Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Gerald McCullouch Talks "Daddy" & "Bear City 3"


Director/actor Gerald McCullouch chats on his new indie film, DADDY, and the upcoming BEAR CITY 3 in this episode of my online radio show, The Randy Report.

I know so many of you read my posts here on the blog, I really encourage you to hit the player below and hear what I actually sound like when I'm interviewing folks.

As an actor, Gerald ("Bones," "NCIS," "House") is recognized around the world for his 10 seasons as Bobby Dawson on “CSI," as well as his critically praised portrayal of "Roger" in the Bear City movies.

Thanks to the global and diverse fan bases of “CSI” and the Bear City movies, he was honored as one of the 100 most compelling people in OUT Magazine’s “OUT 100," and featured in The New York Daily News, LA Daily News, The New York Post, US Weekly and The Advocate, among others.

Gerald originated the role of "Colin" in the NYC world premiere stage production of DADDY and produced the critically acclaimed West Coast premiere, in which he also starred, receiving rave reviews.

DADDY The Movie fared equally as well with the critics. Here are a few quotes from critics:

CIFF: “Funny, erotic, and heart-tugging DADDY explores what a hot, beautiful mess friendship and loyalty are and how to age gracefully while kicking and screaming.”

The Film Reel: “It’s hard to say that the film is anything but wonderful…outstanding.. very powerful and filled with emotion…a fantastic film.”

Zone Culture: "Nothing short of miraculous… credit must be given to the talent of the Via-McCullouch team for making one of the most touching, heartwarming and believable friendships in the history of gay movies.”

Progressive Pulse: “Wonderful and beautiful performances…an impressive directorial debut”

More info on Gerald at www.gerald.biz

Listen to my interview below. And if you like, I really ask that you share :)

News Round-Up: November 30, 2016

Fitness model Nick Sandell

Some news stories you may have missed:

• Who can ever get enough of fitness model Nick Sandell?

• After closing all LGBT charities and legally banning sexual lubricants (because they "promote" homosexuality) earlier this year, the government of Tanzania has now banned all HIV/AIDS outreach programs.

• After years of physical and verbal bullying, 13 year old Tyrone Unsworth of Australia committed suicide last week. "Faggot," "fairy," and "gay boy" were daily taunts Tyrone heard at school until he took his own life.

• Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price, opposes same-sex marriage, opposes protections for transgender folks, says LGBT rights cost too much and wants to completely cut off all federal funds for Planned Parenthood. Sounds like a great guy, huh?

• Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham is prepping legislation to extend legal protections for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. This is in anticipation of Donald Trump revoking the executive orders by President Obama which has protected over 700K young people to avoid deportation.

• More from calendar season! Today, we've got out singer/songwriter Tom Goss offering up his "beefcake" calendar. Head over to his official website to order.

Anti-LGBT Gov. Pat McCrory Looks To Be Toast As Roy Cooper's Lead Crosses 10K Threshold


It looks like anti-LGBT North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory is going to need to face the reality that his days in the North Carolina state house are coming to an end.

And it couldn't happen to a better guy. You'll recall McCrory championed, signed and defended his state's HB2, an anti-LGBT law which among other things prevents transgender folks from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.

Thanks to the law, the Tarheels state has lost millions in income as conventions, concerts and other events have cancelled over the discriminatory legislation.

Democratic challenger, state Attorney General Roy Cooper, refused to defend HB2, and currently has a lead of more than 10,000 votes in the race for the governorship.

Hump Day: Bryan Hawn Is Most Definitely A "Mother*ckin" Starboy

Bryan Hawn puts the "humpy" in Hump Day

It's Hump Day! And what better way to celebrate than a bit of Bryan Hawn's magical "humps."

Hawn is on fire as a humpy fireman crooning his version of The Weeknd's "Starboy."

Plus, Hawn brings along a playmate for the video romp.

Make sure you follow Hawn on Facebook here.

Click the clip below and take a well-deserved mid-day brain break.



The Trump Cabinet Is Not Looking Good For The Gays


Newsflash - Donald Trump, who during the presidential campaign said he'd be "so much better for the gays," is not doing so great for the gays when you realize that all of his administration appointments so far oppose equal rights for LGBTs.

The guy who could barely pronounce "L-G-B-T-Q" at his national convention looks like he's rounding up every anti-LGBT political personality he can find.

Let's look at Trump's choice for Attorney General, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions. Sessions voted against marriage equality, repealing DADT, and received a prefect "0" rating from the Human Rights Campaign.

Really makes you feel like America's next "Top Cop" is really going to be looking out for you, huh?

Secretary of Education nominee, Betsy DeVos, donated $700,000 to various anti-LGBT groups who fought tooth and nail against same-sex marriage. Plus, she basically opposes fixing public schools and would like to see school vouchers become the norm.

Secretary of Health and Human Services choice, Tom Price, is another total zero, at least when it comes to his Human Rights Campaign rating thanks in great part to his co-sponsorship of the First Amendment Defense Act which would legalize LGBT discrimination based on "deeply held religious beliefs. Plus, he called the Obergefell decision "a sad day for marriage."

Vice President Mike Pence - where to start? He started an international shit storm last year when he signed Indiana’s anti-LGBT ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’ into law, giving businesses the right to discriminate against gay people on the grounds of religion.

Pence would also like to repeal President Obama’s executive protections on LGBT rights, so that “the transgender bathroom issue can be resolved with common sense at the local level”.

Under Reince Priebus' leadership,  the GOP adopted it's most into-LGBT platform in years. Priebus has been tagged for the plum role of Chief of Staff in the Trump administration. He also bears the pride of a zero rating from the HRC,

Incoming National Security Advisor Michael Flynn has a long history of opposing gays in the military. Most recently he was very verbal about allowing transgender folks to serve openly in the U.S. armed forces.

Stay tuned for more. I'm sure this is just the tip of the titanic Trump iceberg.

BREAKING: Officer Who Shot Keith Lamont Scott "Acted Lawfully"


From CNN:

Charlotte police Officer Brentley Vinson's deadly use of force was lawful the day he killed Keith Lamont Scott, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray said Wednesday in announcing no charges will be filed in the case.

In response to public speculation about whether Keith Lamont Scott was armed the day he was killed by police, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray said "all the credible evidence" leads to the conclusion Scott was armed.

His DNA was found on the grip of a gun found at the scene, Murray said.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray is holding a news conference, describing new details from the day Keith Lamont Scott was killed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Brentley Vinson.

Murray showed surveillance footage from a convenience store shortly before Scott was shot at an apartment complex. The footage showed a bulge around Scott's ankle. Murray said the bulge is consistent with the holster and gun later described by officers.

The district attorney also said at least three officers reported seeing Scott holding a gun before he was shot, though dashcam video did not show that detail.

Trump Continues 'Cat And Mouse' With Mitt Romney Over Secretary Of State


Donald Trump continues his public humiliation of Mitt Romney by having dinner in public with the Secretary of State wannabe.

Romney looks like he's having a great time, huh?

Via NPR:

After leaving the dinner at the Jean-Georges restaurant at the Trump International Hotel in New York City, Romney told reporters they had a “wonderful evening” and that he’s been impressed with Trump’s transition so far and many of his Cabinet picks.

“We had another discussion about affairs throughout the world, and these discussions I’ve had with him have been enlightening, and interesting, and engaging,” Romney said.

“He won the general election and he continues with a message of inclusion and bringing people together and his vision is something which obviously connected with the American people in a very powerful way,” he continued.

I will be mightily surprised if Trump actually picks Mitt Romney for Secretary of State after Mitt was one of Trump's fiercest critics during the campaign season calling Trump a "fraud" and a "con man."

Notice - by turning the pic of Trump and Mitt black and white, the image looks like something from an old Twilight Zone episode where someone just sold their soul to the devil.

Hillary Clinton Surprises UNICEF Ball Attendees To Honor Katy Perry



Hillary Clinton, the woman who beat Donald Trump in the popular vote for president by more than 2.3 million votes, surprised attendees at the UNICEF Ball last night in New York to introduce Katy Perry, who was honored with their Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award.

Deadline reports:

“We need champions like Katy, now more than ever,” Clinton said. Her appearance was among her first since losing the presidential election to Donald Trump, and was greeted with a standing ovation.

Audience members tweeted that Perry was surprised by Clinton’s arrival on stage, and was moved to tears.

“Truly my work has just begun, and this award is a starting line, not a finish line,” Perry said in a part of her acceptance speech that was later tweeted by UNICEF.

Thanking Clinton, Perry said, “Hillary has lit that voice inside of me, and that light will never go out. It will continue to get brighter and brighter and brighter.”

Donald Trump Pretends He Won't Have Anything To Do With His Businesses While President


Donald Trump magnanimously tweets this morning that he will be "leaving my great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country."

Thus is not a blind trust.

For clarity, a blind trust is a financial arrangement in which a person in public office gives the administration of private business interests to an independent trust in order to prevent conflict of interest. Under the trust, the owner does not know how the assets are managed.

Does anyone really believe that Trump won't, in private conversations with his kids, inquire about business dealings?

Really?







Tuesday, November 29, 2016

#GivingTuesday 2016


We have "Black Friday."

We have "Cyber Monday."

But don't forget we also have "Giving Tuesday."

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

Let me do my part here and suggest a few of MY favorite organizations that do fantastic work throughout the year.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS: Since 1987, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has helped men, women and children impacted by HIV/AIDS across the country and across the street receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling and emergency financial assistance.

The Ali Forney Center: The Mission of the Ali Forney Center is to help homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth be safe and become independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood. You can donate items from the Center's "Amazon Wish List" like socks, sweat shirts, thermal underwear and more by clicking here.

The St. Therese Center in Las Vegas: a food pantry service, underwear & socks program, haircuts, a daily sandwich program and many emotional support services make this charity an unsung hero in Las Vegas for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Bright Star Foundation in Las Vegas: focuses on one thing - to financially and strategically support other organizations that see homeless LGBTQ youth fall through the cracks.

Trump: People Should Lose Their Citizenship If They Burn American Flag


Who knows why Donald Trump decided to stir this pot - clearly he's trying to divert from something he doesn't want the public to pay attention to.

No one should burn the American flag, BUT - the U.S. Constitution secures our right to do so.

There's that little thing called the 1st Amendment which protects freedom of expression. Plus, it is  literally unconstitutional to strip someone of their citizenship as punishment.

Seriously, this guy is going to be our president?

#smh



Idina Menzel Sings "Wind Beneath My Wings" In First Look At BEACHES Remake


We get our first tease of Tony Award winner Idina Menzel singing the iconic "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the upcoming Lifetime Channel remake of the Bette Midler classic film, Beaches.

Here's the synopsis of the film:
Like the 1988 original, the remake follows C.C. (Menzel) and Hillary (Nia Long) over several decades, including the former’s stage success and the latter’s tragic illness. Despite coming from different backgrounds, C.C., a budding singer, and Hillary, the daughter of a civil rights lawyer, strike up a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
The TV movie debuts on Lifetime January 21 at 8PM ET/7PM C


Billy Gilman Slays "Anyway" On THE VOICE

Billy Gilman's spectacular performance of "Anyway" by Martina McBride on The Voice

Out singer Billy Gilman continues his march through this season's THE VOICE with a stunning cover of Martina McBride's "Anyway."

In case you haven't been watching, I've covered his awesome journey on The Randy Report here and here.

Make sure you watch until the end when Gilman pulls out those big, huge notes he's famous for.

#GoGilman!

Jill Stein: "You Can't See Voter Fraud Unless You Actually Check The Votes"


Jill Stein, appearing on CNN this morning, said Americans will never know for sure if voter fraud is a true threat to our electoral system unless we actually CHECK the votes.

During the last weeks of the presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly asserted that voter fraud was real and rampant. Many of his followers bought into those statements.

But if we're ever really going to know how wide-spread (or not) the issue is, we have to see how reliable our systems truly are.

From The Hill:

“You cannot see voter fraud unless you actually check the votes,” she said on CNN Tuesday morning. “There’s absolutely no way to know. We should have checks and balances built into the process.

“There should be an automatic audit and we should not be using these voting machines that have been proven to be so incredibly unreliable, that are incapable of actually reading what the marking is on the piece of paper.”

“I’ve always said when I was asked throughout the campaign, ‘Would I stand up and call for a recount if there were doubts about the reliability of the vote?’ ” she said. “I’ve always said ‘yes.’ “I’ve never taken sides in this election between the two establishment candidates. We do not have skin in the game. We’re here to stand up for everyday voters who need a better way forward.

Monday, November 28, 2016

North Carolina's Anti-LGBT Gov. McCrory, Trailing By 9,000+ Votes, Refuses To Concede

Gov. Pat McCrory (L) and Attorney General Roy Cooper (R)
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, who infamously signed the anti-LGBT legislation known as HB 2 into law, refuses to concede to his Democratic opponent, current state Attorney General Roy Cooper even though Cooper leads by over 9,000 votes.

From The Advocate:

McCrory, infamous for signing the state’s anti-LGBT House Bill 2 into law, said Saturday that he would withdraw his demand for a statewide recount in exchange for a hand recount of votes in Durham County, which is heavily Democratic, The Charlotte Observer reports. The State Board of Elections met Sunday but took no action on that request, with members saying they had not received it in writing.

Cooper, whose lead has grown since Election Night, released a video Sunday declaring victory in the election, and Monday his attorney, Marc Elias, made that same point in a teleconference with reporters, the Charlotte Business Journal reports. “The math is simply clear. … Governor-elect Roy Cooper has won this race,” Elias said.

Cooper, currently the state’s attorney general, was a major opponent of HB 2, passed in March. He refused to defend it in court and called it a “national embarrassment.”

The law, among other things, prevents municipalities from enacting or enforcing LGBT-inclusive antidiscrimination ordinances, and it bars transgender people, when in government buildings, from using restrooms, locker rooms, and other single-sex facilities that match their gender identity.

HB 2 has cost the state millions is lost business as dozens of conventions, concerts and other events have cancelled over the hateful legislation.

News Round-Up: November 28, 2016


Some news stories you may have missed:

• Super stats guy Nate Silver snaps Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway back to reality after she claimed the Trumpster won in a "landslide."

• An Ohio State University student is dead after driving a car into a group of pedestrians and then stabbing several people today. Eleven people were hospitalized as a result of the student's attack.

• Neither President Obama nor Vice President Biden will be attending the funeral of deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

• A representative for the Texas Electoral College is resigning rather than cast his vote for Donald Trump on December 19.

• A gay man in Colorado was verbally assaulted ("the faggot that voted for Hillary") in front of his 4 year old son by an employee of Floor and Decor when he tried to return defective floor tiles.

• Donald Trump's pick for National Security Adviser, KT McFarland outed her gay brother to their parents as he was dying of AIDS.

• Tony Award winner Sutton Foster delivers moving "Unbreakable" on the Netflix revived Gilmore Girls.

Radio Show: Recording Artist Chloe Lattanzi Feels NO PAIN


My latest radio show on BlogTalkRadio gave me the chance to have a really upclose and personal chat with singer/actress Chloe Lattanzi about her debut album, NO PAIN, which has been released to critical praise.

Here's the show description:

Acclaimed singer/songwriter and actress Chloe Lattanzi releases her debut solo album, NO PAIN (co-written and co-produced with Jarrad Rogers), the follow-up to her #1 Billboard Dance Club hit, “You Have To Believe,” the acclaimed collaboration with her mother, international superstar Olivia Newton-John.

Chloe began the project when she was signed to Warner Australia at the early age of 17, as a creative outlet to express her personal battle with body dysmorphia and anorexia. Although some leaked demos created excitement for the project, it was eventually put on hold as Chloe addressed her inner demons.

“When I was making NO PAIN thirteen years ago, it was ‘never good enough’ in my mind. Perfection was important to me. Now, the state-of-mind I’m in, I can hear the beauty and the vulnerability of the journey I was taking when I was making the album, and I wanted to share it with the world. I’m proud of it now.”

Mike Wass, writing for Idolator says, “We’ve been blessed by the occasional stand-alone single (2010’s “Wings And A Gun” and 2011’s “Play With Me”) and a club-conquering duet with her mom. But none of those tracks rival the greatness of (NO PAIN). Chloe has a distinctive voice and, more importantly, something to say.”

Chloe’s Billboard debut, “You Have to Believe,” became the very first #1 hit on the Billboard Dance Club chart by a mother/daughter team. The music video inspired former Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter, to create a role for her in his successful zombie film, Dead 7, which premiered earlier this year on the SyFy Channel.

In 2008, Chloe garnered national attention on the MTV reality show Rock the Cradle, where she was the last female singer standing, coming in third in the finale.

I really hope you hit play below and take a listen. Chloe is quite frank about a lot of her journey through anorexia and body dysmorphia. Good on her for inspiring others.



Jill Stein Officially Files For Election Recount In Pennsylvania

Delta Airlines Bans Disruptive Trump Supporter For Life, Issues Apology To Passengers


Delta Airlines has issued this apology to the passengers who were intimidated into silence with an anti-Hillary rant during a flight from Allentown last week:

"We are sorry to our customers who experienced this disruption. We have followed up with the teams involved and all agree that this customer should not have been allowed to continue on the flight. Our responsibility for ensuring all customers feel safe and comfortable with Delta includes requiring civil behavior from everyone. The behavior we see in this video does not square with our training or culture and follow up will continue so we can better ensure our employees will know they will be fully supported to make the right decisions when these issues arise."

According to the person who initially uploaded the video of the rant, the man has been allegedly identified as Jamie Winnefrock, an employee of Rockwell Collins. Rockwell has come under fire for the behavior of their employee. The company posted this message on Facebook (without denying the man works for them):

Like many, we found the behavior of the person captured on video of Delta Flight 248 unacceptable. We are currently investigating the matter. Regardless, we don’t condone this type of behavior, nor does it in any way align with our company’s core values or the pride we take in fostering a culture of tolerance, integrity and respectfulness.

A memo to Delta Airline employees from the CEO of Delta asserts the man will not be allowed on any Delta flight in the future.

Internal Memo

Date: November 28, 2016

To: Delta Colleagues Worldwide

From: Ed Bastian

Subject: Disruptive Passenger on DL248

Thank you for the amazing job you did running our operation and taking care of our customers during the busy Thanksgiving holiday. At Delta, we strive to deliver a safe and reliable product while providing a customer experience that is second to none. You come to work every day prepared to serve our customers and to take care of each other while also dealing with the unexpected.

As you may have heard by now, last week a video began circulating around the internet showing a disruptive passenger on board a Delta flight. This individual displayed behavior that was loud, rude and disrespectful to his fellow customers. After questioning the customer, our team members made the best decision they could given the information they had and allowed him to remain on the flight. However, if our colleagues had witnessed firsthand what was shown in the video, there is no question they would have removed him from the aircraft. He will never again be allowed on a Delta plane.

Part of being a reliable travel partner and a servant leader is acknowledging our mistakes so we can learn from them and respond more effectively in the future. Delta has apologized to the customers onboard that flight. We are also refunding those customers the cost of their tickets.

I also want to make sure all of you know we have your backs. The heightened tension in our society means that now more than ever we must require civility on our planes and in our facilities. We must stay true to Delta’s core values and treat one another with dignity and respect. We also must remain committed more than ever to the safety of our customers and our crew members. We will not tolerate anything less.

Again, thank you for all you do.

Ed

Bolding is mine.

Here's the video again documenting the man's assholery:

Meme Of The Day

Donald Trump doesn't want a recount, but he believes that there were MILLIONS of fraudulent votes. Think about that. Take all the time you need.

Crazy Trump Voter Has White Privilege Meltdown In Chicago Crafts Store


Today in Trump Nation, we present this young woman suffering from a serious case of white privilege who was documented as having a 45 minute meltdown against just about everyone in a Michaels crafts store in Chicago.

From the Chicagoist:

According to a Facebook post by Jessie Grady — the bystander who filmed the scene — the woman began shouting after a black employee asked her if she wanted to purchase a bag for her larger items. The incident reportedly took place Wednesday night.

“Why don’t you shut your face?” the woman is heard shouting at the beginning of the video. “And I voted for Trump, so there. You gonna kick me out because of that? And look who won!”

As the video continues, the woman repeatedly yells that she is being discriminated against, confronts Grady as she films, accuses Grady's child of stealing, and refers to Michaels employees as "animals."

Michaels denounced the incident via Twitter:



I'm not exactly sure what voting for Trump had to do with this woman's psychotic break, but she sure made a point of mentioning it.

Here's the original post by Jessie Grady on her Facebook:

"This is the shortened version of an almost 45 minute ordeal I saw a racist Trump supporter put an entire store, in one of most liberal neighborhoods of Chicago (if not the country), through on Wednesday night.

"This entitled young white woman was angry that an African American employee asked her if she wanted to buy a bag for her larger items. I started recording because I'd seen her in the store and she'd told me to go ahead of her in line and when I was about to leave she started lying & yelling at the employees and going on a horrible racist rant. I've worked in retail and I know that 9/10 times, when a customer complains, employees suffer and the irate customer gets a discount so I started filming because I wasn't going to let that happen.

"She was threatening these women's jobs, shouting that she was a Trump supporter, that African American women were discriminating against her, she called them animals, said it was reverse racism, etc. She literally said to the (black) manager of this store, "You're not my mother and I'll do whatever I want to you!" (The manager - this amazing woman, was calm as the sea!)."


You'll recall a similar incident on a Delta flight last week when a passenger walked up and down the aisle of a plane looking to openly intimidate "Hillary bitches." It took Delta Airlines several days to respond to the incident.

Congrats Trump Nation! This is your country.


(h/t JoeMyGod)

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Donald Trump Claims He "Won" The Popular Vote


Donald Trump is so rattled by the idea of a recount of the vote in three battleground states that he began defending his own victory in the presidential election via Twitter.

Kellyanne Conway - this is where you take the Blackberry out of the Trumpster's tiny hands...







Las Vegas: Opportunity Village Opens "The Magical Forest 2016"


Easily one of the holiday season's brightest highlights in Las Vegas is Opportunity Village's "Magical Forest."

From Thanksgiving to New Years, folks of all ages can enjoy the magic and fantasy of Christmas lights, music and more at the annual Opportunity Village attraction.

This past Friday, Australia's most successful vocal group, Human Nature, and the world famous Chippendales joined Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus for the lighting of the "Magical Forest" Christmas tree.

"The Magical Forest" is a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, great food and endless cheer not to be missed during the holiday season.

From the official website:

Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization serving children and adults in the southern Nevada community with intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them. Opportunity Village is dedicated to helping people become the very best they can be. Through vocational training, community employment, day services, advocacy, arts and social recreation, citizens with severe disabilities are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration and unleash creative passions.

Through hard work, sweat, and a little luck, Opportunity Village has helped southern Nevada’s most vulnerable citizens integrate into the community through wage-paying jobs. These jobs provide opportunities for these individuals to display and be rewarded for their talent and achievement while gaining a measure of independence. It’s no wonder that Opportunity Village has earned the distinction of “Las Vegas’ Best Community Organization.”

Almost entirely self-funded, Opportunity Village is possible because southern Nevadans realize the value in supporting their neighbors with intellectual disabilities. In our society, people with disabilities live their live being told what they can’t do. Opportunity Village strives to break that stigma, encouraging the people it serves to follow their dreams.
As regular readers of The Randy Report know, opportunities for those folks with special challenges hold an important place on my blog. From my brother, who is a bright light as he shines through Autism Spectrum Disorder, to the amazing athletes who inspire us every four years at the Special Olympics.

If you've never been to the "Magical Forest," you really should put it on your must-see list for December.  Check out some pics from the tree lighting event, then make sure you go get some Christmas cheer thanks to Opportunity Village.

Human Nature with Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman

Las Vegas' Mayor Carolyn Goodman with Chippendales' James Davis & Mikey Perez

Australia's best selling vocal group, Human Nature, delivered the Christmas tunes

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman officially proclaimed "Magical Forest Day"

Who's lap do you want to sit on - Santa's?
Or the Chippendales' Mikey Perez and James Davis?

Me and handsome hubby Michael take a stroll through The Magical Forest





Just Because: Christmas Is Coming

(via Instagram)

Trump Goes On Twitter Rant Over Voting Recount


President-elect Donald Trump seems a bit unnerved by the announcement by Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein that she will request audit/recounts of the voting in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Trump took to Twitter today in a long rant decrying the recount effort based on the recommendations of computer scientists who say there are some irregular patterns in those three states. The discrepancies seem to be based in counties which used only electronic voting.

Of course, you'll recall Trump had a completely different tone about challenging results and voter fraud just weeks before the election.

Yesterday, the Clinton campaign tacitly announced it would participate, primarily to ensure the effort was fair to all sides. The Clinton team has stated it does not expect the results of the election to change due to the recount.

I personally think this is good thing. There are Americans who are still in disbelief about the outcome of the presidential election, and a recount (paid through donations, not tax dollars) could help folks accept the result more easily.



















Christmas Music: Idina Menzel "Do You Hear What I Hear?"


Regular readers of The Randy Report know I love holiday music. I'll be sharing some of my favorites over the next few weeks.

From the 2014 release, Holiday Wishes, by the luminous Idina Menzel - "Do You Hear What I Hear?"


Kellyanne Conway: Mitt Romney Was "Nothing More Than Awful" To Donald Trump


Kellyanne Conway says she's not campaigning "against" Mitt Romney, but based on this clip from NBC's Meet The Press, I'm gonna put her down in the "no on Mitt" column.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Randy Rainbow Trolls Trump/Pence With HAMILTON Parody


Randy Rainbow turns his creative focus to Vice President-elect Mike Pence's recent visit to the Broadway smash hit Hamilton: An American Musical, and his boss' Twitter melt-down in the aftermath of that escapade.

As many know, Pence was booed as he entered the Richard Rodgers Theater by many members of the audience. And at the end of the curtain call, Brandon Victor Dixon - one of the stars of the show - read a message from the stage concerning the cast and creators' concerns about the incoming administration.

Randy's musical Trump/Pence tribute is a parody of the Hamilton tune “You’ll Be Back,” originally performed by out actor/hottie, Jonathan Groff.

Rainbow skewers both Trump and Pence for the days long fallout from the Pence pack's night at the thea-ah-tah.

“Don’t denounce a Broadway play when you won’t denounce the KKK”


Just Because

(photographer: Mark Jenkins)

President-Elect Trump On Recount Effort: "This Is A Scam"


Statement From President-Elect Donald J. Trump on the Ridiculous Green Party Recount Request:

"The people have spoken and the election is over, and as Hillary Clinton herself said on election night, in addition to her conceding by congratulating me, 'We must accept this result and then look to the future.'

"It is important to point out that with the help of millions of voters across the country, we won 306 electoral votes on Election Day - the most of any Republican since 1988 – and we carried nine of 13 battleground states, 30 of 50 states, and more than 2,600 counties nationwide - the most since President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

"This recount is just a way for Jill Stein, who received less than one percent of the vote overall and wasn’t even on the ballot in many states, to fill her coffers with money, most of which she will never even spend on this ridiculous recount. All three states were won by large numbers of voters, especially Pennsylvania, which was won by more than 70,000 votes.

"This is a scam by the Green Party for an election that has already been conceded, and the results of this election should be respected instead of being challenged and abused, which is exactly what Jill Stein is doing."

(source)

Hillary Clinton Campaign Will Participate In Jill Stein Vote Audit


Marc Elias, general counsel for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, announced today in an essay posted on Medium that the campaign will participate in the upcoming audit/recount effort begun by Jill Stein earlier this week.

Because we had not uncovered any actionable evidence of hacking or outside attempts to alter the voting technology, we had not planned to exercise this option ourselves, but now that a recount has been initiated in Wisconsin, we intend to participate in order to ensure the process proceeds in a manner that is fair to all sides.

If Jill Stein follows through as she has promised and pursues recounts in Pennsylvania and Michigan, we will take the same approach in those states as well.

We do so fully aware that the number of votes separating Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in the closest of these states — Michigan — well exceeds the largest margin ever overcome in a recount. But regardless of the potential to change the outcome in any of the states, we feel it is important, on principle, to ensure our campaign is legally represented in any court proceedings and represented on the ground in order to monitor the recount process itself.

Stein's team is looking for not only a recount, but a reconciliation of paper records from the election.

At this writing, Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote stands at more than 2.2 million.

Jill Stein has raised over $5.7 million to fund vote audits in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Team Trump has not issued a statement on the audit effort at this point.

President Obama And President-Elect Trump Respond To The Passing Of Fidel Castro


Statement by President Obama on the Passing of Fidel Castro:

At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people. We know that this moment fills Cubans - in Cuba and in the United States - with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.

For nearly six decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements. During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends - bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba.

Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro's family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America.

In 2015, the U.S. and Cuba reopened their embassies in Havana and Washington.

In March of this year, President Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Communist island in nearly 90 years.

Appearing at a joint press conference with Cuban President Raúl Castro, Obama delivered a speech that was broadcast on Cuban television. During his time in Havana, Obama met with two independent LGBT rights advocates.

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

Statement from President-Elect Donald J. Trump:

"Today, the world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.

While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve.

Though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the Cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty. I join the many Cuban Americans who supported me so greatly in the presidential campaign, including the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed me, with the hope of one day soon seeing a free Cuba."

Friday, November 25, 2016

Cuban Leader Fidel Castro Dead At 90


Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro died late Friday in Havana, his brother, President Raul Castro, announced on national television.

During his time as Cuba's leader, Castro sent thousands of gay men, certified unfit for military service, to labor camps known as Military Units to Aid Production.

Additionally, Castro’s government quarantined people living with HIV/AIDS in state-run sanitaria until 1993.

Fidel Castro is dead, Donald Trump will be president of the United States soon.

And so it goes.



Best Friends Make "Bromantic" Travel Video To Troll Conservative Family Members


What do you do when your conservative family worries that you may be a little "too close" with your straight bro? Like, "too close = gay" close?

Travis Henning says his Southern family is way concerned that he and his straight best bud just might be dating on the down low. So, the two bros made a vacation video of “bromantic” moments from their recent trip to Thailand just to shake things up at home.

Our families think we might be gay. We sent them this video from our trip to Thailand to ease their concerns.

Henning shared on Reddit his mom didn't quite appreciate the humor: “Spoke with my mom last week for her b-day. She asked me to stop making things like this.”

Check out the beautiful bromance below.