For Supreme Court Nomination?



Wow. This would make for a very interesting choice.

Living in Nevada myself, I've found Gov. Brian Sandoval to be very moderate and fair. Or, said another way: if you're going to have a Republican governor, he's a good one.

I've heard for years Sandoval would love to be a Supreme Court justice. And it would tough for the Senate Republicans to deny Sandoval a hearing.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid Endorses Hillary Clinton For President


Nevada Sen. Harry Reid announced today that he is endorsing Hillary Clinton for president.

The Nevada Democrat issued a plea for his party to consolidate behind Clinton, who has struggled to fend off an insurgent campaign from Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont.

"I think the middle class would be better served by Hillary," Reid said.

"I think that my work with her over the years has been something that I have looked upon with awe. She was the first lady. She started the trend toward looking to do something about health care. She understood the issue well, she was the front on the health care during that administration," he said.

Reid added, "I also think she's the woman to be the first president of the United states that's a female."

Many see this as a sign that Democratic leaders are eager to put the party's contentious primary fight behind them.

As the Senate Minority Leader, Reid is the highest ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate.

Donald Trump To His Supporters: "I Love The Poorly Educated"


Speaking to his supporters after winning the Nevada Caucus, Donald Trump says he loves "the poorly educated."

And the crowd roars!

By the way, Trump also crows about winning 44% of Nevada's Latino vote. Not quite right.

Trump won 44% of Latino Republicans. In a recent poll, only 16% of Latino Nevadans identified as Republican. That means he was supported by about 7% of Latinos in Nevada (44% of 16 = 7.04). 

Put another way: 93% of Latinos in Nevada did not vote for Trump.


Royal Canadian Navy Cheers First "Homecoming Kiss" Between Gay Sailor And His Partner


The Royal Canadian Navy proudly showed off social progress on Tuesday when the honor of the ceremonial "homecoming kiss" was given to an openly gay sailor and his partner.

Via CBC:

There were loud cheers today when Master Seaman Francis Legare embraced his partner, Corey Vautour, after more than eight months at sea.

"I have been away for 255 days, so it feels great," a smiling Legare said. "I am speechless."

HMCS Winnipeg, which has a crew of 250, returned to Victoria on Tuesday after a tour in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

Being the first sailor off a ship is considered an honour and privilege in the Canadian navy, and it's decided by a random raffle.

But it's a sign of the times that the navy is on board with a kiss that may have been considered controversial not too long ago.


President Obama Pens Column For SCOTUSblog Regarding Choosing A Supreme Court Nominee


President Obama has penned a column for SCOTUSblog explaining how he plans to choose a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court after the passing of Antonin Scalia.

As many of you know, Senate Republicans have announced they plan to hold no hearings or votes on a replacement until after the presidential election, and thus shirk their constitutional responsibility. Yesterday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wouldn't even MEET a nominee.

More obstructionism from the Republicans.

Here's part of Obama's essay:

First and foremost, the person I appoint will be eminently qualified. He or she will have an independent mind, rigorous intellect, impeccable credentials, and a record of excellence and integrity. I’m looking for a mastery of the law, with an ability to hone in on the key issues before the Court, and provide clear answers to complex legal questions.

Second, the person I appoint will be someone who recognizes the limits of the judiciary’s role; who understands that a judge’s job is to interpret the law, not make the law. I seek judges who approach decisions without any particular ideology or agenda, but rather a commitment to impartial justice, a respect for precedent, and a determination to faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand.

But I’m also mindful that there will be cases that reach the Supreme Court in which the law is not clear. There will be cases in which a judge’s analysis necessarily will be shaped by his or her own perspective, ethics, and judgment. That’s why the third quality I seek in a judge is a keen understanding that justice is not about abstract legal theory, nor some footnote in a dusty casebook. It’s the kind of life experience earned outside the classroom and the courtroom; experience that suggests he or she views the law not only as an intellectual exercise, but also grasps the way it affects the daily reality of people’s lives in a big, complicated democracy, and in rapidly changing times. That, I believe, is an essential element for arriving at just decisions and fair outcomes.

A sterling record. A deep respect for the judiciary’s role. An understanding of the way the world really works. That’s what I’m considering as I fulfill my constitutional duty to appoint a judge to our highest court. And as Senators prepare to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to consider the person I appoint, I hope they’ll move quickly to debate and then confirm this nominee so that the Court can continue to serve the American people at full strength.

President Obama: "It Will Be Difficult" For Senate Republicans To Deny SCOTUS Nominee Proper Consideration



President Obama tells CNN that "it will be very difficult" for Senate Majority Leader to deny a SCOTUS nominee consideration.

Tweet Of The Day

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Celine Dion To Livestream Her Opening Show In #LasVegas


Celine Dion will livestream the first ten minutes of her show tonight at Caesar's Colosseum as a way of being closer to her fans as she returns to the concert stage for the first time since the passing of her husband René Angélil, and her brother, in January.

Word is her opening song will be Barbra Streisand's "With One More Look At You" from the film A Star Is Born.

UPDATE: You can watch the video - now archived - at CelineDion.com.

Democratic Candidates On CNN Townhall Tonight


CNN hosts a townhall discussion with both Democratic presidential nominees, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton & Sen. Bernie Sanders, tonight at 8pmET/5pmPT.

Personally, I like the townhall format more than a debate scenario. Less attacking each other and the questions come from the voters, which I find more interesting.

Early on some folks called for more debates than the original six announced. I wasn't crazy about that idea as I think you get in six debates about all the interchange between candidates you need.  Of course, three more debates were eventually added to the schedule.

But in a townhall setting, real every day Americans get to directly ask the candidates what they care about.

#Better

Stephen Colbert & Casey Affleck Sit Through Awkward Interview on THE LATE SHOW


Rather awkward interview segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert when Casey Affleck shows up a tad under-dressed for Colbert's taste.

A joke about the rumpled Affleck sets a tone for the entire interview.

At one point, Colbert says, "You really look like a street corner Jesus." And that was a high point.

Affleck was promoting his new movie Triple 9 in theaters February 26th.