Selasa, 27 Maret 2012
"Make Our Garden Grow" - Kristen Chenoweth, Paul Groves, Patti LuPone, John Herrera
I was lucky to attend the dress rehearsal of this production at Lincoln Center a few years ago. Perfect casting, perfect music.
I just had to hear this today. Can you believe how gorgeous this is?
Paul Groves (Candide)
Kristin Chenoweth (Cunegonde)
Sir Thomas Allen (Dr. Panglos)
Jeff Blumenkrantz (Maximillian)
Patti LuPone (The Old Lady)
John Herrera (Governor, Prefect)
Las Vegas: DJ Jason Davies for The Biz at SHARE Nightclub
Jason is also a performer at Le Rêve, one of the sexiest, most sensual mega-shows in Las Vegas at The Wynn, in case that gives you an idea of how hot the music will be at The Biz.
Check out The Biz tomorrow night at Share Nightclub in Las Vegas. Promises to be the place to be.
Julian Bond on National Organization for Marriage's "racial tensions" tactics
Tuesday Tune: Matt Nathanson - "Run" featuring Sugarland
I've been following Matt Nathanson since his breakout platinum selling "Come On Get Higher."
His songs have been featured on major TV network shows like NCIS, Private Practice, One Tree Hill and Scrubs.
I just dig his sound, talent and vibe.
When not touring on his own - which is a lot - he's been opening for huge artists like Kelly Clarkson.
Check him out on iTunes.
Bruce Weber video: "Other sports require one ball, wrestling requires two"
Just discovered a series of videos shot by famed photographer Bruce Weber apparently for Abercrombie & Fitch.
The stills below are from a video called "Other Sports Require One Ball, Wrestling Requires Two."
You can watch the whole video by visiting the Bruce Weber site here.
The stills below are from a video called "Other Sports Require One Ball, Wrestling Requires Two."
You can watch the whole video by visiting the Bruce Weber site here.
Darren Criss and Matt Bomer sneak peak for GLEE
On April 10, Glee welcomes White Collar hunk Matt Bomer as "Cooper Anderson" - the older brother of Darren Criss’ Blaine, and TVLine has an exclusive first look at the siblings in mid-reunion.
The Anderson brothers are set to perform a mash-up of classics from ’80s supergroup Duran Duran in the episode, which is appropriately titled “Big Brother.”
NOM president Brian Brown admits to using race as a "wedge" against marriage equality
Gay marriage advocates have attempted to portray same-sex marriage as a civil right, but the voices of these and many other leaders have provided powerful witness that this claim is patently false. Gay marriage is not a civil right, and we will continue to point this out in written materials such as those released in Maine. We proudly bring together people of different races, creeds and colors to fight for our most fundamental institution: marriage.
Everything in this statement confirms the strategy of using people of color as spokespeople and using the language of “civil rights” as a catalyst for division.
Brown's statement was issued in response to the revelation that NOM has based stategies against the LGBT community for years by attempting to "drive a wedge" between gays and the black community. From their own documents recently made available:
“The strategic goal of this project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks—two key Democratic constituencies. Find, equip, energize and connect African American spokespeople for marriage, develop a media campaign around their objections to gay marriage as a civil right; provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these spokesmen and women as bigots…”
The freedom to marry is a civil right, crucial to same-sex families’ ability to pursue life, liberty, and happiness just as all families do.
Read more on the growing controversy at the New York Times.
Military academies begin holding first gay pride events
More than six months after official repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” gay pride events at military academies are cropping up, the Associated Press reports:
Cadets in uniform at Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military academy, participated Monday in sessions about handling bullying and harassment as part of the school's first gay pride week. The events are believed to be the first of their kind on a military campus.
Until last year, only a select few at Norwich knew of the sexual orientation of Joshua Fontanez, 22, of Browns Mills, N.J., a past president of the student government who quietly laid the groundwork for the school's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Club, which held its first meeting the day the law ended.
"The aspects of my sexual orientation, how that played in the military, that was something I was willing to sacrifice, being open versus serving my nation," Fontanez said. "It's something I feel I was truly called toward and truly loved, so it's great that I don't have necessarily to make that sacrifice."
Similar groups have formed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
For many of the newly open student leaders, the changes brought by the end of "don't ask, don't tell" haven't overwhelmed, despite the years-long political wrangling that culminated in the policy change.
"It was definitely a big change, but it happened over such a long period of time for me that it didn't seem like that big of a deal," said Coast Guard Academy Senior Chip Hall, 21, of Monterrey, Calif.
The West Point Spectrum, modeled after the Coast Guard organization, is being formed with little fanfare.
"Everyone has been very professional here at the academy," said West Point Cadet Andrew Fitzsimmons, 19, a sophomore from Algonac, Mich. "It's been a very positive environment."
First look at Hugh Jackman as "Valjean" in Les Miserables movie
Tweeted last night by Hugh Jackman, here's a first look at Hugh as "Jean Valjean" in the upcoming film adaptation of "Les Miserables."
Senin, 26 Maret 2012
NOM documents show effort to drive wedge between gay and black communities
Today HRC's "NOM Exposed" website got a hold of internal NOM documents that shed light on the anti-LGBT movement’s overall strategy. These documents were just unsealed in Maine mid-afternoon. The docs are part of the ongoing investigation by the State of Maine into the campaign finance activities of NOM in that state. Just a couple of telling items from PDF page 13 of the “confidential” 2008-09 report to the NOM Board of Directors:
“The strategic goal of this project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks—two key Democratic constituencies. Find, equip, energize and connect African American spokespeople for marriage, develop a media campaign around their objections to gay marriage as a civil right; provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these spokesmen and women as bigots…”
On PDF page 12, it talks about “sideswiping Obama,” painting him as a “social radical” and talking about “side issues” like pornography.
We've all thought it, but to see suspicions confirmed in print about driving "a wedge between gays and blacks" - wow.
More to come.
Movie "Bully" will be released without film rating
Via press release: After a recent plea to the MPAA by BULLY teen Alex Libby and The Weinstein Company (TWC) Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein failed – by one vote – to get the film its deserved PG-13 rating, TWC is choosing to move forward with releasing the film unrated by the MPAA on March 30.
Furthering proof that the R rating for some language is inappropriate for a film that’s meant to educate and help parents, teachers, school officials and children with what’s become an epidemic in schools around the country, the fight against the rating continues on. The outpour of support by politicians, schools, parents, celebrities and activists for the film’s mission to be seen by those it was made for – children – has been overwhelming. Nearly half a million people have signed Michigan high school student and former bullying victim Katy Butler’s petition on Change.org to urge the MPAA to lower the rating.
Said BULLY Director Lee Hirsch, “The small amount of language in the film that’s responsible for the R rating is there because it’s real. It’s what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it’s up to the theaters to let them in.”
I think this looks like a very important film for kids - especially - to see. I'm hoping the theater owners will watch the film themselves and realize the message and power a movie like this can have.
I was bullied like the kids in this film were when I was in school. Big ways, small ways. It made going to school an experienced I dreaded some days.
The idea that adults and kids would work together to change the toxic atmosphere in some schools is fantastic. And kids today need to see that.
Go see the movie on March 30. And take some kids with you.
American Bar Assoc poll: ObamaCare likely to be upheld by Supreme Court
The Obama health care reform law is likely to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, predict more than a dozen academics, lawyers and journalists who follow the Supreme Court who were polled by the American Bar Association’s magazine Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases.
Approximately 85 percent of the panel, who were promised anonymity, predict the law will be upheld.
The law’s individual mandate – which requires individuals buy health insurance or pay a penalty – will be affirmed by a vote of 6-3, the group predicts. All of the experts think that the court’s liberal wing – Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor – will vote to uphold it. Chief Justice John Roberts will join them, 69 percent of the experts think, as will Justice Anthony Kennedy, according to 53 percent.
(source)
The Candi & Randy Show: Long Distance Relationships
Listen to internet radio with CandiXRandy on Blog Talk Radio
Long distance relationships are one of the top trending relationship topics of all time. There are a great many parts to a LDR (long distance relationship).
Candi and I have both been involved in long distance relationships, so last night's show was about the ups, downs and in-betweens of making a relationship work long distance.
The Chippendales named "Best of Las Vegas 2012"
The Chippendales have won the Best of Las Vegas 2012 (Las Vegas Review Journal) Award for BEST MALE STRIP SHOW as both the Reader's Pick and Critic's Pick.
In addition The Chippendales' Flirt Lounge won the Reader's Pick for BEST LOUNGE in Las Vegas. Voting took place in January 2012 with the winners announced Sunday.
So Ladies - the people AND the critics have spoken: if you want a great night out in Las Vegas, Chippendales at the Rio Hotel is the place to be.
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| Chippendales' Billy Jeffrey |
TMZ: Bobby Brown arrested for DUI
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Bobby was pulled over in Reseda, CA at 12:20 PM PST for allegedly driving while talking on a cell phone.
Bobby is currently in custody in Van Nuys jail. It's unclear what substance cops believe Brown had been using before he got behind the wheel.
Whitney Houston's ex-husband already has a DUI conviction on his record stemming from an arrest in Georgia in 1996. He eventually pled guilty to DUI and served 8 days in jail.
Brown has been back in the news ever since Whitney died in a Beverly Hills hotel room on February 11. Bobby was turned away from the death scene and left the funeral service early after a disagreement with Houston's family.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in Melbourne, Australia
Cool one minute video. Wish I had been there. Loved Melbourne, Australia.
And who doesn't love Faith Hill or Tim McGraw?
Happy birthday Diana Ross!
Miss Ross is 68 today! An original diva who could sustain.
Happy birthday Miss Ross!
Donate to defeat anti-gay Amendment One in North Carolina
The Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families is a coalition of groups, individuals and families dedicated to defeating this amendment at the polls on May 8 and protecting North Carolina from the harms it represents.
The Heritage Foundation, NOM and other anti-gay groups who fund these kinds of harmful amendments around the country are coming in with millions of dollars to try and misinform all of North Carolina about this amendment.
Protect All Families has launched a "moneybomb" to raise funds to help raise awareness and spread the truth about writing hate into the North Carolina constitution.
Please donate what you can to help Protect All Families by going here.
Madonna and Jimmy Fallon talk about her new CD "MDNA"
Madonna sits down with Jimmy Fallon for Facebook.
Apparently, this will be the only promotional appearance she is doing for the new album MDNA.
George Zimmerman friend: "In many ways George has lost his life too"
George Zimmerman’s longtime friend Joe Oliver and his attorney Craig Sonner have hit the airwaves in an attempt to defend the shooter of young Trayvon Martin.
Both Oliver and Sonner appear today on ABC’s Good Morning America to talk about their conversations with Zimmerman. Oliver said Zimmerman thought “he was doing the right thing” and “has virtually lost his life now.” He added that Zimmerman was “very, very sorry because in many ways, George has lost his life too.”
To that statement I would say that while George Zimmerman may feel he has "virtually" lost his life, Trayvon Martin ACTUALLY lost his life.
Yesterday, Oliver was asked about the moment on the 911 tapes when some believe that, just prior to killing Trayvon Martin, Zimmerman used a racial slur. Oliver suggested that Zimmerman did not use a racial slur but said “goons." Oliver says the word "goon" is a term of endearment in high schools today. I submit that George Zimmerman is NOT a high school student. He is a 28 year old man.
Here are a few more things you should know about George Martin and this shooting.
Judy Garland: Rare TV appearance singing 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'
From the YouTube page: Judy Garland only performed "Over The Rainbow" twice during her many television appearances, which spanned 14 years. She performed it on her first TV Special, "Ford Star Jubilee" in the episode called "The Judy Garland Special" in 1955, and sang it to her children on The Christmas Edition of her weekly TV show "The Judy Garland Show" (1963).
Here Judy is dressed up as the tramp character she played when doing a duet with Fred Astaire in the film 'Easter Parade'.
Beside the fact that it's a terrific performance, I'd note that at this time in the 1950s artists didn't perform so openly and with such raw emotion. It wasn't really done much at the time, which makes this performance even more impactful. Judy was simply being who and what she was, which was authentic and original.
Great talent.
Santorum performs for the cameras - curses out NY Times
Rick Santorum clearly knew the cameras were rolling and that this would get picked up.
His "anger" over being asked a question is laughable. He has said in many speeches that he feels Romney is the worst Repub to run against President Obama. If he means something slightly different - like "run against Obama on healthcare due to Romneycare" - then he should say exactly that.
But this is all political theatre at this point. Rick Santorum will not get the nomination, but I'm sure he's looking for "Sarah Palin sized" fees and offers from Fox News once this is over.
Minggu, 25 Maret 2012
Rev. Carlye Hughes to be installed as new rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth
When I visit Carlye I always attend her service because she's excellent at what she does. And I love excellence.
The word communion comes up in Episcopal services. And when it does, it makes me think of "community." "Community" makes me think of family. "Family" makes me think of Carlye. And completing the circle - everywhere Carlye goes, she creates community.
I'm thrilled for my hometown of Fort Worth, TX. The announcement was made today that Carlye will be the new Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth - where Carlye and I are both from.
I hear, and am not surprised, that her selection was unanimous. Who doesn't want an MVP on their team? Or in their community?
Sharing the announcement because I'm so happy for her. And btw - the Rev. Hughes will be the first female African-American Rector in the Fort Worth Diocese. Check out her credentials in the release below.
Yeah - I don't hang with slackers... :)
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The vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church announces that the Rev. Carlye J. Hughes has been called as the 18th rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. Founded in 1893, Trinity is one of the oldest parishes in the diocese.
She is currently rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Peekskill, NY, in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Under her leadership St. Peter's Church has grown from a family-sized church to robust pastoral-sized parish with a team of lay leaders. Stewardship levels in the parish increased by 50 percent.
"We are convinced that the Rev. Hughes is the answer to God's call to us for a faithful servant who will minister to us and with us for years to come," said Senior Warden Jerry Nanna. "She clearly has the gifts of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care we were looking for to lead us into the future life of Trinity."
The Rev. Hughes has deep roots in Fort Worth. "Fort Worth is my home town, the place where I first discovered my love of the church and my call to religious vocation," she said.
The Rev. Hughes graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and was ordained in 2005. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Texas, Austin. She attended Texas Christian University and Boston University. She was a Lilly Fellow at St. James Church, New York, NY from 2005 to 2007. Prior to entering seminary she worked as regional training manager for the Crown Plaza Manhattan. She co-chaired the Committee to Elect a Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of New York. She is a current member of the New York Diocesan Standing Committee and the Commission on Ministry. She also served as Diocesan Convention Chaplain in 2008. She is active in the Peekskill Area Pastor's Association, working on their Hunger Subcommittee and chaired the Diversity Subcommittee. She also has facilitated Diversity Awareness Training for Virginia Theological Seminary. She is married to David Smedley.
"I have a steadfast commitment to recruiting, nurturing and empowering lay people for ministry," she said.
The Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl, provisional bishop of Fort Worth, said, "I am delighted with the prayerful way that the Succession Committee at Trinity Parish has exercised its ministry throughout their search. I am also thankful for the vestry in electing the Rev. Carlye Hughes as their next rector. The Rev. Hughes will bring her incredible gifts and joyful personality to the work of continuing to develop the ministry of Trinity in new and exciting ways."
She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hughes. Her father was the long-time basketball coach at Dunbar High School and her brother, Robert Hughes Jr., is the current coach.
Charlie in bed
My friend John's new dog, Charlie, is beyond cute.
John brings him to work everyday which makes for fun. My dogs are slowly adjusting to the idea that they are not the ONLY dogs in the world (no, I never really socialized them, so they are bewildered by the rare "other dog" that may appear).
Charlie is also really smart. And did I mention cute?
Zach Wahls speaks at GLAAD Media Awards NYC 2012
Last night writer & LGBT advocate Zach Wahls took the stage at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York to share anecdotes from his personal journey following his speech in front of the Iowa House of Representatives which was the most-watched political clip of 2011 according to Youtube.
He talked about the impact of his video, including changing the mind of a soldier on marriage equality and building confidence in a lesbian woman to become a mother. He also spoke jokingly about questions he gets asked about growing up with two mothers. Zach was particularly funny in offering his answer to one question about his moms - "which one is the man" - by saying "that's like looking at chop sticks and asking 'which one is the fork?'"
“Since that speech went viral back in February of 2011, I’ve been all over the country, from California to New York, down to Florida, continuing to share my story and have this conversation about gay marriage or as I like to call it, marriage,” said Zach Wahls.
I think this guy rocks. Amazing to think he's so young and yet so articulate.
Fox News: What's the BFD? WTF?
After its years-long misinformation campaign against health care reform, Fox News is now down to attacking the Obama reelection campaign for selling what Fox deems as "vulgar" T-shirts to celebrate the law.
The campaign recently released a line of T-shirts bearing the slogan, "Health reform still a BFD," which plays off Vice President Joe Biden's famous open mike moment during the health care law signing ceremony in March 2010.
On March 23, Fox's leading culture warrior, Todd Starnes, called the "BFD" shirts "vulgar." Fox Nation quickly trumpeted his attack:
This morning, the Fox & Friends Saturday crew devoted several segments to parroting Starnes, with guest co-host Nicole Petallides calling the shirts "so vulgar" and asking, "Would [Obama] like his daughters to wear that T-shirt?" Co-host Clayton Morris said: "I wouldn't want my son to see that. I wouldn't want him to see Daddy in a T-shirt like that."
Morris also said that "you expect more from the presidency of the United States than to be tweeting out from their own account driving to you a T-shirt that has a vulgarity on it. It just doesn't sit well."
The Democratic National Committee's Organizing for America arm released a line of shirts with the slogan, "Health reform is a BFD," a week after Biden's comment -- two years ago.
And if Fox genuinely feels that "BFD" is offensive, wouldn't the network also object to the "WTF" construct?
In January 2011, Fox News contributor Sarah Palin used the phrase "WTF" on the network to repeatedly attack Obama's 2011 State of the Union speech. Palin, of course, was the Republican Party's vice presidential candidate in 2008.
(source)
GLAAD Media Award winners NYC 2012 - complete list
• Craig Zadan & Neil Meron received the prestigious Vito Russo Award
• Katy Butler, who has been lobbying the Motion Picture Association of America to lower the rating for the documentary Bully, so younger people may view it
• Outstanding feature film: "Pariah"
• Outstanding reality television program: Dancing With The Stars
• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: "Battle Against Bullying" ABC World News with Diane Sawyer (ABC) [accepted by: reporter Josh Elliott]
• Outstanding Magazine Article: TIE: "15th Anniversary of the Passage of the Defense of Marriage Act" (series) by Chris Geidner (Metro Weekly) [accepted by: Chris Geidner] and "Black & Gay in Corporate America" by Carolyn M. Brown (Black Enterprise) [accepted by: Carolyn M. Brown]
• Outstanding TV Movie Or Mini Series: Cinema Verite (HBO)
• Outstanding Talk Show Episode: "Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests" The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
• Outstanding TV Journalism - Newsmagazine: "The 'Sissy Boy' Experiments" Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN)
• Outstanding Newspaper Article: "Led by the Child Who Simply Knew" by Bella English (The Boston Globe)
• Outstanding Newspaper Columnist: Frank Bruni (The New York Times)
• Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage: The New York Times
• Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: The Advocate/Out
• Outstanding Digital Journalism-Multimedia: "Injustice at Every Turn" (ITLMedia.org)
• Outstanding Blog: Towleroad and Mombian
• Outstanding Music Artist: Lady Gaga, Born This Way (Interscope Records)
• Outstanding Comic Book: Batwoman by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman (DC Comics)
• Outstanding Los Angeles Theatre: No Word in Guyanese for Me by Wendy Graf
• Outstanding New York Theatre: Broadway & Off Broadway: The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures by Tony Kushner
• Outstanding New York Theatre: Off-Off Broadway: Southern Comfort book and lyrics by Dan Collins, music by Julianne Wick Davis
SPANISH-LANGUAGE
• Outstanding Daytime Talk Show Episode: "Lesbianas celebran 10 años" Caso Cerrado (Telemundo)
• Outstanding Talk Show Interview: "Entrevista con Raquel Gómez y Mony Ruiz Velasco" Al Punto (Univision)
• Outstanding TV Journalism - Newsmagazine: "Asesino" Primer Impacto (Univision)
• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: "Ángeles del cambio" Noticiero 34 (KMEX TV-34 [Los Angeles, Calif.])
• Outstanding Newspaper Article: TIE: "Casamiento e hijos biológicos para pareja gay hispana de EEUU" by Claudia Torrens ( Associated Press) and "Madre hay una sola, no necesariamente" by Virginia Gaglianone (La Opinión)
• Outstanding Magazine Article: "Nueva York la igualdad" by Michelle Oyola (People en Español)
• Outstanding Digital Journalism Article: "Las 7 señales de un niño transgénero" by Paula Andalo (Univision.com)
• Outstanding Music Artist: Ricky Martin, Música + Alma + Sexo (Sony Music Latin)
• Special Recognition: El Diario la Prensa
Additional categories will be presented at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 21 and in San Francisco on June 2.
Ketel One Vodka Hosts 'Walk Of Change' At The 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 24: Celebrities and supporters stopped by the Ketel One Vodka “Walk of Change” at the GLAAD Media Awards to make their mark - literally.
For each celebrity handprint left, Ketel One donated $1,000 to GLAAD. Participants included Bernadette Peters, Cheyenne Jackson, Jay Manuel and Thomas Roberts.
When leaving his hand print on the Ketel One Walk of Fame, Cheyenne Jackson brought attention to his new wedding ring saying, “Look at my wedding ring!! This is so weird!”
Smash star, Phillip Spaeth, wasn’t shy about getting his hands dirty for a good cause when leaving his handprint on the Ketel One Walk of Change.
Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters flexed her stardom as she playful posed for the camera and even stated, “Am I making a muscle?” as she left her handprint.
Photo Credit - WireImage for Ketel One Vodka
For each celebrity handprint left, Ketel One donated $1,000 to GLAAD. Participants included Bernadette Peters, Cheyenne Jackson, Jay Manuel and Thomas Roberts.
When leaving his hand print on the Ketel One Walk of Fame, Cheyenne Jackson brought attention to his new wedding ring saying, “Look at my wedding ring!! This is so weird!”
Smash star, Phillip Spaeth, wasn’t shy about getting his hands dirty for a good cause when leaving his handprint on the Ketel One Walk of Change.
Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters flexed her stardom as she playful posed for the camera and even stated, “Am I making a muscle?” as she left her handprint.
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| The always fabulous Bernadette Peters |
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| Vinny Guadagnino from Jersey Shore |
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| Craig Zadan, producer |
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| Jay Manuel and Cheyenne Jackson |
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| Thomas Roberts of MSNBC |
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| Phillip Spaeth from SMASH |
Photo Credit - WireImage for Ketel One Vodka
GOP vs ObamaCare - "Kill It Dead"
What would repeal of the Affordable Healthcare Act mean to you?
• Cheaper drugs for seniors in the doughnut hole. REPEALED.
• Coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. REPEALED.
• Free access to Preventative services. REPEALED.
• Women won't have to pay more than men. REPEALED.
• No lifetime cap on coverage. REPEALED.
• Protection from insurance company abuses. REPEALED.
Think about it: Do you HATE having those protections from insurance companies YOU pay?
Jon Hamm & Jimmy Fallon play "Water War"
On a visit to Jimmy Fallon's show to promote the return of "Mad Men."
The real fun began when Jimmy challenged Jon to a game of war — but with a twist. At the end of each round, the winner got to douse the loser with a glass of water. The clip is very, very cute, thanks to Jimmy's incessant giggling and Jon's good sportsmanship.
One of the more entertaining late night skits I've seen in a long time.
Sabtu, 24 Maret 2012
Tawny Heatherton's long lost music video "Run Crazy Man"
From David Drake's recent sold-out run of "My Tawny Valentine" - Tawny's 1985 Euro Disco smash "Run Crazy Man." Go Tawny!
For those who haven't kept up, "Tawny Heatherton" is the brilliant David Drake's newest theatrical creation. The niece of 70s icon Joey Heatherton, Tawny is still following butterflies and rainbows. She may get a bit lost every now and then, but her public finds her.
How could anyone top the lyric "paper or plastic? both are fantastic..."
Directed by Ned Stresen-Reuter
Music by Trevor Kuprel
Styling by Christopher Mathieson
Featuring Tawny's back-up boys, Aaron Tone & J.Stephen Brantley
Announcer: Joseph Addeo
Mad Men recap - it has been 17 months...
Since it's been 17 months since Mad Men last aired new episodes, here's a reminder of how Season 4 went...
And don't forget Mad Men returns tomorrow night - March 25th on AMC at 8pm.
Finland to may adopt marriage equality
Reports the Star Observer:
The Finnish Parliament have now sent the initiative to the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, where its passage is uncertain.
The draft amendment was signed by 76 of the 200 members of Parliament, with more lawmakers including Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen expected to vote for it, Reuters reports.
European Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Alexander Stubb, the first signatory of the initiative, spoke passionately for the amendment during debate.
“This initiative is aimed at dismantling a system that causes inequality, in which couple relationships are divided into A and B categories” he said.
Finland was one of the first countries to recognize the legal status of same-sex relationships by instituting a domestic partnership registry in 2002.
Rick Santorum looks for win in Louisiana today
The math is pretty much done for Rick Santorum, but onward he goes...
US men arrested on Atlantis Cruise ship in Caribbean speak out
Two gay men from California have spoken about their ordeal that began onboard an Atlantis Cruise ship in the Caribbean:
The trouble began shortly after the cruise ship Celebrity Summit docked Wednesday morning at Dominica in the eastern Caribbean. Mayer and Hart were in their room when they got a call from a cruise ship official.
“We were summoned that the captain wished to speak to us,” Mayer said. “We were caught off guard.”
Three cruise ship officials and six Dominica police officers were waiting for them. After police interviewed both men separately, the assistant captain spoke, Mayer said.
“At this time, we are going to eject you from the ship. We have zero tolerance toward your behavior,” Mayer recalled him saying.
Police drove them to their headquarters, where they sat on a bench for nearly two hours without legal representation despite repeated requests, Mayer said.
After police took pictures and obtained fingerprints, a high-ranking officer began a nearly four-hour interrogation.
“He said: ‘You’re being arrested for being gay. We’re arresting you for the crime of buggery,’” Mayer said. “He said that other people said that we were engaging in homosexual sex. He repeated that several times. I told him I didn’t know why they would say that. I wasn’t doing that.”
Mayer said he was naked in his cabin and nearly naked on the balcony. “I was less partially clothed than I should have been.”
The two men were charged with indecent exposure and put in a five-by-eight-foot cell to await an appearance before a magistrate.
“The treatment was inhumane,” Mayer said. “We were detained for approximately 26 hours, and 19 of those locked in a cement cell, which had no running water, no toilet, no lights. It stunk of feces and urine. It was infested with cockroaches, ants and bugs.”
Mayer said police brought in government officials to look at them.
“They paraded many people by to look in on us as if we were some type of animal, which was quite humiliating,” he said. “People got great joy in the pleasure of taunting us.”
On Thursday morning, police drove them to the courthouse in the capital of Roseau, passing through an angry crowd, Mayer said.
“They were chanting and banging on the police vehicle. They were screaming things,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life, other than in movies. Both my partner and I really feared for our safety.”
Once in the courtroom, Chief Magistrate Evaline Baptiste ordered the men to pay a nearly $900 fine after they pleaded guilty to indecent exposure. He called the two men “rogues and vagabonds.”
Police then drove them to the airport, Mayer said.
Jumat, 23 Maret 2012
Carol Channing: Larger Than Life on DVD
So excited this will be released soon. I'm very privileged to be a part of this wonderful documentary on Carol Channing's extraordinary life and career.
I was lucky to be appearing on Broadway with Carol at the time the documentary was still filming. The director asked several of us who had appeared with Carol in the last Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" to sit down and speak about our time living and working with this icon of Broadway. I'm very proud to say a story I felt very strongly about - which speaks to Carol's beautiful character - is included in the film.
If you love Broadway; if you want to understand what it takes to make it in show business; and if you want to see the dedication and love people have for a true star - watch this film.
So proud I'm a part of it (and no, I make no money from the sales) and I love that people will get a sense of this amazing, incredible, great Broadway star.
Click here to order from Amazon. It's a beautiful testament to a life lived fully.
Two year anniversary of ObamaCare
From Think Progress: Two year anniversary of "ObamaCare" today. While most of the law does not go into effect until 2014, take a look at some of the benefits Americans are already enjoying and what Republicans would take away:
Thank Starbucks for standing up for equality
Starbucks stuck its neck out to publicly support the right of all people to marry, regardless of the gender of their partner.
Now it is under attack by the ironically-named, ultra-conservative American “National Organization for Marriage”. Already over 4,000 NOM members have pledged to boycott Starbucks.
Show that supporting equal rights is good business: Add your name to our thank you card.
Video: “Dirtier Laundry - Just The Boys”
Andrew Christian decided to re-edit the “Dirty Laundry” video by dedicating the whole video to the five gorgeous Andrew Christian soccer players and additional shots of their assets.
Meet the cast:
Richie Nuzzolese-Team Captain
Ryan Moore-Mr. Green Eyes
Jason Medina-Mr. Beautiful Smile
Brandon Howell-Talk Drink of Water
Jose Parra-Pec Bouncer
Darren Criss, John Legend, Bridget Kelly & more: History of Voting
With cool animation rooted in a youth pop cultural aesthetic, and by using celebrity narrators Grammy Award winning artist John Legend, Glee's Darren Criss, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and R&B singer, Bridget Kelly - the video speaks directly to millennials' sense of what is exciting, important and cool. By doing so, the video engages them in a discussion about America's voting history and inspires them to register to vote.
Teachers across the country are educating their students about the importance of voting & registering them to vote with Rock the Vote's Democracy Class. Sign up to join them here: http://bit.ly/GMuRoi
Darren Criss will also lead a new campaign to engage American kids in the election process.
The Glee star has partnered with Rock the Vote and the National Education Association to kick off the first ever Democracy Day on March 23rd in Los Angeles. The one class-period program will utilize pop culture, video, discussion and mock election to motivate young people to engage in the election process.
“The voting process can be a bit overwhelming and at times confusing, particularly for first time voters," Criss explained in a statement. “I’m very excited to be a part of such a comprehensive effort that both educates young people about the importance of their vote.”
Video Credits:
Director: Ian Inaba
Producer: Sara Dosa
Animator: Haik Hoisington
President Obama's statement on Trayvon Martin killing
President Obama spoke today about the killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL:
"When I think about this boy, I think about my own kids," Obama said in the Rose Garden. "I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this. And that everybody pull together."
"My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin. You know, if I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," Obama said. "All of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves."
"Obviously, this is a tragedy. I can only imagine what these parents are going through," Obama said. "All of us have to do some soul searching to figure out how something like this has happened."
Trayvon Martin, a middle-class black teen with no history of trouble, was shot and killed in Sanford, Fla., a community just north of Orlando. His alleged assailant, George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain and criminal justice student, apparently killed him on Feb. 26 as the 17-year-old walked home from a convenience store near his suburban neighborhood to his father's house a few blocks away.
Before the shooting, Zimmerman, who has a weapons permit, told a police dispatcher there was "a real suspicious guy" who looked "like he was up to no good or on drugs or something" and looked to have "something in his waistband." Although he was directly told not to follow Martin, Zimmerman chased Martin on foot and eventually shot him. Martin was unarmed, carrying only a bag of Skittles and an iced tea he had just purchased.
Geraldo Rivera: "I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin’s death as George Zimmerman was"
Seriously? From the video:
BRIAN KILMEADE KILMEADE (co-host): Let’s talk about the Trayvon Martin case and what’s going on in Florida right now.
GERALDO RIVERA: I believe that George Zimmerman, the overzealous neighborhood watch captain should be investigated to the fullest extent of the law and if he is criminally liable, he should be prosecuted. But I am urging the parents of black and Latino youngsters particularly to not let their children go out wearing hoodies. I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin’s death as George Zimmerman was.
JULIET HUDDY (guest-host): What do you mean?
RIVERA: When you, when you see a kid walking — Juliet — when you see a kid walking down the street, particularly a dark skinned kid like my son Cruz, who I constantly yelled at when he was going out wearing a damn hoodie or those pants around his ankles. Take that hood off, people look at you and they — what do they think? What’s the instant identification, what’s the instant association?
At the 2:47 mark Geraldo says "unless it's raining, or you're at a track meet - leave the hoodie home." Has anyone told Geraldo IT WAS RAINING when Trayvon was shot???
Shut up, Geraldo. Shut up.
Youtube "Human Birdwings" video a hoax
In four days this video of a man flying like a bird has received almost 5 million hits on youtube.
Today it was revealed that the 'flier' is actually Floris Kaayk, a Dutch CGI artist and filmmaker. This project is part of a documentary on internet hoaxes.
And there you have it.
Kamis, 22 Maret 2012
American Idol making folks mad
But I was cruising around iTunes tonight and saw the songs from the American Idol top 10. Back in the day, I would buy a track by a contestant I liked. I listened to a few 1:30 samples then started to read some reviews.
Apparently folks are mad - and justly so I would add - that this season, if you want to buy a song by your favorite, you can't do that. On iTunes right now, if you want the song performed by your favorite from last night, you have to buy all ten songs from last night.
A show that furthers itself by having people vote for their favorite now doesn't allow fans to buy the track by their favorite that week...?
Sounds like taking the concept of the show and flipping it sideways: "we want you to vote and have a favorite, but to own a performance you have to buy everyone's track."
Hmmm.....
Hardball: Mitt Romney and his Etch-A-Sketch problem
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
It seems like just when Mitt Romney gets a chance to take a breath and think he's got it all down, he or his campaign makes some unforced error.
The Romney campaign’s Etch-A-Sketch gaffe may eclipse all of Mitt Romney’s other campaign missteps combined.
The real problem with this particular gaffe is the visual - of a toy everyone knows - makes it too easy to play into the scenario of Romney being a flip-flopper: the idea that he can just "shake it up" and start with a clean slate - which we all know is not the reality in politics today.
The Huffington Post’s Howard Fineman and The Boston Globe’s Matt Viser weigh in on why the Etch-A-Sketch comment may outlive any other story about Romney in this election.
Joey Lawrence & Mayim Bialik in new Old Navy commercial
Mayim Bialik and Joey Lawrence are both, again, on successful TV series -- "The Big Bang Theory" and "Melissa & Joey," respectively -- but they're not too cool for their roots.
The former stars of '90s TV series, "Blossom," have reunited for Old Navy in a new TV spot as their former characters.
They both look great - then and now. Like no time has passed at all. Whoa....
Rhode Island: Marriage equality could generate $1.2 million new revenue
The Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law says Rhode Island stands to generate nearly $1.2 million in new government revenue over three years if the state allows gay and lesbian couples to marry.
The new revenue would come primarily in the form of additional tax revenue. The study estimates that same-sex weddings would generate $400,000 in new sales tax dollars over three years.
Also, married couples filing their state taxes jointly would pay an estimated $786,000 in new income taxes over the same period.
Rhode Island lawmakers voted last year to permit same-sex couples to form civil unions after gay marriage legislation failed.
(source)
Coroner: Whitney Houston had cocaine in her system at time of death
From TMZ: Whitney Houston had cocaine in her system when she died -- this according to the L.A. County Coroner.
The L.A. County Coroner has just released the singer's official cause of death -- accidental drowning ... but the report also notes heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors to Whitney's demise.
As previously reported, Whitney was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel last month and several pills were found on the scene -- including Xanax, Ibuprofen, and Midol.
Investigators found NO EVIDENCE of cocaine in the hotel room.
Mississippi: Teenager pleads guilty to murder of gay black man
From USAToday: Deryl Dedmon, a 19 year-old Mississippi man, has pleaded guilty and received two life sentences for targeting a random black man for abuse and killing him with his pickup truck. It was later learned that the victim was gay and in a 17 year relationship.
Dedmon, 19, of Brandon, Miss., apologized to the family of 49-year-old James Craig Anderson. While partying with six friends last June 26, Dedmon suggested finding a black man to harass. Anderson was beaten before Dedmon ran over him with his Ford pickup. "I do not ask y'all to forget, but I do ask y'all to forgive," he said before being sentenced for the murder and hate crime that was captured by a hotel security camera. AP writes, "As members of his family and the victim's relatives wiped away tears, Dedmon said God has taught him not to see race and he is a changed man."
The New York Times reported on the victim last August.
Mr. Anderson was a good country cook, a gifted gardener and always genial, his family said. He liked his job on the assembly line at the Nissan plant north of Jackson, where he had worked for about seven years. “If you met him, the first thing you were going to see was that grand piano smile,” said his eldest sister, Barbara Anderson Young. He made a point of taking care of old people and children and was helping his partner of 17 years, James Bradfield, raise the 4-year-old relative for whom Mr. Bradfield has legal guardianship. He sang tenor in the choir at the First Hyde Park Missionary Baptist Church and was so good “he’d have you falling out,” Mr. Bradfield, 44, said.
TESTIMONY - Stephen Schwartz, Dan Savage and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
TESTIMONY - Music by Stephen Schwartz
Lyrics taken from and inspired by the It Gets Better Project
http://bit.ly/Testimonysong
In writing TESTIMONY, Stephen Schwartz collaborated with Dan Savage, creator of the groundbreaking "It Gets Better Project." Schwartz has set the heartfelt words from the "It Gets Better" videos to music, weaving them into a breathtaking, emotional new masterpiece that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place.
The beginning of the piece gives voice to the doubts many LGBT youth feel growing up. But as the piece progresses, the lyrics express the confidence and truth of lives lived openly as we get older and realize "it does get better."
Artistic Director and Conductor of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Dr. Tim Seelig says, “In four decades of conducting and commissioning new choral works, ‘Testimony’ is one of the most profound works of choral art I have ever experienced. We can never adequately express our gratitude to Stephen Schwartz for what he has given to us and to the world. If one person is moved and ultimately changed by these words, all of our work will have been worth it.”
Versions will also be available on iTunes audio and video. A limited edition DVD is available for sale at http://www.sfgmc.org and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.
Dharun Ravi speaks about being found guilty and Tyler Clementi's death
Regarding the tweet he sent to friends suggesting they tune into his webcam to see Clementi with a male guest:
"I knew my friends would think it was a joke because they know my sense of humor," he said. "But eventually I thought it was stupid, so I went back into the room and pointed the camera back at my bed."
When asked the question, "What were you thinking?" Ravi candidly stated, "I wasn’t."
"At that point, I got caught up in what I thought was funny, and my own ego. I never really thought about what it would mean to Tyler," he said. "I know that’s wrong, but that’s the truth."
Upon learning about the webcam, Tyler Clementi committed suicide.
Ravi stands by his statement that he set up his webcam out of concern for his iPad and that he was also put off by the appearance of Clementi’s guest, a 30-year-old man known only as M.B. that Tyler met on a gay dating Internet site.
"But I wasn’t biased," Ravi said. "I didn’t act out of hate and I wasn’t uncomfortable with Tyler being gay."
"I'm very sorry about Tyler," he said. "I have parents and a little brother, and I can only try to imagine how they feel. But I want the Clementis to know I had no problem with their son. I didn’t hate Tyler and I knew he was okay with me. I wanted to talk to his parents, but I was afraid. I didn’t know what to say.
UPDATE: Preview of "20/20" interview with Dharun Ravi. He doesn't come off very sympathetic here. Almost as if he's the victim. May not play well for him in an appeal.
Jersey Shore - Mike "The Situation" walks out of Reunion show
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino walks off the stage of the Jersey Shore Season 5 Reunion show set to air tonight.
According to NY Daily News, the reality star issued a statement to set the record straight about his recent trip to rehab:
"I have voluntarily taken steps to get control of a prescription medication problem I had due to exhaustion," he said in the statement. "I have spent the past several weeks getting treatment for this problem and recuperating from my work and appearance schedule. I appreciate my fans support and love you guys."
Sorrentino went through alcohol detox prior to checking into the Cirque Lodge in Utah, and cited club appearances for the reality show as a primary factor leading to his alcohol abuse.
Matt Zarley talks about new remixes & music video: Trust Me
Listen to internet radio with CandiXRandy on Blog Talk Radio
Matt Zarley was our guest last night on The Candi & Randy Show talking about his new dance remixes for "Trust Me" plus the upcoming music video for the project.
If you missed the show, hit play above.
You can check out the music on iTunes here.
Rabu, 21 Maret 2012
Looking for the perfect wine to pair with your Girl Scout cookie?
To make Girl Scout cookies truly an adult treat, Kris Margerum, Wine Director at Napa Valley’s inn and Michelin-starred restaurant Auberge du Soleil, has provided wine pairings for each cookie sold by the Girl Scouts.
"Even the simplest sweets can be paired with a fine wine," said Margerum. "I love pairing confections with exquisite vintages. They shape the flavor and take the simple experience of enjoying a cookie to an entirely new level of enjoyment."
For instance, Margerum recommends the 2007 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine to accompany Trefoils. The creamy richness of the shortbread is balanced by the fresh lively notes of the Sparkling Wine.
Check out the other pairings on the Huffington Post.
"Even the simplest sweets can be paired with a fine wine," said Margerum. "I love pairing confections with exquisite vintages. They shape the flavor and take the simple experience of enjoying a cookie to an entirely new level of enjoyment."
For instance, Margerum recommends the 2007 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine to accompany Trefoils. The creamy richness of the shortbread is balanced by the fresh lively notes of the Sparkling Wine.
Check out the other pairings on the Huffington Post.
Starbucks CEO speaks to his company's support for marriage equality
"Any decision of this type or magnitude has be made with great thoughtfulness and I would assure you that a senior team at Starbucks discussed this. To be very candid with you, this was not something that was a difficult decision for us and we did share this with the board as well. [snip] We made that decision, in our view, through the lens of humanity and being the kind of company that embraces diversity." - Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz, responding to NOM's complaint about his company's support for marriage equality.
(Audio from GoodAsYou.org)
Hew Hampshire House votes down attempt to repeal marriage equality
An effort to prevent recognition of same-sex marriages in the “Live Free or Die” state seems to be dead for the year after a Republican-controlled state House of Representatives failed to pass the measure, despite desperate last-minute attempts to make the bill more palatable to moderates by author Rep. David Bates.
The New Hampshire House of Representatives has defeated the bill with a vote of 133-202.
At stake first was the absurd amendment proposed by Rep. David Bates (R), which would have re-implemented civil unions and given voters a chance to weigh in on that decision in a non-binding way. That amendment failed 162-188.
Then, there was a parliamentary debate as to whether to consider a humorous amendment proposed by Rep. Seth Cohn (R) that would have prohibited marriage between people who are left-handed, but the effort to bring it forth was defeated.
During the debate on the bill as originally proposed, Bates and other opponents of equality invoked comparisons between same-sex marriage and incest while protesting when others juxtaposed the measure with the racial segregation of the past.
Three-term governor John Lynch had promised to veto the bill had it passed both majority-Republican chambers of the state legislature.
(source)
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