Former Nazi Warns Against The Misuse Of Religion

Former Nazi, Pope Benedict XVI has warned against the misuse of religion for political ends, in a speech to Muslim leaders on the second day of his visit to Jordan. (What? Misuse of religion? Who the fu*k is he to warn, didn't he start it?)
Speaking in the King Hussein Mosque in Amman, he argued that religion was a force for good, but its "manipulation" caused divisions and even violence. Hello, hello, pot calling kettle black.

(BBC)

White House Dinner: Bow Ties Out!

White House Dinner: Most seem to be toning it down (due to the economy?) No since being seen in your best tux when people are eating spam. Not to worry they are not serving dessert so that they can give that money to the poor.
I must say the Repubs are in bow ties and Armani. Todd Palin is in a tux he will only say he "got it in Alaska". I guess that means "rented", a lot like his daughter. Ok, we hate to say this but, Michelle Obama's dress sucks, and the necklace, did she get it off a street vendor? (Fine jewels out plastic in)That aside President Obama's remarks rocked! He said that his kids were the ones that took air force one to New York and are now grounded. The president did say a joke (good) for marriage in Iowa.
At the Fox News table we noticed that the Glenn Beck looked a bit animated. After all the drunken crap he has done, we hope it was just water in his glass. We wish him the best with his sobriety issues.
Wanda Sykes just took the stage: I must say she was ON! She covered it all. One of her best lines was about if his presidency, now was know as the black president, went bad he would be known as the half white president. She slammed Palin and it got a huge laugh! Wanda nailed Rush Limbaugh! This was the joke heard round the world! PS: I don't know if the A/C was off or broken but it was hotter than hell in the Hilton tonight!
Now we are off to the Vanity Fair Bloomberg party! Can't wait to get some rebublican bottom boy. Mark- Azire Times

Movie Review: Valentino: The Last Emperor

I am not into fashion (I am writing this wearing shorts, flip flops and a T-shirt my trick left last night), but this film is a piece of recorded history, at least in the culture of fashion. But more, it is a love story between two men that have been at each others side for more than 45 years. Valentino is an odd, but talented designer that has plenty of ego and funny moments in the film. Footage of Jackie Kennedy and other celebrities as well as old fashion shows that are very colorful. The transformation of the fashion industry seems to mirror the world of business as a whole, and the rise and fall of Valentino & his vision are tragic and glorious at the same time. Go see it, you won't regret it.

Race To Save Hubble

"Veteran astronaut Scott Altman will command the final space shuttle mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. During the 11-day mission's five spacewalks, astronauts will install two new instruments, repair two inactive ones and perform the component replacements that will keep the telescope functioning into at least 2014. If the mission is a success, the Hubble will be 90 times more powerful."
(NASA)

Afternoon Delight

Photo: Tetu

Farrah Fawcett In The Final Stages Of Cancer Battle

Reports are that Farrah Fawcett is in the final stages of her battle with cancer. The 62-year-old actress was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Last month, her doctor confirmed that the cancer had spread to other parts of her body, including her liver.
Friday, May 15 is the scheduled airdate for Farrah’s Story, a two-hour NBC documentary where Fawcett details her struggle with cancer. (TCT)

Music: An Oldie, But It Will Get You Moving

Tony and Guy Founder Dies at 65

Guy Mascolo, co-founder and chairman of the international hair salon Toni & Guy, died Wednesday. He was 65.

Mascolo suffered a fatal heart attack and died at his Dallas home, his family said.

Guy Mascolo was a gifted hairstylist who teamed up with his brothers to build an international hair care company. He began his career with his brother Toni in London in 1963 when they were both teens.
With skills learned from their hairdresser father, (Guy never had formal hair training) they created a global company known for its cutting-edge salons and popular hair care products such as Bed Head, S-factor and Catwalk.
He is survived by his wife and children. (DMN)

Nothing Says Mother's Day Like a New Tat

Marc Jacobs fav tattoo artist Scott Campbell will again be inking mom tats. You can pick from one of five designs for $100.00 a pop. Campbell drew them up for mother's day. (mens style)

KFC to Oprah Fans: Eat Somewhere Else!

Roger Eaton, president of KFC said that his company will no longer accept the coupons for grilled chicken that Oprah mentioned on her show. Have you LOST your mind!!! Do you know what Oprah can do to your company with just one bad comment. My advice to Roger Eaton grab Toto and run!

Afterquake

A year after a devastating earthquake, Sichuan province in China is still rebuilding. Many children remain separated from their parents. To raise awareness of victims still in need, folk musician Abigail Washburn and electronic artist Dave Liang spent two weeks in Sichuan to create Afterquake, an album that mixes actual sounds of the rebuilding with the voices of relocated school children. (afterquake)

Group Warns Church Leaders to Expect Violence From The Gays

An unheard of group "Pastors' Rapid Response Team" is warning church leaders to expect violence from the gays after the California Supreme Court rules on Prop 8. They have been kind enough to raise the fear and pitchfork level with e-mails on how to respond to us gays.

Here is the e-mail:

Greetings, Pastors and Leaders.

As you know, the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in March regarding the legal challenges to Article 1, Section 7.5 of the California Constitution (formerly known as Proposition 8). Their decision will be coming down any day and while we don't know the exact date, it could be made public as early as tomorrow, Friday, or one day next week.

Based on the observations of legal experts, it is expected that the court will uphold Article 1, Section 7.5, keeping it in the Constitution. However, the court will probably also uphold the several thousand "marriages" that occurred between June and Election Day in 2008.

Reactions
Because of the imminent arrival of the court's decision, it is important to be aware of the public reaction to this decision.
If the decision is in our favor, it is not unreasonable to expect an angry response, perhaps even violence, from those who are opposed. On their websites, some opposed to Prop 8 have said things like, "Take your anger to the streets," so it's possible that the reaction could be significantly more severe than the violence that took place in the days immediately following the passage of Prop 8.

Therefore, as pastors and leaders, we must be prepared for such reactions occurring near us, perhaps even in our own churches.

Be Prepared
We are blessed to have received a very comprehensive list of church security ideas courtesy of Erik Stanley with the Alliance Defense Fund. These are outstanding ideas that will go a long way in order to make certain your church remains secure, and that everything will be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Please take time to review this information, included below, and forward it to those in your church who need to see it and make the necessary preparations.
To quickly summarize what needs to be done, it can be boiled down to these primary steps:

Make sure every worship service is videotaped.
Make sure someone in the church (an usher or someone with similar responsibilities) has instructions to call 911 immediately.
Plan with the church staff and church leadership the steps that will be taken in the event of any attempt to disrupt one of your worship services.


Networking
Remember that we are all in this together! The Lord has raised up all of us and brought us together to change the history of our country. We were all a part of a massive work that our God has done in our midst. We need to-we must-stand together!
With that in mind, would you please send an email to let us know of any attempts to disrupt one of your worship services, any acts of vandalism, any "hate" mail or email, any acts of violence? We will compile a master list of as many acts of hatred as is possible - violence, disruptions, vandalism, mail, email, phone calls.

The reason for this request? For one, to heighten the fervency and intensity of our prayer for one another. For another, to alert the casual observers in our state to what has been occurring. It is important for us to realize that our brothers and sisters are suffering persecution for simply participating in our nation's democratic process and voting their values, and we must stand more closely together.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any of your questions on this, or to request further help.

We will let you know about the court announcement as soon as we know, and we will also notify you of the time and date of a webinar/conference call where we will provide you with additional information based on that decision. Please be looking for that email.

This battle is not over, not by a long shot! We will have to stand, and stand again, on this principle of marriage. We have seen the Lord bring us together, stand us together side by side, and pass Prop 8; let us remain side by side so together we can see Him protect what He has done!

Be blessed today,

Chris Clark
Pastors' Rapid Response Team
"webinar, conference call and e-mail.....HEY dumb ass not only is your thinking out of date but "conference call?" I'll tweet you when we are on the way to over run the church.

Cocaine Prices and Other Quick Bits

• Falling dollar and bad economy cause US cocaine to go heavy on the mix and light on the snow, and the price keeps going up. Just don't water down our G! (usdoj)
• Dallas - The seedy gay go-go bar Crews Inn has closed for unpaid taxes. Note to Chance: You can come dance on our box! (DV)
• RuPaul is casting for season 2 of Drag Race. And we thought she would go away.(RPC)
• Miss California maybe giving coming to a head Monday. Miss California USA Pageant has scheduled a news conference on Monday. (LAT)
• JJ Abrams' Star Trek is on its way to boldly going where no Star Trek movie has gone before: MEGA HIT (MTV)

Afternoon Delight

(click for larger image)

Has Michael Musto Been Evacuated From Village Voice?

Staffers at the Village Voice are apparently freaking out and leaving faster than management can fire them because a staffer has come down with swine flu. Has Michael Musto been moved to an undisclosed location?

Ellen Expecting Baby?

Today on her show Ellen Degeneres announced to a screaming audience that she and wife Porsha De Rossi are expecting.........................Wait for it..................a new sofa!

Texas City Council Canidate Uses Gay Slur

Michael Aldous, a city council candidate in Santa Fe, Texas, has admitted to shouting anti-gay slurs at supporters of a gay candidate at a polling place last week, according to The Galveston County Daily News.
Aldous said he made the remarks out of frustration because he felt he was being harrassed. Aldous’ father, Warren, is running against the gay candidate, Tom Dendy. Michael Aldous reportedly shouted, “Vote for Aldous; I am not a homo.” A supporter of Dendy who witnessed the incident said Aldous also “kept on making comments that gays have no place in the world (and) that they are sick people.”
The story goes on to say that Aldous and his father were prompted to run for city council after they were both arrested in 2008. Michael Aldous reportedly was charged with driving while intoxicated about a month before his father was arrested for a tussle with police.
Fu*kin’ rednecks! Color us surprised!

What Do Motel 6 and Tommy Hilfiger Have in Common?

We honestly can't remember the last time we heard anyone use "Tommy Hilfiger" and "popular" in the same sentence. But maybe we're just talking to the wrong people. Tommy seems to still think his brand is very popular. At the after-party for the new Jennifer Aniston movie Management the other night, Tommy explained to WWD that he's now in the "conceptual stage" of building his own chain of Hilfiger-branded hotels. Where will his first property be located? "We like America but we have great popularity all over the world," he explained. "I think we could put a hotel up in just about any major city." We agree! And think any street that has a Wal-Mart and a KFC would be perfect! [WWD]

Music For Your Friday Afternoon

Note to guy on the laptop in the video: We are hiring!

Santa Barbara Fire Rages

SANTA BARBARA -Officials expanded evacuation orders today as high, gusty winds pushed flames down from the canyons above this affluent coastal city and started burning homes in the residential flatlands.

ABC To Add Gay Show To Line Up

ABC has picked up a new half-hour comedy that may herald the era of the ordinary gay.
Modern Family – formerly known as My American Family – will premiere in the fall, according to Variety. The single-lens, documentary style show revolves around the lives of three families living in Chicago. Modern Family features a traditional family, one that includes a sixty-year-old man who becomes a stepfather after marrying a Latina thirty years his junior, and the third is a gay male couple who have just adopted a Vietnamese baby.

Last Known Photograph of Marilyn Monroe on Ebay

The six photographs taken in Lake Tahoe in 1962 with Frank Sinatra and Monroe, just five days before her death. The photographs show a smiling and seemingly happy Monroe five days before her death; starting bid for the photos is $7,500. This economy keeps bringing more and more things out of the closet. (my desert)

No Oscar Night For Roman Polanski

Judge Peter Espinoza has formally rejected Roman Polanski's request that a 1978 rape case against him is dismissed despite a documentary about him, Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, uncovered new facts about the case. (BBC)

Cheap Sluts and Man Whores

Calvin Klein Jeans new ad campaign shot by renowned photographer Steven Meisel is turning heads in Manhattan. Company execs said it was so unbelievably racy, they wouldn't even be able to buy commercials on cable TV. But they didn't say anything about 100-foot billboards on Houston Street! "Looks like the recession isn't taming the cheap sluts and man-whores," And thank God for that. [Bowery Boogie]

Ali Lohan Gives Dina Lohan an Early Mother's Day Gift

Lindsay Lohan's 15-year-old sister Ali has reportedly dropped out of high school so she can party full-time with her big sister. Happy mother's day Dina!!! (P6)

Happy Birthday

Enrique Iglesias is turning 34, actress Melissa Gilbert is turning 45, And Don Rickles 83 today.

Documentary "Outrage" Sparks Threat on Gay Blogger

Local low brow television host, Doug McKelway, from Let's Talk Live threatened to punch blogger Michael Rogers. Is Doug sorry he acted like a jack ass ? You got it, he still wants to take him outside and work him over to prove his masculinity. Don't worry it doesn't look like he will lose his job. Me thinks he might protest too much! Wink, nod.

Disco Diva Viola Wills Has Died

Her web site made the announcement: "It is with great sadness that Vi's family report Viola passed peacefully away after a long illness, May 6th 8.27am Pacific Time. Viola leaves behind six children - Vincent, Christopher, Regina, La Donna, David and Rejal, 21 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Viola's favourite saying to her family was always 'Aim for the sky and always dare to dream.' Vi's service will be held at the Angeles Memorial Park, 1515 E Compton Blvd, Compton, Ca, 90221 at 11.30 on May 15 2009 - all are welcome. On Viola's behalf her family wish a special heartfelt thanks to all of Vi's fans over the years, whom, Vi always said, allowed her dreams to come true."

Wildly popular Priest Caught With An Adult Woman

"Tuesday photographs in a tabloid showed celebrity priest Rev. Alberto Cutié lying shirtless beside, and cuddling with, a woman on a North Florida beach. Within hours, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami removed him from his post as pastor of a Miami Beach church." That consensual relationship with a woman will get you every time! This from the same Church that couldn't see a problem when priests raped children.
For more (NYT)

Sun Roof Action

EMBED-sunroof fail, busted outside nexopia.com office - Watch more free videos
Wonder if his other car is a convertible?

Kiefer Sutherland Turns Self Into Police

This afternoon Kiefer Sutherland was charged on allegations that he head butted a fashion designer at a party early Tuesday.
The 42-year-old Sutherland showed up at about 4 p.m. ET at the 1st Precinct in lower Manhattan, according to an NYPD spokeswoman.
After answering questions from investigators, he was booked on one count of misdemeanor assault and issued an appearance citation, which allows the 24 star to travel until his June 22 arraignment.
He was released on his own recognizance.
Sutherland stands accused of losing his cool during a party at the Mercer Hotel following the Met Costume Institute Gala. The actor allegedly confronted designer Jack McCollough over a perceived slight of fellow guest Brooke Shields.
According to a police report filed by McCollough, Sutherland head-butted the 30-year-old Proenza Schouler creator, causing some kind of facial injury, but apparently nothing as severe as the broken nose that was originally reported.
The misdemeanor assault count could be the least of Sutherland's worries, however. Prosecutors in Los Angeles will decide whether the 42-year-old Emmy winner violated his probation in his 2007 DUI case. If so, he could face upwards of 10 months behind bars on top of the 48 days he previously served.
Paging Dr. Drew, paging Dr. Drew your next show is ready!!!
Seattle Post Intelligencer

Ice Cream Anyone?

This Ad for Antonio Federici ice cream is causing a stir and a possable ban.

Please Lord let this guy be on my Ice cream Truck, I'll go back to mass!

"Outrage", The Documentary Opens Tonight In Los Angeles

"Outrage" will initially be seen in limited release in selected cities, it's expected to attract influential audiences in important political organizing and fundraising centers such as Los Angeles, Washington and New York.
Outrage," is the political documentary by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick that is being screened tonight at 7:40 pm at the Embarcadero in Los Angeles. It attempts to explore the intersection between private lives and public conduct of closeted homosexual lawmakers. The film shows that many listed in the film oppose equal rights measures for gays because they're concealing their own homosexuality.
Some of those those named in "Outrage" are: California Rep. David Dreier, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, ex-Louisiana Congressman Jim McCrery, former New York City Mayor Ed Koch and ex-Idaho Sen. Larry Craig.
Laist

Drag Queens Can Now Do Plastic Surgery Online

The website, My-Queen.com, was launched last week by celebrity DJ Jodie Harsh.
Users can dress their characters, take part in fashion competitions and visit virtual bars.
They can also give their characters plastic surgery (Can you recommend it to another drag queen on line? Now that we would pay to see).
A parents' group has attacked the creators of an online drag queen community, saying it may encourage children to "see gay sex as normal".
There is no age limit on the site, although users must be over 18 to join the dating forums.
Careful, mom always said don't fu*k with a drag queen or a bull dyke, either one will cut ya!

Music: James Roy - Rise Above

The Ultimate Tom of Finland Book

In 1998, Taschen publishing introduced the world to the masterful art of Touko Laaksonen with "The Art of Pleasure". Now Taschen brings us "Tom of Finland XXL" that fills 666 pages with over 1,000 images. Editor Dian Hanson, who brought us the Big Penis Book, includes many drawings and paintings never before published.
It's an art book stuffed with erotic spirit that really gives Tom of Finland's big, bulging brutes their due.
I keep me "Big Penis" book by the bed...insert your one liner here.
Book can be purchased at Taschen (Link NSFW)

Gay Porn Star Thrown out of College

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Kelly Bensimon Trying to Unload Her Home For The Summer

Real housewife Kelly Bensimon's East Hampton Home at 125 Further Lane is for rent. The home had been on the market for 2 years, first at 14.5 million and then cut to $10.9 million. Unable to find any buyers she is now looking to rent it for $295,000 for the summer season. According to sources who have visited the home it is tastefully done, unlike her.

Rupert Murdoch's Empire Crumbling?

With News Corps profits losses at 47% Rupert wants to start charging for online access to his papers. This conceivable would include: New York Post, the News International, the Sun and the Times, and a cluster of Australian papers including the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun. Oh, and the Wall Street Journal. And this this affects me how? (CNN)

Iraq Still Murdering Gays

This is part of an article from The National:
"Abu Muslim likens his work to that of a surgeon, cutting out diseased parts of a body to save it from cancer. But unlike a doctor, he does not save lives, he takes them. Specifically, Abu Muslim and a small group of colleagues claim to have been killing homosexual men in Baghdad."
“We see this [homosexuality] as a serious illness in the community that has been spreading rapidly among the youth after it was brought in from the outside by American soldiers,” he said, in an interview in the Iraqi capital. Abu Muslim is not his real name. “These are not the habits of Iraq or our community and we must eliminate them.”
This article by Nizar Latif is a must read.
Do our troops try to stop this? Guess Iraq has its own form of DADT. Knock, knock State Department, Hillary are you home?

Afternoon Delight

Academy Award-winning actor Charlize Theron Adds Voice To Gay Marriage

Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron is lending her voice to an upcoming rally on gay marriage in California.

Ms. Theron wrote a letter in support for the Meet In The Middle For Equality rally to be held in Fresno, California.

"We know the people whose lives are on the line - those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender - will be there," Theron wrote. "But we need everyone there. Especially straight people."

The letter was released yesterday by grassroots organisation Courage Campaign.

Kylie Minogue To Tour USA

US fans of Kylie Minogue will at last get a chance to see her here, live in concert, when her 5-city tour kicks off in California on September 30th.
Sep 30 San Francisco
Oct 3 Las Vegas
Oct 4 Los Angeles
Oct 7 Chicago
Oct 11 New York City

Amanda Lepore Has a Fragrance Deal!

Queen Amanda Lepore celebrated the debut of her new video Cotton Candy Sunday night at the Hiro Ballroom nightclub. Earlier the same evening she unveiled her fragrance, Amanda eau de parfum, by Artwear Editions.
Cotton Candy the first single from Amanda's forthcoming album, I...Amanda Lepore will be released this summer on the Peace Bisquit label.
Bespangled in a sci-fi silver and mirrors outfit, coiffed off with a Mars Attacks hairdo, Miss Lepore entertained the press, while fans and friends pinked-out on cotton candy, red velvet mini-cupcakes and cotton candy cocktails. Well I guess if
Real Housewife Ramona Singer can do a skin care line anything is possible. We still think it is the first sign of the apocalypse.

Elton's Red Piano Has Gone Blu-Ray

Elton John fans have traveled to Caesars Palace Las Vegas by the thousands to see Sir Elton's sold-out The Red Piano shows.
Now for the first time, the concert,in Blu-ray format, contains the 14-song performance of The Red Piano show, including: “Candle in the Wind,” “Your Song,” “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer.”
The Blu-ray edition features a bonus 50-minute documentary, “The Life and Legacy Of Elton John,” with behind-the-scenes of David LaChapelle’s treatment of the show, plus stage projections, as well as raw videos made for the stage backdrop for select songs. LaChapelle has made a name for himself for his celebrity portraits and videography for artists such as Madonna, Amy Winehouse, and Britney Spears.

Some News Sources go after Michelle Obama

Some in the press have been making a big deal about the $540 sneakers Michelle Obama wore Wednesday while volunteering at food bank for the homeless! Note to Haters: Wear what ever you want when you go to your local charity to volunteer. We promise that when if you go to the food bank to help out we will not dig up Mr. Blackwell to critique your footwear. PS: Picking up the check at La Cirque does not count!

Rachel Maddow Show Has Return Visit With Lt. Dan Choi

Rachel Maddow is scheduled to have Lt. Dan Choi make a return visit tonight. Choi,who came out on Maddow's show has now been told he will face discharge from the US military for being openly gay. Tonight he is returning to her show (9pm ET on MSNBC)to discuss his case. Hello! Mr. President what happened to getting rid of DADT?

GaySocialites Anounces New Party Blog Editor

King Ralphy New York Man King about town has been named as the new editor of GaySocialites Party Blog. Congratulations from all of us here at The Azire Times!

HIV Cases Rise In Britain

Unicef has stated that Britain now has the highest number of new HIV infections in western Europe.
The next highest country in Europe with new infections was in France, with 4,075. Germany reported 2,752 new cases.
Four in ten of those diagnosed with the disease were men who had engaged in sex with men.
(Metro UK)

Levi Strauss Starts New Campaign for Gay Youth

Levi Strauss has a new campaign is to help the Hetrick-Martin Institute raise $500,000 for their Liquidity Reserve Fund, which will establish a financial safety net to fund important work within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.
More than $38,000 has been raised since the project launched on May 6th. To donate to this cause go to givethemhopenow.org

Bravo's Fashion Knock Off Needs Impounding

Well the early reviews are in for The Fashion Show, Bravo's knock-off of Project Runway. None are good! This show wears as well as a cheap Chanel knock off. (Oh, but I guess that is exactly what it is.) Wait for Project Runway (and Tim Gunn) this fall on Lifetime.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Talks about Bristol Palin to Larry King

Bubble headed right winger Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of "The View" told Larry King last night that Bristol Palin is the "perfect choice" to talk about abstinence. Lizzy, I think the abstinence boat left port for her sometime ago. (CNN)

Santa Barbara Fire Rages

13,000 Santa Barbara County, California residents are being forced from their homes as fires rage through the area. Reports say that up to 20 homes have been destroyed so far by the blaze.

Crunch Crashes

Fitness chain Crunch filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection yesterday. "The company cited assets between $100 million and $500 million, and liabilities of the same amount." The current owners think they have a buyer lined up and currently plan to close only one location. (Crains)

Carrie Prejean caught in Crown Striping Lie?

Another topless photo of former Miss California Carrie Prejean were posted to the web one day after TMZ revealed that Prejean was lest than honest with pageant organizers when she said no other photos existed.

TMZ: "We told Keith Lewis about the 4 photos. His reaction: 'I'm absolutely stunned. This completely changes things for us. Yesterday we thought she had explained things accurately. We need to revisit this issue with her.'
TMZ also has some of the back story from Carrie Prejean's parent's divorce where the mother calls her father a 'homosexual'".

Rise and Shine

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's report "An Epidemic of Homelessness", states that a staggering 42% of homeless youth nationwide identify as GLBT. Unfortunately, little is being done on the state or federal level to address the issue. Some gay assistance organizations have stepped up to provide shelters for GLBT homeless youth. 1-800-runaway

How much longer do we give Obama the benefit of the doubt?

President Obama has been noticeably silent when the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage as well as the legislative decisions in Maine and New Hampshire regarding equal marriage.
Mr. Obama’s new global health initiative has infuriated many health advocates who say he is not financing AIDS programs generously enough.
While the president has strongly urged Congress to pass a hate crimes bill, a high priority for gay people, he has canceled delayed action on one of his key campaign promises, repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule.
Many are still fuming over his choice of the radical cleric Rick Warren, the evangelical pastor who opposes same-sex marriage, to deliver the invocation at his inaugural.

Lap Dog Joe Solmonese of the HRC meet Monday with top low level officials, including Jim Messina, Mr. Obama’s deputy chief of staff, to plot legislative strategy on the hate crimes bill as well as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Afterwards Joe Solmonese said that the gay rights agenda might not be “unfolding exactly as we thought.”

Fox News says Matthew Shepard Bill is for Protecting "Necrophilia"

Criticizing Hate Crimes legislation Faux entertainer Sean Hannity set up the pins for Representative Steve King (phone number 202.225.4426) to knock down:

HANNITY: We're running out of time. Is it safe to say that Democrats were willing to protect pedophiles but not offer the same protection to servicemen and women? Is that an accurate statement?

KING: Sean, it is a matter of congressional record. Absolutely true...beyond any doubt whatsoever. The recorded votes are there to prove just what you've said. They... and on top of that, (Rep.) Alcee Hastings (D) from Florida, that spoke on the rules debate, and he read a list of about 30 different paraphilias... proclivities, I call them... including pedophiles, necrophilia, and a number of things that I wouldn't say on this program or any other. And he said I think all philias whatsoever should be protected by this law. That means every perversion that you can imagine would be special protected status under the Democrats' bill that passed off the... floor of the House of Representatives. (Media Matters)

Michael Jackson's Former publicist to sue

A former publicist for Michael Jackson says she is suing the singer for $44m for unpaid deals she had arranged. (BBC) Michael Jackson not pay someone, shocked, I tell you shocked!

Music: Nightly Pick Me Up

Porn Star Runs Against Republican "John"

An adult film star Stormy Daniels who may challenge Republican hooker client Sen. David Vitter for his seat in the U.S. Senate made a stop in New Orleans on Wednesday as she continues what she calls a "listening tour."
Daniels stopped by a downtown eatery, where she mingled with potential voters.
Daniels, a 30-year-old native of Baton Rouge, said she had never considered a career in politics until an Internet campaign came about urging her to challenge to the whore monger Vitter. Thank God for family values!(CNN)

WTF is going on at Queerty?

Seems they have a lot of copy an paste going on over at Queerty. Since there sister site Jossip went under, things don't seem to look much better for Queerty. I have a personal lament, since it was once one of my favorite sites. We here at our blog hope they keep it going!

Admitted Republican Pot Smoker Arnold Schwarzenegger Wants to Talk 420

Arnold Schwarzenegger says it's time for a debate on whether to legalize and tax marijuana. Between bong hits can we talk to you about gay marriage?

Gay Rights Supporters Prepare Eurovision March in Russia

Gay rights advocates said Tuesday they plan to hold a gay pride march in Moscow next week on the same day as the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, which is being held in Russia for the first time. (The Moscow Times)

Intolerance Causes People to Leave Church

According to Harvard University professor Robert Putnam, who conducted the research.
New research by the Pew Forum on Faith in Public Life shows young Americans are dramatically less likely to go to church.
"It's a huge change," says Robert Putnam, who conducted the research. This trend started in the early 1990's and continues through today.
Putnam went on to say that in the past two decades, many young people began to view organized religion as a source of "intolerance and rigidity and doctrinaire political views," and therefore stopped going to church.
The research will be included in a forthcoming book, called "American Grace."

High School Students beats back Fred Phelps

Zach Toillion, a Lincoln High School senior, used Facebook to enlist fellow students to protest across from the hate picketers of Fred Phelps, who stood along Southwest Ninth Street. The students, who out numbered the haters, carried signs that read "God loves all" and "unity" and cheered as passing cars honked in support. This makes Zach Toillion our person of the day, way To Go!!!

Afternoon Delight

John Edwards' (former?) mistress Rielle Hunter is allegedly asking him to submit to a DNA test. (National Enquirer)

CEO of Wal-Mart Name on Anti-Gay Petition

A signature of Mike Duke CEO of Wal-Mart, Inc of 16 Pinnacle Drive, Rogers, Arkansas 72758 was verified and counted for the advancement and ultimate success of the anti-gay legislation in Arkansas. The name, Susan Duke also at 16 Pinnacle Drive appears on this anti-gay petition. Susan Duke is the wife of Mike Duke and sits on the Board of the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter.
This from a company that states they have an environment of "diversity" in their stores.
Mike Duke of the same address, 16 Pinnacle Drive, Rogers, AR and listed as "Wal-Mart Management" made a $ 2300 campaign contribution to Mike Huckabee in 2008.
A call to a Representative of Wal-Mart would not confirm or deny the signature was valid.
Thank God for the Target Store down the street.
(Know Thy Neighbor)

Freddy Tour 2009 Coming to a High School Near You!

Fred Phelps’ cult of hate is going on the road again. After being barred from traveling to the UK. He is now taking his side show to high schools! After taking there picket signs to an Elton John concert,(Be careful Freddy, didn't you see Tantrums and Tiaras?) the Westboro Baptist Church pack is planning to picket Omaha North High School’s graduation. A project called, Phelps-A-Thon, is going to raise money for LGBT causes for every minute Freddy is picketing.
Maybe he should enroll in classes?

Barneys to Close Stores

Barneys plans to close two of its seven stores as it tries to stay afloat. The hot new store it opened in Las Vegas in 2008. The other location to close? (Speculation is that it might be the newish Dallas, Texas branch.) (Daily Finance)
Update 5/09/09 Barneys has issued a statement saying the closure notice is not true. I'm sill spending my gift card this weekend!

New York State Senator George Onorato Refuses to talk to gay constituents

New York State Senator George Onorato told his staff that he will not talk to anyone about gay marriage! So here is his phone number 718-545-9706

Maine Says YES to equal marrage!

Statement from the Governor’s office.

May 6, 2009

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.

“I have followed closely the debate on this issue. I have listened to both sides, as they have presented their arguments during the public hearing and on the floor of the Maine Senate and the House of Representatives. I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully Governor Baldacci said. “I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste.”

“I appreciate the tone brought to this debate by both sides of the issue,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question.”

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

“Even as I sign this important legislation into law, I recognize that this may not be the final word,” Governor Baldacci said. “Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people.”

“While the good and just people of Maine may determine this issue, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing this legislation is the right thing to do,” Governor Baldacci said.

McDonald's restaurant agrees to settlement over employee's "Faggots" comment

The American Civil Liberties Union announced today that McDonald's has agreed to a cash settlement and diversity training for management at its Louisville-area restaurants. The incident happened on July 26, 2008 when employee's of a McDonald's restaurant hurled gay slurs at a group of gay patrons ordering lunch. They asked to speak with a manager after an employee called them "faggot". When they did other employee's began calling one of them a "cocksucker" and "bitch." It must be noted that the only reason this suit could have been brought is the fact that Louisville law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Jill Zarin Dishes the Dirt

Jill Zarin calls out the other housewives on their lies. She goes off on has never been Kelly Bensimon's not following though on her charity donation. She goes on to say that on the May 12 reunion show she calls everyone out. Jill will take the gloves off for real housewife Mario and his constant tennis trash talk. So much so that it will be a two part airing. Go team Zarin, Meow!
(people)

American Idol's Paula Abdul admits drug use

The speculation as to what Paula was on is over. She admits (at last) that she was addicted to pain pills for more than a decade.

A message for Haters

This is a great follow up to the story we posted earlier on James Dobson. Song is NSFW.

Can Republicans Learn from UK's Conservative Party

David Cameron is the leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, who says reaching out to gay rights groups is one of his priorities. There is an interesting artical on the subject at The Moderate Voice.

Hate Monger James Dobson Back At It

James Dobson, who we thought had retired so he could leave the hate to the young ones, is back at the fear factory. He has released a video where he vents about the new hate crimes bill:
"There's a so-called hate crimes bill that's working its way through the congress that contains no adequate safeguards to protect the preaching of God's word. Because the liberals in Congress would not define sexual orientation, we have to assume that protection under the law will be extended to the 30 sexual disorders identified as such by the American Psychiatric Association. Let me identify some of them: bisexuality, exhibitionism, fetishism, incest, necrophilia, pedophilia, prostitution, sexual masochism, voyeurism, and bestiality."

Bristol Palin Gets Poked in New York City

Bristol Palin is in New York City today as a spokes mom for the Eighth Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. She appeared on the Today Show this morning where her daddy Todd Palin told Matt Lauer that Bristol's son was a “mistake”.

Rise and Shine

Photo By Westminister

Wanda Sykes and President Obama Together on Stage

Bad times or good times people in the press are ponying up the extra money to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner. This years host will be openly gay Wanda Sykes. Set your Tevo to C-Span May 9th to watch some GOP booty-slapping!

Shoot the Banker

A website called Shoot The Banker will allow you to fire a paintball gun at someone dressed up as a banker. Maybe Victoria Principal can start a site called shoot the maid to help with her legal bills.

Music: Three Little Maids from School Are We - GMCLA.ORG

Woman says "Dallas" star threatened to shoot her!

Victoria Principal is accused by her former maid of threatening her with a gun. Watch out Naomi Campbell you might loose your crown as the most abusive employer.
MSNBC

Baptist Preacher and Michael Savage banned from UK

The fundamentalist Phelps family, who picket Matthew Shepard's funeral with chants and placards proclaiming "God hates fags" have been banned along with right wing extremist Michael Savage from entering the UK.
Bloomberg

Gay footballers celebrate in closet

The Scottish football team which won the Gay National League Cup had to celebrate its victory in private because some players were afraid of losing their jobs.

HotScots, the first LGBT Scottish team, defeated GFC Bournemouth 1-0 in the final on Sunday. Pink News

Openly Gay Anthony Woods candidate for Congress

Progressive Democrat Anthony Woods is an openly gay U.S. Army veteran, Woods earned the Bronze Star for serving our nation in Iraq during two long deployments, leading platoons in fierce battles and working with Iraqis to help rebuild their devastated nation.
Anthony Woods is back in California and a candidate for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, where a special election to replace outgoing Representative Ellen Tauscher is being held.

M*A*S*H star David Ogden Stiers comes out!

David Ogden Stiers, who found widespread fame playing Major Charles Winchester on the TV series M*A*S*H, has come out in an interview with the gay Oklahoma blog gossip-boy.com.

“I am [gay],” Ogden Stiers said. “Very proud to be so.”

Dom DeLuise Dies at 75

Los Angeles television station KTLA reports that Dom DeLuise died Monday after a long illness.

D.C. Gay Marriage

The D.C. Council voted today to recognize same-sex unions and marriages performed outside the District, the Washington Post reports:

"The measure, approved by a vote of 12 to 1, now goes to Mayor Arian M. Fenty (D), a supporter of gay marriage.

If Fenty signs it, the District will put the same-sex marriage issue directly before the Congress. Under Home Rule, the District's laws are subject to a 30-day congressional review period.

After the vote, a large crowd of opponents, led by local ministers, began yelling, "Get them off the council!" referring to the members who supported the measure. The crowd caused such a ruckus that security guards and D.C. police officers had to be called in to restore order."

Maine House to vote on Equal Marriage Rights

Today the Maine House will vote on the marriage equality bill passed by the Senate last week. You can listen to the debate live by going here: Maine Vote.

The Tony Award nominations are announced

The 2009 Tony Award nominations were announced today. "Billy Elliott, the musical" ran away with 15 nominations.
We noticed that "9 to 5: The Musical" was snubbed by it's exclusion from the Tony's best musical category.
In the acting categories there were other snubs this morning; Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin and John Goodman, in the revival of Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," and Daniel Radcliffe for his lead role in the revival of "Equus."
I guess we won't see a naked Daniel Radcliffe performing at the Tony awards at the June 7th ceremony in New York City. Can we get a re-vote?

Here is the list of nominations:
(*) denotes our pick to win.

BEST PLAY
"Dividing the Estate"
* "God of Carnage"
"reasons to be pretty"
"33 Variations"

BEST MUSICAL
* "Billy Elliot, the Musical"
"Next to Normal"
"Rock of Ages"
"Shrek the Musical"

BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY
"Joe Turner's Come and Gone"
"The Norman Conquests"
"Mary Stuart"
* "Waiting for Godot"

BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
"Guys and Dolls"
* "Hair"
"Pal Joey"
"West Side Story"

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish, "Billy Elliot, the Musical"
* Gavin Creel, "Hair"
Brian D'Arcy James ,"Shrek the Musical"
Constantine Maroulis, "Rock of Ages"
J. Robert Spencer, "Next to Normal"

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Stockard Channing, "Pal Joey"
Sutton Foster, "Shrek the Musical"
* Allison Janney, "9 to 5"
Alice Ripley, "Next to Normal"
Josefina Scaglione, "West Side Story"

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY
Jeff Daniels, "God of Carnage"
Raul Esparza, "Speed-the-Plow"
James Gandolfini, "God of Carnage"
* Geoffrey Rush, "Exit the King"
Thomas Sadoski, "reasons to be pretty"

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Hope Davis, "God of Carnage"
* Jane Fonda, "33 Variations"
Marcia Gay Harden, "God of Carnage"
Janet McTeer, "Mary Stuart"
Harriet Walter, "Mary Stuart"

BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
* Phyllida Lloyd, "Mary Stuart"
Bartlett Sher, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"
Matthew Warchus , "The Normal Conquests"
Matthew Warchus ,"God of Carnage"

BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
* Stephen Daldry, "Billy Elliot, the Musical"
Michael Greif, "Next to Normal"
Kristin Hanggi, "Rock of Ages"
Diane Paulus, "Hair"

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT "Liza's at The Palace"
"Slava's Snowshow"
"Soul of Shaolin"
* "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush"

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
* Karole Armitage, "Hair"
Andy Blankenbuehler, "9 to 5: The Musical"
Peter Darling, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"
Randy Skinner, "Irving Berlin's White Christmas"

BEST ORCHESTRATIONS
* Martin Koch, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"
Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt, "Next to Normal"
Danny Troob and John Clancy, "Shrek The Musical"

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
* Dale Ferguson, "Exit the King"
Rob Howell, "The Norman Conquests"
Derek McLane, "33 Variations"
Michael Yeargan, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
* Robert Brill, "Guys and Dolls"
Ian MacNeil, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"
Scott Pask, "Pal Joey"
Mark Wendland, "Next to Normal"

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
Dale Ferguson, "Exit the King"
Jane Greenwood, "Waiting for Godot"
* Martin Pakledinaz, "Blithe Spirit"
Anthony Ward, "Mary Stuart"

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Gregory Gale, "Rock of Ages"
* Nicky Gillibrand, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"
Tim Hatley, "Shrek The Musical"
Michael McDonald, "Hair"

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
* David Hersey, "Equus"
David Lander, "33 Variations"
Brian MacDevitt, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"
Hugh Vanstone, "Mary Stuart"

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Kevin Adams, "Hair"
Kevin Adams, "Next to Normal"
* Howell Binkley, "West Side Story"
Rick Fisher, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
* Paul Arditti, "Mary Stuart"
Gregory Clarke, "Equus"
Russell Goldsmith, "Exit the King"
Scott Lehrer and Leon Rothenberg, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Acme Sound Partners, "Hair"
* Paul Arditti, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"
Peter Hylenski, "Rock of Ages"
Brian Ronan, "Next to Normal"

SPECIAL TONY AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE THEATRE
Jerry Herman

REGIONAL THEATRE TONY AWARD
Signature Theatre, Arlington, Va.

ISABELLE STEVENSON AWARD
Phyllis Newman

TONY HONORS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE THEATRE
Shirley Herz

Rise and Shine

Rise and Shine! Thanks to Andrew Christian

Madam Nashda's May 5th-9th Gay Horoscope

TAURUS
April 20-May 20
Sex is on your mind today. Change your profile pic to the sexy one and put your best look forward. If you're in a relationship, roll over this morning and get with it! This is the best day of the year for it. Hell both of you take the day off work and don't leave the bed.
GEMINI
May 21-June 21
You're all about work today. Catch up and try to get ahead. By the end of the week you will be rewarded.
CANCER
June 22-July 22
Make contact with old friends. You have been thinking about someone from your past lately, call them and make their day and yours.
LEO
July 23-August 22
We all have an off day, not to be confused with a bad day. This is your off day. Try to stay on task and get through it.
VIRGO
August 23-September 22
Everyone looks to you today for advice. Your words to others will carry weight. A perfect day to connect with someone you never thought you would.
LIBRA
September 23-October 22
A great day for Yoga or a new sport. Find a place to reflect and relax. Stress will be less for you if you will meditate.
SCORPIO
October 23 - November 21
Think beyond yourself. You need to pass it on today. A smile cost nothing and a kind word to another will change their day.
SAGITTARIUS
November 22-December 21
You are coming to the end of a lonely time. While love is not in the air (yet) it is close. The days ahead look very bright! If you are in a relationship, spend some extra time with your partner today to reconnect.
CAPRICORN
December 22-January 19
You have been wanting to learn more about a new subject. This is a good time to move forward with it. If you are looking for a job, this is a great time to apply for it.
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18
Today you may find that you are getting bogged down with the little things. Take a breath and remember that you can only do one thing at a time and the day will go smoothly.
PISCES
February 19-March 20
If you are thinking about a move or a major change this is the day to begin putting the plan into action. Changes are growth, and it is your time to grow!
ARIES
March 21-April 19
Stop bitching! It's not that bad. You have got to readjust to the changes that life has brought your way. You've tended to be negative lately, while you may not have seen it others are starting to notice! Put on some relaxing music, get a drink and take some time for yourself. You are worth it!

Music: The Anvil Chorus GMCLA.ORG

Our first post

My name is Lee and my friends and I are starting a new blog to bring you daily News, Reviews, Commentary relevant to to the gay community. Some of the items we will be covering:
Public Debate
Music
Literature
Other Arts: TV, Movies, Plays, Etc.
Hot Pics
News of the day
Atrocities
The Good News
Weekend Food
Travel
Gay Business Profile
Personal Profile's
Gay History Blurbs
Charity Reviews: Where do our gay dollars go?

Our Staff of writers, interviewers and web surfers are: Kevin, Lars, Sara, and Mark.
We all look forward to sharing our news and views in a fun and thought provoking manner. LET THE BLOG BEGIN.