Friday, March 31, 2017

Instagram Celebrates International Trans Day Of Visibility


Actress Laverne Cox joined folks all around the world today on Instagram to observe International Trans Day of Visibility.
"As an out, visible, black, transgender woman everyday is #TransDayOfVisibility for me. My blackness, transness and womanhood are political, social and historic realities. But my spirit, my soul, my humanity transcend these identity categories. As an artist I have always yearned for transcendence. Today I continue to do the spiritual work towards that transcendence. But the political, social and historic realities of the multiple identities I inhabit, continue to affect how I and people like me move through the world and access space and resources.

"In this context it becomes necessary, vital to celebrate ourselves and these socially constructed yet personally, politically and historically relevant identities we inhabit.

"Trans people are under attack perhaps now more than ever as we enjoy more visibility than we have ever known. So on this #transdayofvisibility #tdov2017 we celebrate trans folks, those who are visible, by circumstance and by choice. We celebrate and are visible for those who can not be. As we celebrate visibility we also acknowledge the limits of visibility.

"We acknowledge that trans folks experience violence disproportionately, that the past 3 years there have been more murders of trans folks than since we have been tracking trans homicides. We acknowledge that trans students are under attack in the United States. We #StandwithGavin Grimm and trans students like him across this nation fighting for dignity and equal access.

"We acknowledge that bills like HB2 and the bill masquerading as a repeal of that bill but is only more discrimination, are about erasing trans people from public life.

"We acknowledge that when we are excluded from being counted in census data this is another attempt to erase us. We acknowledge that when trans folks are misgendered and disavowed this is yet another attempt to stigmatize and erase us. We acknowledge that folks at the intersections of multiple identities being targeted must be lifted up.

"On this Trans Day of Visibility we reassert that we will not and cannot be erased. Happy #TransDayOfVisibility #TransIsBeautiful"



✖️Updated version: Today is #transdayofvisibility and I just wanted to say to everybody who may be struggling right now about their identity or may be scared to come out as trans to family, friends or even to themselves, I just wanted to say fight for your own happiness, never give up on yourself, be proud of who you are as a person. You are lovely, you are beautiful/handsome, You are strong. You will thank yourself one day for being strong enough to push through the storm you may be going through and is able to finally say to yourself "I made it" and honestly that is the best feeling when you look back on how far you've come. I fought for my happiness and never given up even when I wanted to not live anymore, I felt hopeless, defeated and many other horrible things. I did go through hell and back with family, friends, work, and including myself, but I never gave up, I fought and fought to get where I am today and I can honestly say I'm so proud of who I am and who I've become. I created myself, I am SELF MADE, I am the man I was meant to be all along,🚹but most of all I am trans and I never been happier and proud. Be strong, stay true. I know you can get through this. Please don't give up on yourself, don't give up without a fight. I promise YOU that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope💙💙Be strong for yourself. You got this 💪🏻💪🏻 I am here for every single one of you, I support you, and I'm by your side. I AM VISIBlE to those who can't be. Remember; everyone has their own timing to their journey it's not a race, Trust the process. (This is also to anyone who may be struggling with something difficult in their life) ✖️#ftm #ftmfitness #transpride #trans #transguy #transman #transandproud #transgender #tdov #ftmhrt #ftmtransgender #guyswithbeards #mtf #transformation #happy #myjourney #testosterone #transisbeautiful #mohawk #guyswithtattoos
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Gilbert Baker, Creator Of The Rainbow Flag, Passes Away At 65


Sad news today as we learn of the passing of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag which has become the international symbol for LGBTQ equality.

Baker, an Army veteran and longtime activist, was 65 years old.

Activist Cleve Jones, who knew Baker for more than 40 years, shared the news on Facebook: “I am heartbroken. My dearest friend in the world is gone. Gilbert gave the world the Rainbow Flag; he gave me forty years of love and friendship. I can’t stop crying. I love you forever Gilbert Baker.”

In the 2007 book The American Flag, Two Centuries of Conflict and Concord, Baker is quoted as saying “Flags are torn from the soul of the people.”

Baker created the flag in 1978 for the Pride march in San Francisco, what was then referred to as the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade.

Jones has announced that there will be a gathering under the rainbow flag at Castro and Market Streets in San Francisco at 7 pm tonight:

President "Grab'Em By The Pussy" Trump Proclaims April National Sexual Assault & Prevention Month


A Conversation On A Street Corner Leads To This


Via Facebook: A homeless man stood alone on a corner every day for three years-- until someone finally reached out.

How much impact a conversation on a street corner can make.

Over 17 million views.

News Round-Up: March 31, 2017

Colton Haynes as "Daddy Warbucks" and Kathy Griffin as "Grannie"

Some news items you may have missed:

• Find out what happens when "Annie" hangs out too long at the orphanage in this parody "Grannie" of the hit musical. The clip stars Kathy Griffin as the aged orphan, plus it gives you a reason to finally call Colton Haynes "Daddy."

• The NCAA will announce next week if North Carolina's fake repeal of HB2 will actual help the state's standing in terms of booking any championship games in the next five years.

• The Trump administration's new budget seeks to cut $342 million in HIV/AIDS research and prevention programs. #ThanksTrump

• Congressional Democrats are demanding the next Census include questions on sexual orientation. That data is vitally needed to help policymakers understand the needs of the LGBT community.

• New survey by GLAAD indicates 25% of non-LGBTQ Americans are "uncomfortable" seeing an LGBTQ co-worker's wedding picture on their desk.

• Trumpeter, singer, producer, and dancer Spencer Ludwig wants you to get "Diggy" this weekend. Watch the grooving video below:

Ryan Phillippe's 42 Year-Old "Dad Bod" Is Pretty Awesome

Shirtless Ryan Phillippe gives good shirtless "dad bod" at 42 years old

Actor Ryan Phillippe shared a few behind-the-scenes snaps via Instagram of his upcoming photo layout for Men’s Fitness magazine proving he gives new meaning to the term, "dad bod."

Check those shoulders and triceps. Ryan makes 42 look awesome.

Derek & Drew Riker, photographers who happen to be handsome twins, handled the lens responsibilities for the shoot. The layout is scheduled to be featured in the June issue of the mag.



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Music Video: Mila Jam's International Trans Day of Visibility Anthem "Faces"

Mila Jam
International Transgender Day of Visibility is honored every year on March 31, and is a time to celebrate transgender people around the globe and the courage it takes to live openly and authentically, while also raising awareness around the discrimination trans people still face.

In observing the annual celebration, New York-based trans singer-songwriter Mila Jam shares a new video for her uplifting LGBT anthem, “Faces."

Laverne Cox, Candis Cayne, Tituss Burgess, Ari Gold, Sense8’s Jamie Clayton, supermodel Geena Rocero, Drag Race’s Peppermint, Transparent’s Zackary Drucker, Lina Bradford and Jai Rodriguez are just some of the famous faces lip-syncing along in the clip.

Mila shares about the new song (via press release):
“Faces” is about looking in that mirror and hearing do I belong, am I enough, will someone love me for who I really am? We wear smiles all the time but hide in fear and loathing because we feel different. The journey is universal no matter who you are. And, working through the dark uncertainties is all about learning to radiate your own light. Bravely. Unapologetically. Authentically. Happily.

Jam told OUT, “Everyone needs to see a reflection of themselves. Trans people are no different and completely worthy—beyond worthy. Trans Day of Visibility is a way to say, ’We belong here, just like you.'”

Proceeds from the sale of the single on iTunes will be go to the ONEPULSE Foundation, which aids the victims of the Pulse massacre.

Donald Trump Covers THE NEW YORKER


Chaffetz: No Immunity For Mike Flynn; President Trump Shouldn't Be Commenting On Issue

Rep. Jason Chaffetz

Last night, former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn told investigators looking into Team Trump's Russian connections that he would be willing to testify in exchange for immunity.

This morning, Trump weighed in saying "Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!"



It crosses my mind to wonder: was Trump instructing Flynn to not testify without protection of immunity? Could that be viewed as obstruction?

But GOP Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told Fox News that Flynn should not be granted immunity, AND President Trump should not be commenting on the issue.

“No, I don’t think it’s a witch hunt,” Chaffetz said. “Look, it’s very mysterious to me, though, why all of a sudden General Flynn is suddenly out there saying he wants immunity. A, I don’t think Congress should give him immunity. If there’s an open investigation by the FBI, that should not happen. I also don’t believe that actually that the president should be weighing in on this. They’re the ones that actually would prosecute something.”

Out Music: Matt Zarley Talks On His New Album, "The Estrogen Sessions"


Award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley talks about his new album, The Estrogen Sessions, featuring his covers of his favorite music divas.

A Broadway veteran (A Chorus Line, Tommy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Billboard charting recording artist AND People Magazine's first out "Hottest Bachelor," Zarley recorded this collection of songs as a tribute to the divas who have influenced his recording career.

The hunky singer was honored with "Best Album" and "Best Single" accolades for his album, Change Begins With Me, at the 2012 OutMusic Awards.

I often hear folks in the LGBT community say, "Why aren't there more out pop music artists? More really good out pop music artists?"

Well, here he is. Terrific voice, great acoustic arrangements of songs you know and love. What's not to like?

If you like pure, mainstream pop music, hit the play button below.

Listen in as Matt shares his covers of hits by Whitney Houston, Sara Bareilles, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, Pink and more.

If you want to skip right to the music, the first song, "Gravity," starts around the 12:30 mark.

For more info about Matt, check out his official website at mattzarley.com.

Video: "The Walking Dead" Star, Daniel Newman, Comes Out As Gay


"Now is no longer the time to keep it private."

Daniel Newman, one of the stars of the hit TV series The Walking Dead, came out last night on Twitter followed by a video where he shared his "aha moment."



In the video, Newman recalls a conversation he had while volunteering at an LGBT homeless shelter.

A girl at the shelter thanked him for volunteering, especially because he was "straight."

When he told her that he was gay, she said, “Why have you never said that publicly before? You could help change our lives.”

Here's a partial transcript of the video via Towleroad:

“It hit me like a gut punch. It felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. I realized how important it is in this day and age to be visible; have people know who you are.

"When you are accomplishing incredible things, and you are hiding who you are, you are hurting hundreds of millions of people.

"By us staying quiet, we’re partially to blame for kids getting beat up and ridiculed, stereotypes and stigmas.

"I grew up in an Irish Catholic family, a farm town in Georgia in the South, and it wasn’t even about homophobia or anything; it was about you just keep your private life private. So that’s the way I’ve always been. Now is not the time any longer to keep it private.”

“I’m an actor. The whole world, the industry, is like ‘here’s your big break, you’re on The Walking Dead, you can’t come out, you can’t be in the press, because everything you work so hard for is going to be gone. There’s no gay or bi leading men, no action heroes, your career’s going to be over.’ I don’t care. Because I know what’s right.”

Bravo, Daniel! And thank you!

Watch Newman's poignant coming out video below:

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Mike Flynn Requests Immunity In Exchange For Testimony Regarding Trump's Alleged Russian Connections


Whoa.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Mike Flynn, President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, has told the Federal Bureau of Investigation and congressional officials investigating the Trump campaign’s potential ties to Russia that he is willing to be interviewed in exchange for a grant of immunity from prosecution, according to officials with knowledge of the matter.

As an adviser to Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign, and later one of Mr. Trump’s top aides in the White House, Mr. Flynn was privy to some of the most sensitive foreign-policy deliberations of the new administration and was directly involved in discussions about the possible lifting of sanctions on Russia imposed by the Obama administration.

You might recall that back in September, Flynn told NBC (referring to Hillary Clinton), "When you are given immunity, that means you have probably committed a crime." See below at the :52 mark.


The great irony here is that Flynn led chants of "Lock her up!" at last summer's Republican National Convention, and now he's asking for immunity to stay out of jail himself.

See the statement below from Flynn's counsel asserting that Flynn "wants to tell" his side of the story.

North Carolina Governor Signs Fake Repeal Of Anti-Trans Law HB2


After rushing new legislation through both the state House and Senate of North Carolina, which was touted as a "repeal" of anti-LGBT law HB2,  Gov. Roy Cooper has signed HB142.

The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement which read, in part:

Today, HRC, Equality North Carolina, and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), strongly condemned North Carolina’s shameful new legislation that lawmakers and Governor Cooper touted as a “repeal” of their discriminatory HB2 law.

“After more than a year of inaction, today North Carolina lawmakers doubled-down on discrimination,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “This new law does not repeal HB2. Instead, it institutes a statewide prohibition on equality by banning non-discrimination protections across North Carolina and fuels the flames of anti-transgender hate. Each and every lawmaker who supported this bill has betrayed the LGBTQ community. HRC will explore every legal action to combat this dangerous legislation, and we urge all businesses, sports leagues and entertainers who have fought against HB2 to continue standing strong with the LGBTQ community attacked by this hateful law.”

The legislation passed today would effectively ban LGBTQ non-discrimination protections statewide through 2020 and permanently bar cities from passing laws that ensure transgender people can access facilities in accordance with their identity. ”

This was all done to meet a deadline imposed by the NCAA, which had told the state of North Carolina to either repeal HB2 or lose any championship games for the next five years.

No word yet on whether or not this fake repeal will actually satisfy the NCAA.

Sexy Italian Dancers Strip To Britney's "Breathe On Me"


Reality talent shows are sure different in Italy!

Check out this number from Italian talent show Amici featuring contestants dancing & stripping in a locker room setting to "Breathe On Me," from Britney’s hit 2003 album In The Zone.

Happy Thursday!



(h/t GayTimesUK)

Meet This Season's Sexy Dancers Of Broadway

Casey Lee Ross (via Instagram)

TimeOut Magazine shares it's round up of this season's sexiest dancers on Broadway, including Casey Lee Ross (above) from the new revival of Miss Saigon.

Hit the link for more Broadway sexiness; and check below for more of Mr. Ross via Instagram.

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Trump Supporters On Voter Fraud Claims: From "Busloads Of Illegal Voters" To "Cars Of People" Who May Have Been Legal Voters


Watch Trump supporters wiggle out of previous statements that they had personally seen "busloads" of people cross the state line from Massachusetts into New Hampshire to illegally vote.

First it's "millions," then it's "busloads and busloads," then it's one car with Massachusetts plates and 8 people in it, then it's "well... um..."

Then goes from "seen it myself" to "saw it on TV."

This is truly delusional crap.

Trump Continues Attacks On House Freedom Caucus


President Trump continued attacking the conservative House Freedom Caucus members today on Twitter, writing, "The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!"

The fact of the matter is if Trump alienates both the Dems and the Freedom Caucus, he winds up with a minority in the House:

237 House Republicans minus 30-35 Freedom Caucus members minus all Democrats leaves Trump roughly 200 Republicans to work with, which isn't enough to get anything done.

It would seem to me that if Trump really wanted some kind of leverage over the Freedom Caucus, he would begin negotiating with, and offering real compromises to, Democrats.



Freedom Caucus members respond:



White House Officials Revealed As "Source" Of Devin Nunes' Intel Reports

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes

The New York Times is reporting that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes' source for "evidence" that Trump associates were swept up in intercepted communications with foreign officials came from inside the White House.

A pair of White House officials played a role in providing Representative Devin Nunes of California, a Republican and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, with the intelligence reports that showed that President Trump and his associates were incidentally swept up in foreign surveillance by American spy agencies.

The revelation that White House officials assisted in the disclosure of the intelligence reports — which Mr. Nunes then discussed with President Trump — is likely to fuel criticism that the intelligence chairman has been too eager to do the bidding of the Trump administration while his committee is supposed to be conducting an independent investigation of Russia’s meddling in the last presidential election.

Several current American officials identified the White House officials as Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who works on national security issues at the White House Counsel’s Office and formerly worked on the staff of the House Intelligence Committee.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment.

Mr. Cohen-Watnick is a former Defense Intelligence Agency official who was originally brought to the White House by Michael T. Flynn, the former national security adviser. The officials said that this month, shortly after Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter about being wiretapped on the orders of President Barack Obama, Mr. Cohen-Watnick began reviewing highly classified reports detailing the intercepted communications of foreign officials.

Nunes has cancelled all hearings for the House Intelligence Committee without any explanation. He has not shared whatever information he was given by the two White House officials with anyone on his committee.

North Carolina Legislature Pushes Fake "Repeal" Of Anti-Transgender Law HB2


UPDATE: The legislation passed in the House 70-48. The bill now heads to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

Whether this actually satisfies the NCAA remains to be seen.

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

In a race to meet an NCAA deadline for consideration to host championship sporting events through 2022, the North Carolina legislature is ramming through a fake "repeal" of the state's hateful anti-LGBT law, HB2. The "compromise" was concocted in a middle of the night/backroom deal between Phil Berger, the Senate leader, Tim Moore, the House speaker, and the new Democratic governor, Roy Cooper.

While being touted as a repeal, the new bill - HB142 - bans local municipalities from passing any non-discrimination ordinances through 2020.

Additionally, HB142 bans protections for transgender individuals in restrooms and other single-sex spaces forever.

“This law does not repeal HB2, it doubles down on discrimination,” said Cathryn Oakley HRC Senior Legislative Counsel at a press conference in Raleigh Thursday morning.

“If you vote for this bill you are not a friend of the LGBTQ community,” said Chris Sgro, Equality NC Executive Director.

What is particularly galling is newly installed Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who campaigned on repealing the so-called "Bathroom bill," is supporting this effort even as he admits it's not "a perfect deal."

The new bill passed the state Senate today by a vote of 32 to 16.

The legislation now moves to the state House.

LGBT advocacy groups are rightfully angry.

From Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign:



From Sarah Kate Ellis, president of GLAAD:



From the national office of the ACLU:



Businesses in the state have begun chiming in as well. From Levi Strauss:

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Daily Dance: Lizzy Howell


This is my favorite thing today.

Lizzy Howell, you better get your dance on! You are giving me life!

Gallup Poll: Trump Approval Rating Falls To Weak 35%


Has anyone explained to President Trump that approval ratings aren't like golf scores?

Lower isn't better.

In the aftermath of the TrumpCare debacle, the Donald's approval rating has dropped to a historic low of 35% in the latest Gallup tracking poll, while his disapproval has risen to a new high of 59%.

Cool Video Rendering Of The Soon-To-Be Las Vegas Stadium


This week, the owners of the NFL teams voted to allow the Oakland Raiders to move to Nevada becoming the Las Vegas Raiders.

I can't tell you how excited the city is.

Today, we got this very cool digital rendering of the soon-to-be Las Vegas Stadium from the architects.


Trailer: "Something Like Summer"


Check out the trailer to Something Like Summer, the film adaptation of Jay Bell's Lambda Literary Award-winning novel of the same title.

Official synopsis:

Benjamin Bentley is the only guy at his Texas high school with the courage to come out of the closet, dooming himself, he believes, to a life of loneliness. Putting up with the bullies and his classmates’ whispered condemnations keeps him from pursuing his dream of being a singer, despite the encouragement of his best friend, Allison. Instead, Ben spends his summer vacation stalking the handsome athlete who just moved to town, Tim Wyman.

Something Like Summer follows the course of true love over the span of a dozen years, from awkward adolescence through challenging adulthood, featuring seven original musical numbers and the artwork of a talented young artist.

The movie features both classic and original songs performed by the stars of the film.

Check the official website for upcoming screenings. Watch the trailer below:


Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, David Bowie, The Wiz Selected For Preservation At Library Of Congress


Via Broadway World:

Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow” Barbra Streisand’s “People” and the original cast album of Broadway’s THE WIZ are among the 25 titles which will be preserved by the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for 2016.

Each year, the Librarian of Congress selects 25 songs that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” and at least 10 years old. This year’s collection spans the years 1888 to 1997, bringing the total number of songs on the Registry’s list to 475.

Upon learning that her song “People”, composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill, had been selected, Barbra Streisand commented that the honor was both “humbling and gratifying.” “This is the prestigious treasure house in which American art is archived and acknowledged as part of the flow of our nation’s culture,” she said. “I believe ‘People’ touched our common desire to relate to others with love and caring, and I’ve always tried to express this in my renditions of this magical song.”

The 2016 National Recording Registry titles follow (in chronological order)

1. The 1888 London cylinder recordings of Col. George Gouraud (1888)
2. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (singles), Manhattan Harmony Four (1923); Melba Moore and Friends (1990)
3. "Puttin' on the Ritz" (single), Harry Richman (1929)
4. "Over the Rainbow" (single), Judy Garland (1939)
5. "I'll Fly Away" (single), The Chuck Wagon Gang(1948)
6. "Hound Dog" (single), Big Mama Thornton (1953)
7. "Saxophone Colossus," Sonny Rollins(1956)
8. The Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, announced by Vin Scully (September 8, 1957)
9. "Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs," Marty Robbins(1959)
10. "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery," Wes Montgomery (1960)
11. "People" (single), Barbra Streisand (1964)
12. "In the Midnight Hour" (single), Wilson Pickett(1965)
13. "Amazing Grace" (single), Judy Collins (1970)
14. "American Pie" (single), Don McLean (1971)
15. "All Things Considered," first broadcast (May 3, 1971)
16. "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," David Bowie (1972)
17. "The Wiz," original cast album (1975)
18. "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)," Eagles (1976)
19. "Scott Joplin's Treemonisha," Gunter Schuller, arr. (1976)
20. "Wanted: Live in Concert," Richard Pryor (1978)
21. "We Are Family" (single), Sister Sledge (1979)
22. "Remain in Light," Talking Heads (1980)
23. "Straight Outta Compton," N.W.A. (1988)
24. "Rachmaninoff's Vespers (All-Night Vigil)," Robert Shaw Festival Singers (1990)
25. "Signatures," Renée Fleming (1997)





Twitter Robot Programmed To Burn Every Trump Tweet


Hysterical.

A Twitter robot is programmed to print, burn and discard every tweet President Trump sends.

Not only that, but the robot then sends Trump a tweet with video of the "burn."

Watch below and enjoy:



(h/t JMG)

News Round-Up: March 29, 2017

The cast of What Happens at the Abbey
Some news items you may have missed:

• West Hollywood gay bar, The Abbey, is getting it's own reality TV show, What Happens at the Abbey (above pic) a la Vanderpump Rules. The show premieres on E! May 14th at 10pm.

• RuPaul has some advice for any bachelorette parties who want to celebrate at gay bars: “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

• A gay HIV/AIDS activist will seek the Democratic nomination to fight for a Texas congressional seat that has been held firmly by 32 year incumbent, Rep. Joe Barton.

• Tens of thousands of New Yorkers, tired of footing the $146,000 daily cost of protecting the First Lady, have signed a petition demanding Melania Trump move into the White House.

• The Republican-controlled House just voted to kill internet privacy rules from the Obama era, meaning internet providers can now sell your browsing history to the highest bidder.

• Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus blocked an anti-transgender "bathroom bill" from reaching the floor.

• Rep. Maxine Waters takes on Bill O'Reilly's racism with some straight talk: "Don't allow these right-wing talking heads, these dishonorable people to intimidate you or scare you."

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Hillary Clinton Defends WH Reporter April Ryan & Congresswoman Maxine Waters


Today in San Francisco, Hillary Clinton defended sexist attacks made on White House reporter April Ryan and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

In the speech, Clinton condemns every day sexism, citing White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer's telling reporter April Ryan to stop "shaking her head," and Bill O'Reilly's joke last night about Maxine Waters' "I didn't hear a word she said - I was looking at the James Brown wig."


During her remarks, her most political since the election, she encouraged, "Resist, insist, persist and enlist."

And can we talk about the fab leather blazer???

Trump Signs Executive Order To Reverse Obama-era Climate Change Regulations


President Trump signed an executive order today meant to reverse many of President Obama's climate change regulations.

Trump says the EO will move the U.S. towards energy independence, while environmentalists say the action will do serious damage to ecological interests.

Via Reuters:

The decree, dubbed the "Energy Independence" order, will seek to undo former President Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan requiring states to slash carbon emissions from power plants - a critical element in helping the United States meet its commitments to a global climate change accord agreed by nearly 200 countries in Paris in December 2015.

It will also rescind a ban on coal leasing on federal lands, reverse rules to curb methane emissions from oil and gas production, and reduce the weight of climate change in federal agencies' assessments of new regulations.

"We're going to go in a different direction," a senior White House official told reporters ahead of Tuesday's order. "The previous administration devalued workers with their policies. We can protect the environment while providing people with work."

"I cannot tell you how many jobs the executive order is going to create but I can tell you that it provides confidence in this administration’s commitment to the coal industry," said Kentucky Coal Association president Tyler White.

So, when Trump claims this EO will create jobs, no one actually knows if that's true?

And while we're talking "energy independence," why doesn't Trump ever mention solar or wind?

During the 2016 campaign, Trump made clear he doesn't believe in "global warming:"

Rep. Nunes Won't Share Source Of His Intel Indicating Team Trump Caught Up In Incidental Intelligence Round-Up

Rep. Devin Nunes
Via Reuters:

U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes said on Tuesday he will not divulge - even to other members of his panel - who gave him intelligence reports that indicated President Donald Trump and his associates may have been ensnared in incidental intelligence collection.

Asked by a Fox News reporter whether he would inform the other committee members about who gave him the reports he viewed on the White House grounds last week, Nunes said: "We will never reveal those sources and methods."

This is sounding more and more shady.

Nunes was on Trump's transition team.

He was at the White House last Tuesday, where he viewed the intel showing Trump's peeps were caught up in incidental intelligence (meaning Trump wasn't target, but Trump's peeps were talking to intelligence targets).

And he won't even share with his colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee who his source was?

This is not how you convey to people that you are being nonpartisan.

#Shady

Even Republican House members aren't buying Nunes' line of bull:

Trump Proposes Slashing $300 Million From National Institutes Of Health HIV/AIDS Programs


A White House proposal to cut $1.23 billion in fiscal year 2017 from the National Institutes of Health would include slashing $300 million in HIV/AIDS research and support programs.

Via Bloomberg:

A worldwide initiative to help people with HIV and AIDS, known as PEPFAR and heavily focused on patient treatment in Africa, would be slashed by almost $300 million under the plan. The savings would be found by slowing the rate of new patients put on treatment and reducing support to “low-performing countries.” States also would face a $50 million cut that would target “less effective HIV research and prevention activities.”

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is scheduled to appear before the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday to talk about the budget proposal for his department, which NIH and and some of the PEPFAR cuts fall under.

The cuts are part of an overall proposal aimed at cutting $18 billion from the federal budget this fiscal year, which ends in October.

News Round-Up: March 28, 2017


Some news items you may have missed:

• Fitness model Lony Pizarro is ready for action.

• Dan Savage tracks down and interviews the only (quietly) gay Republican currently running for office in Alaska.

• Instagram is going to start blurring photos deemed "sensitive."

• Don't forget to check out the latest episode of The Randy Report podcast - click here to listen for free on iTunes.

• The Ohio city of Columbus joins Cincinnati and Toledo in banning so-called "ex-gay" therapy.

• Last Friday, Donald Trump sent a message he's open to working with Democrats now that the House Freedom Caucus screwed him on healthcare. But it's not gonna happen with tweets like these:



Meme Of The Day: Endless Opportunities


By making good on his campaign promise of mass deportations, Trump also comes through on his vow to deliver on jobs...

#ThisIsWhatYouVotedFor

Seth Meyers Takes "A Closer Look" At Trump's Epic Healthcare Fail


On last night's Late Night with Seth Meyers, Meyers took "A Closer Look" at Donald Trump's healthcare fail last week.

Some funny, funny stuff - and all of it based in truth.

It's especially worth watching for the first minute which recaps several instances of Trump on the campaign trail telling voters how easy it will be for him to "make deals" in Washington.

You remember - "Nobody knows the system better than me."

Followed by smirk and a shrug.

Said Meyers: “Look at that face. That’s like the freeze frame of a ’90s sitcom dad at the end of an episode. You almost expect credits to roll.”

Monday, March 27, 2017

Orlando Plans Day Of Remembrance On 1st Anniversary Of Pulse Nightclub Massacre


The city of Orlando is planning

Via the Associated Press:

Orlando and Orange County officials want the first anniversary next June of the Pulse nightclub massacre to be marked with acts of love and kindness. Elected officials on Monday said that June 12 officially would be dedicated as “Orlando United Day – A Day of Love and Kindness.” Officials also announced a series of events planned throughout the day on June 12.

An exhibit of artwork collected from memorial sites set up around Orlando after the massacre will be shown at the Orange County History Center, followed by a memorial service at the site of the former gay nightclub. Another memorial ceremony will be held in the evening around downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola.

Go to the Orlando United Day website for more details.

Oklahoma: Former "Family Values" GOP State Senator Ralph Shortey Planned Bareback Sex With Male Teen Prostitute


Why does it seem it's always the "family-values Christians" that end up being that which they attack so viciously?

You'll recall former state Sen. Ralph Shortey was found in a room at a Motel 6 with a teenage boy on March 9. It was later deduced that he had offered the boy cash in exchange for "sexual stuff."

Apparently, "sexual stuff" meant having bare back sex and ejaculating in the teen's "boy p***y."

From NBC affiliate KFOR in Oklahoma City:

Ralph Shortey, a Republican from Oklahoma City who represented the state’s 44th senate district, was charged last week in Cleveland County with three counts relating to child prostitution. He turned himself in last Thursday and has been out on bond since.

He faces three felony counts of engaging in child prostitution, engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church and transporting a minor for prostitution or lewdness. Friday was his initial court appearance and the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Court documents lay out lurid messages that were sent between the teen and Shortey. WARNING: The court documents in the link below contain GRAPHIC, DISTURBING and ADULT language. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

Shortey served as Donald Trump’s state campaign chair during the GOP primary.

Married to a woman with three children, the former state senator faces up to 25 years in prison.

You can read the affidavit below. Click the image to enlarge.  Warning - ADULT language.



(h/t JoeMyGod)

Season 9 Premiere Of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Garners Nearly 1 Million Viewers


It looks like the move to VH1 for RuPaul's Drag Race paid off handsomely (or is it 'beautifully'?).

The premiere of season 9 garnered almost 1 million viewers making it the show’s most-watched episode ever.

Via Deadline:

The telecast tripled its 8 PM time slot and more than doubled its viewership from last season’s debut on Logo.

The Emmy-winning series moved to VH1 as part of the recent restructuring under the networks’ owner Viacom.

The Season 9 premiere also performed well on social, scoring its highest Twitter volume ever, according to VH1.

We'll have to see if the premiere's guest judge - Lady Gaga! - was a huge impact on the numbers.

The second episode airs this Friday at 8PM with guests Lisa Kudrow and the B-52.

NFL Owners Approve Oakland Raiders Becoming Las Vegas Raiders


I guess I'm going to be a Raiders fan :)

After much discussion, the 32 NFL owners voted "yes" to allowing the Oakland Raiders to move to my home city, Las Vegas.

From the Las Vegas Review Journal:

The owners voted 31-1 to approve the Raiders’ departure from Oakland for the second time in their tradition-rich history. The only no vote came from the Miami Dolphins.

The vote ended a whirlwind 14-month courtship by business, county and state leaders. In a major coup for Las Vegas, the Raiders will join the NHL’s expansion Golden Knights as the city’s second major league sports franchise.

The Raiders will debut in Las Vegas no later than the 2020 season, when a 65,000-seat domed stadium, to be constructed at an estimated cost of $1.9 billion, is expected to be ready. The site of the new stadium has not been finalized, although the leading location is an empty lot on the west side of Interstate 15, between Russell Road and Hacienda Avenue, across from Mandalay Bay.

The Raiders might very well play regular and preseason games at UNLV’s Sam Boyd Stadium in 2018 and 2019, possibly playing fulltime at the site during that time frame.

The Las Vegas Raiders. Has a nice ring to it, no?

Here's to lots and lots of home runs.

No, I'm not the biggest football fan. But - I love the costumes. And if it means Las Vegas will have it's first "big 3" pro sports team, I'm all for it.

Gallup Poll: President Trump Falls To 36% Approval After TrumpCare Debacle


President Trump falls to a historic low of 36% approval/57% disapproval according to Gallup Polls.

No modern day president has seen numbers this bad so soon in their presidency.

President Obama polled at 61% approval at this time in 2009.

Josh Earnest Inks Deal With NBC/MSNBC As Political Analyst

Josh Earnest

Former White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest has inked a deal to join NBC and MSNBC as a political analyst.

Earnest spent 10 years with President Obama in several roles concluding with 3 years as Press Secretary from 2014-2017.

He began his new job this morning on NBC's TODAY talking about the failure of President Trump and House Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

It's common for former Press Secretaries to move into analyst positions on networks.

Jay Carney and Robert Gibbs, who both worked for Obama, signed on with CNN and MSNBC, respectively, after their time in the White House.

Ari Fleischer, Press Secretary for President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003, joined CNN as a contributor.