Take Me Home

Some of you know that I'm a devoted follower of Fantastics Mag. They've done it again with a scorching hot pictorial called Home Time featuring gorgeous model John. Go check it out for more revealing pictures than I dare put on this family blog. You can also click on John above to see him bigger and better.

Republican Party: RIP

Today, the $700 billion bailout of the financial industry was voted down because 60% Republicans in Congress opposed it. Let that sink in a bit. President Bush has staked everything on this bailout plan. Democrats worked with Republicans to work out a deal and the Republicans - Bush's own party - rejected it. In a time of national crisis, the Republican president can't get his own party to support him. The Republican party has ceased to function as a coherent force.

What was the Republican response? Blame the Democrats, of course. They cited a supposedly partisan speech by Nancy Pelosi as the reason. McCain actually blamed Obama in a speech today. You remember McCain, don't you? He's the guy who suspended his campaign so he could ride into Washington and save the economy. He failed. The Republicans would have us believe that they chose to vote against the best interests of their country and cause a major market meltdown because Nancy Pelosi hurt their feelings. Pathetic. The Republican party is pathetic.

I just hope America can survive until Obama takes office.

Monday's Man: Paul Newman

The legendary actor died at the age of 83 leaving behind a legacy of great performances and an almost aching sexiness.

The Oscar winner gave millions to charity through his Newman's Own products and provided for the giving to continue after his death.

Debate Reax

I just watched the debate and overall, there were no big gaffes and neither candidate suffered any major blows nor scored any major victories. However, I give the advantage to Obama and here's why. Obama came into this debate with momentum and a significant rise in the polls. All he needed to do was appear presidential and make no major mistakes. He accomplished this in spades with an obviously deep understanding of American foreign policy. McCain, on the other hand, came into this debate after a disasterous week of erratic behavior. He needed to score a knock-out and kick-start his flagging campaign. He didn't even come close. I believe his best hope was his rather bizarre call for a "spending freeze" which sounded like something straight out of the stagflation days of the 70s. Obama dismissed with with a few well-chosen words then promptly changed the subject. He stole any thunder that McCain was trying to generate. Advantage, Obama.

I would like to see Obama spend more time on defense and less on offense in the next debate and hopefully he won't be so easy on McCain next time.

Sneak Preview of Next Week's VP Debate

Biden can totally take her in evening gown.

McCain Blinks

The campaign suspension that never was has ended and the Original Maverick has announced that he'll attend the debate in Mississippi tonight. He cites "significant progress" toward a "framework" for solving the financial crisis. Funny, a couple of days ago he said he wouldn't return to campaigning until the crisis is solved. I guess he flip-flopped again. Of course, the campaign never stopped. He gave two prime time interviews, the commercials never stopped running and Palin never stopped speaking in tongues or whatever it is she's doing.

Obama called his bluff and McCain was faced with the prospect of handing Obama two hours of prime time television to make his case with no interruptions. The reckless stunt failed and now McCain has to tuck his tail between his legs and debate his opponent like he promised to do.

That Was Fast

I bank(ed) at Washington Mutual and went over to their web site this morning to see if my money was still there. It's there, what little there is. I was welcomed by these cute kids and a big hearty welcome to JP Morgan Chase. Today is pay day, so I guess this is how I'll spend my weekend:

Vote Obama!

You wouldn't want to dissapoint Ryan Phillippe, would you?

This may be the best reason yet to vote Obama.

OK, OK, I just wanted an excuse to publish this hot picture of Ryan.

You've Got a Lot To Live, Pepsi's Got a Lot to Give

Pepsi has given $500,000 to PFLAG. I've always been a Coke guy, but I might have to switch. After all, it's the taste of a new generation.

Via Joe.My.God

Hide Her!

Now the McCain campaign wants to cancel the Vice Presidential debate. McCain's BFF, Lindsey "Lohan" Graham told CNN "the McCain campaign is proposing to the Presidential Debate Commission and the Obama camp that if there's no bailout deal by Friday, the first presidential debate should take the place of the VP debate, currently scheduled for next Thursday, October 2 in St. Louis."

When do they think she'll be ready to debate Biden? Sometime around Thanksgiving, maybe?

I can't really blame them for trying to hide her considering her embarrassing interview with Katie Couric. Watch it and be prepared to cringe.



I could do better than that. It's almost like a Jay Walking segment on Leno. You can see her struggle to come up with inane non-answers and she can't help but reveal her lack of knowledge or perspective. Her candidacy is a cynical joke.

McCain Suspends Campaign

John McCain announced today that he is suspending his campaign and wants to delay Friday's debate in light of the financial crisis. He says he will return to Washington to work on the economy.

What on earth? The financial crisis is a week old, why today? Could it possibly have something to do with Obama's 9 point rise in the polls today? Ya think? McCain knows he will be at a severe disadvantage at the debates because he's a terrible speaker and Obama's a born orator. McCain's campaign is in full crisis mode and the economy has absolutely nothing to do with it.

It is transparently obvious that McCain is not doing this to solve the financial crisis. He is trying to politicize the financial crisis.

It's The Economy, Stupid

Holy Bailout, Batman! Obama has a 9 point lead in the latest WaPo poll!

Campbell Brown Grows a Set

The mainstream press is finally taking on the McCain campaign over their policy of hiding Sarah Palin from the press. Campbell Brown of CNN called it like it is - sexist and chauvinistic. Here's a quote:

"Tonight I call on the McCain campaign to stop treating Sarah Palin like she is a delicate flower that will wilt at any moment," said Brown. "This woman is from Alaska for crying out loud. She is strong. She is tough. She is confident. And you claim she is ready to be one heart beat away form the presidency. If that is the case, then end this chauvinistic treatment of her now. Allow her to show her stuff. Allow her to face down those pesky reporters... Let her have a real news conference with real questions. By treating Sarah Palin different from the other candidates in this race, you are not showing her the respect she deserves. Free Sarah Palin. Free her from the chauvinistic chain you are binding her with. Sexism in this campaign must come to an end. Sarah Palin has just as much a right to be a real candidate in this race as the men do. So let her act like one."



Campbell Brown is one reporter who could never be said to have a liberal bias. Frankly, I always felt she tended toward conservatism. In any case, good for her for speaking out.

Clay Aiken Comes Out

He did it on the cover of People Magazine.

"I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."

He sounds like a good father who has his priorities right.

Good for him and welcome.

McCain's Chief of Staff is Big Ol' 'Mo

Somehow, it's not at all surprising to find out that John McCain's Chief of Staff is openly gay. Michelangelo Signorile has tons of information on Mark Buse who has worked for McCain for 20 years, gaining his confidence and rising to the top spot in his office.

As Towleroad summarized, "John McCain doesn't even know what the acronym LGBT stands for. He also doesn't really believe in gay adoption, supports a ban on gays in the military, is worried if his clothing looks too gay, isn't sure if condoms stop the spread of HIV, thinks same-sex marriage ceremonies are okay as long as they're just pretend, and has promised right-wing religious groups that he'll start speaking out more vocally against LGBT causes."

Not to mention his running mate who probably calls a prayer circle every time she sees Buse.

I know hypocrisy and cynicism reign in the McCain campaign, but even given that, I cannot begin to understand how a gay man with a shred of self-respect can actively work to elect people to high office how have demonstrated that they will do the bidding of the religious right which actively seeks to hurt us in any way it can. McCain may be tolerant in his personal life, and his glamorous wife probably is (at least to the hairdressers and designers), but that makes McCain's vicious positions that much worse.

Just in case you're wondering if Buse really is gay, here's his pic courtesy of Joe.My.God. Honey, this guy is SUPER GAY.

Live Blogging the Emmys!

Well, not exactly. I would have if I had some sort of whiz-bang laptop instead of my model T, circa 1985 computing machine. I exaggerate, but not by much. But I think live blogging's a great idea so here's what it would have looked like!

Nominees for reality show host...A First!...come out and talk about nothing. "We got nothin'" they say over and over. And over. And over. Is this bit ever going to end? Wait! It's ending with William Shatner tearing Heidi Klum's clothes off a la Britney at some music awards show 10 years ago. Not very dignified, Heidi, but you look spectacular.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy. Jeremy Piven again. He looks sexy as hell in his scruff. God, I love him. He makes the first good joke of the evening sending up the lame bit from the reality show hosts.

Julia Louis Dryfus looks sparkling and makes a joke about masturbation. Maybe this show won't suck after all.

Best Supporting Actress in a comedy. Vanessa Williams denied again! #%*&@! Oh wait, the winner is Jean Smart and I love her, so it's not so bad. She won for that show she's on, what's it called? Do you know anybody who's seen it? Me neither, but in Jean Smart's on it, maybe I should start watching.

I guess Dana Delaney is a permanent Desparate Housewife. I think Alfre Woodward should lodge a discrimination complaint. Best Suporting Actor in a Drama is not handsome John Slattery from Mad Men (remember Eva Longoria rubbing crab medicine all over him?). It goes to a Zelkjo Ivanic from Damages, another show I've never seen. He's kind of cute, though. I like short guys.

Ricky Gervais does a bit with the overexposed Steve Carrell that goes on and on and on. On and on seems to be the theme of tonight's show. Can we get to an award now please? I'm bored out of my mind. I wonder what's in the kitchen?

Diane Weist won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. She's on a TV show? Who knew? Love her, but she's a no-show so I think they should give it to someone else. Maybe Vanessa Williams! I know she wasn't nominated in this category, but whatever!

Steve Martin did a tribute to Tommy Smothers who gave a rousing speech about freedom of speech. Nice. Keep it moving.

Josh Groban did a theme song tribute that went on and on and on. Did they really mean to have dancing girls during Suicide is Painless? Painful. Ba da bum.

Laugh In! Ruth Buzzi looks exactly the same! JoAnne Worley's a scream! Lilli Tomlin still has it! But it went on too long, like everything else. I don't even know what award they're giving out. I think I went to the kitchen.

David Boreanis bets better looking all the time. I swear.

X-tina Applegate looks radiant.

Susanna Hoff's boyfriend won! God only knows what for, but she looks great!

Kathy Griffin and Don Rickles! Show stopper! She's got miles of hair extensions. He's the first really funny thing that's happened all night and she's totally keeping up, but in a respectful way. Nobody steals focus from LaGriffin. In 60 years she's still going to be there getting Emmys.

Lovely Lesbian Cynthia Nixon presented something or other.

Candace Bergin looked classic in a sparkly suit.

Alec Baldwin wins for 30 Rock. Love that show and he is still so totally fuckable.

Vanessa Williams and America Ferrara are presenting. Vanessa, hon, you were robbed I tell you! Robbed! They both look gorgeous. Love America's 40's glam look. They give an Emmy to Glen Close who's giggly and excited! Love the black lace.

Best Actor in a Drama is not Jon Hamm! Whatever! It goes to Brian Cranston who's been nominated a zillion times, so that's OK, I guess. He looks kind of hot with the buzz cut.

Brook Shields wins best dressed in my opinion. She's a statuesque vision in red. Or whatever color that is.

Tina Fey wins Best Actress in a Comedy. It's her second one tonight. She looks classy. Great look for her.

Reality Show host award went on forever. Come on, nobody really cares that much, will you just announce the winner for cripes sake? It's not Heidi. Crap. I don't even know who it went to. Who really cares if it's not Heidi?

MTM looked sleek in black but she really needed sleeves. Love you, Mary, but a woman of a certain age needs to cover the upper arms.
Betty White looked great in red. With Sleeves. Pay attention, Mary.

Best Comedy is 30 Rock! I love 30 Rock!

Tom Selleck looks a bit mummified. Mad Men wins! It's the best show on television! Yay!

That's it, show's over. I'm going to bed where I'll dream of Vanessa.

Monday's Man: Jeremy Piven

Jeremy Piven won his 60th Emmy at the 60th Primetime Emmy's last night. Well, give or take a few years. I kinda get tired of it when the same person wins year after year, except when that person is as hot as Piven. Did you catch that scruff he was working?

Palin Bubble Has Burst

Sarah Palin's unfavorables have dropped 21 points in a single week. She has changed from a hugely popular phenom into the least popular person on either ticket. It didn't take long, but it's pretty obvious that she's a know-nothing serial liar.

GOP to Reach Out to Minorities with Macacca Boy!

In the most brilliant move the Republicans have made since tapping the world's most annoying hockey mom to be VP, Virginia Republicans have launched a minority outreach program led by none other than former Senator turned looser George Allen! You remember George from such hits as Macaca! Don't forget his noose on display in his office and his Confederate flag collection!

In case you need a Macaca refresher, it all started when Allen was giving a speech during his loosing campaign for re-election to the Senate. He saw a guy with suspiciously dark skin in the crowd and called him Macaca which, it turns out, is a slang term for monkey that was directed against Africans by French colonials in North Africa. Oh yeah, Allen's mom was raised as a French colonial in North Africa. Oops! Macaca had a video camera! And he knew about the You Toobes! The rest history.

Having a guy with a Confederate flag collection call a dark skinned guy a monkey is a brilliant strategy for minority outreach! Here's another! Maybe he and some of his buddies can stuff some more deer heads into African-American's mailboxes again! You know, just for laughs! That should win some hearts and minds to the GOP.

The Republican Party - always down with the real folks.

McCain: What's a Spain?

In a stunning radio interview, John McCain, that vaunted foreign policy expert, had no idea who the prime minister of Spain is and became so confused and muddled that he apparently thought Spain was in Latin America. McCain gave an interview to a Spanish language radio station in Florida and was asked if he would meet with Prime Minister Zapatero. Here's what happened:

"After the interviewer presses him a couple times on the point and tries to focus him on the fact that Prime Minister Zapatero isn't from Mexico and isn't a drug lord either McCain comes back at her saying, "All I can tell you is that I have a clear record of working with leaders in the Hemisphere that are friends with us and standing up to those who are not. And that's judged on the basis of the importance of our relationship with Latin America and the entire region."

Then there's a moment of awkward pause before she says. "But what about Europe? I'm talking about the President of Spain."

McCain: "What about me, what?

Interviewer: "Are you willing to meet with him if you're elected president?"

McCain: "I am wiling to meet with any leader who is dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for humans rights, democracy and freedom. And I will stand up to those who do not."

At this point, the interviewer gets tongue-tied presumably because she can't get over McCain not knowing what Spain is."

Anybody else concerned about his age?

Obama Regains Momentum

According to the latest polls, Obama is regaining his lead over McSame, especially over the issue of the economy where Obama enjoys a growing lead. Apparently the American people are figuring out that the economy is tanking because of Republican policies, so continuing those same policies, as McSame proposes, is a bad idea. We got here because of the Hooveresque mania to de-regulate everything, helped in no small measure by John "Keating 5" McCain.

It also appears that Palin mania is on the wain. Her favorable raitings are slipping badly, after a steady rise since the announcement of her candidacy. What's more, she hasn't helped him outside the base:

"But the Times/CBS News poll suggested that Ms. Palin’s selection has, to date, helped Mr. McCain only among Republican base voters; there was no evidence of significantly increased support for him among female voters in general."

Flack Gobbler Palin

That would be my name if Sarah Palin was my Hockey Mom, at least according to the Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator. Give it a try today!

Sarah Palin: Over Her Head

The Sunday New York Times published a blistering account of Sarah Palin's political career in Alaska. It reminded me over and over again of George W. Bush and his cronyism, disdain for good government, creation of "us vs. them" enemies lists, and lack of insight or vision. You should read it. She is truly out of her league as Governor, much less as Vice President. Among the high points:

"...she sometimes calls local opponents 'haters'"

"Throughout her political career, she has pursued vendettas, fired officials who crossed her and sometimes blurred the line between government and personal grievance..."

“Their secrecy is off the charts,”

"The Wasilla High School yearbook archive now doubles as a veritable directory of state government."

And not surprisingly, she found a gay-positive book offensive.

"But in 1995, Ms. Palin, then a city councilwoman, told colleagues that she had noticed the book “Daddy’s Roommate” on the shelves and that it did not belong there, according to Ms. Chase and Mr. Stein. Ms. Chase read the book, which helps children understand homosexuality, and said it was inoffensive; she suggested that Ms. Palin read it.

“Sarah said she didn’t need to read that stuff,” Ms. Chase said. “It was disturbing that someone would be willing to remove a book from the library and she didn’t even read it.”

Monday's Man: Ari Melber

Ari Melber is a writer and contributor to The Politico, The Nation, Huffingtonpost among others who is currently traveling with the Obama campaign for the Washington Independent.

Watch him take down some dumb Republican hack on MSNBC over the ugly McCain ad that falsely claims that Obama wants to teach little children about sex:


There's something incredibly sexy about a passionate Democrat.

Lies, Damn Lies, and John McCain

Via Andrew Sullivan.

How'd She Do?

The Pit bull with lipstick had her first press interview with Charlie Gibson last night. It was apparent that her knowledge of world affairs is a mile wide and an inch thick and if nothing else, she proved she can memorize talking points. The clip that's getting the most play is her response when asked if she supports the Bush Doctrine. She obviously had no idea what Gibson was talking about although it was the cornerstone of our war in Iraq. Her eventual wordy answer indicated that she doesn't support it, even though McCain does. Oops.

She also proved that she's a reflexive liar. Does she actually expect us to believe that she was thinking of Abraham Lincoln when she told the Assemblies of God in Wasilla that the Iraq war is God's will? That answer was straight from the lips of some Republican operative who coached her to tone down the religion. As to some of her other lies, Jake Tapper of ABC tackles them here:

Must Have Fashion for Fall

Get your Lipstick on a Pig T-Shirts here.

What was the lead story on CBS This Morning today? The September 11 anniversary? The two wars? The economy sliding into depression? Why no, silly, it was lipstick on a pig, of course! It began with a fawning piece on Sarah Palin's triumphant return to Alaska and continued with endless blather about the comment. They did show a brief clip of Obama on Letterman, but never, I repeat, never showed tape of Obama making the actual comment in context.

The mainstream press has completely abrogated it's responsibility. If anyone who has furthered this bullshit calls himself a "journalist," well, that's just putting lipstick on a pig.

Illustration from Talking Points Memo.

Put Diane Keaton in the Fucking Movie!

You absolutely have to go to The Stranger and read Diane Keaton's review of the new remake of The Women.

"Annette Bening wishes she could smile through her tears like Diane Keaton!"

Go now. Seriously!

You're welcome.

I Heart Matt Damon

Is he the only person making sense?

"Spare Me the Phony Outrage"

That's Obama hitting back at the latest made-up diversion from the McCain campaign about his lipstick on a pig comment. Keep it up.

If You Thought Willie Horton Was Bad

John McCain has hit rock bottom (though he may keep digging) with this ugly, racist ad. He has abandoned any pretense to honor he may have once had.

Note the learing Obama as the ad says he wants kids to learn about sex. Of course, the ad is factually false, but facts have never mattered to Republicans. The clear message is a scary black man wants to sex up your white kids. I knew the GOP would race-bait, but I couldn't imagine how low they would go.

Don't Sweat the Polls

The polls have shown a sizable bump for McCain lately and many dems, me included, have started to freak out a little. It turns out they may be wildly inaccurate. It appears that various pollsters have failed to take into account this year's 11 million newly registered democrats. Everybody breathe.

Fossil

One of the nation's biggest Hummer dealers, and the only one in Las Vegas, has announced that it's closing. Why? Because people have stopped buying the rolling penis extensions. The closing of Dan Towbin Hummer is the eighth Hummer dealership closing so far this year and represents a 5% decline in the brand's dealer base. This is bad news to GM which has announced it's trying to sell off the useless relic. Good luck with that one, GM.

Think about it, Hummer is too gaudy and wasteful for Vegas. Of course, it's probably still selling in Dallas.

While on the subject, pay a visit to one of my favorite NSFW sites: FUH2.com

Gettin' Straight with Sarah

In the least surprising news of the day, Sarah Palin's church promotes "ex-gay ministries." They believe in prayin' away the gay.

We don't need no stinking rights. We just need a church full of Alaska rednecks prayin' us straight!

Monday's Man: Jon Hamm

If you're not watching Mad Men on AMC on Sunday nights, you should start. Partly because it's a fascinating, beautifully produced show, and partly because it stars the handsome, dashing, hunkasaurous Jon Hamm.
This is one man who looks good in a suit.
He look pretty good out of one, too.

Speaking in Tongues

The National Enquirer is reporting that Sarah Palin had an extra-marital affair with an unnamed former business partner of her husband's.

Via Andrew Sullivan.

North to Alaska

Caribou Barbie has gone home to Alaska. The official excuse is her son's impending deployment to Iraq. But Track doesn't leave until next week. Given the short campaign season, does it really make sense for the VP nominee to take a week off, especially the week after the convention? Odd, don't you think? Could it have something to do with the two ethics investigations that are rapidly getting out of control? Or maybe it has something to do with her husband's former business partner who just filed an emergency motion to seal his divorce case, so soon after the campaign threatened to sue the National Enquirer over a Palin story they're preparing.

If I were McCain, I'd figure out some reason for her to stay in Alaska and not come back.

Update: The motion to seal the divorce papers was denied. How quickly do you think the National Enquirer will be there?

Back Down

I know I've been silent for the past couple of days, but I've thrown my back out. As soon as I'm able to get out of bed without pain killers I'll find something to write about. I think it was that Caribou Barbie speech that did it with all those painfully unfunny one-liners. I strained my back with a big massive groan.

No Wonder She Seemed Familiar

With apologies to Tracy Flick.

Palin's Crazy Preacher

Sarah Palin was in church at Wasilla Bible Church on August 17 when David Brickner, founder of Jews for Jesus, was the guest preacher. After being introduced by Palin's own preacher, Larry Kroon, Brickner described terrorist attacks in Israel as God's judgment for Jews' failure to embrace Christianity.

I guess the Republicans have decided they don't need Jewish voters.

Remember all those right wing pundits frothing at the mouth over Jeremiah Wright? What are they going to say about this? My guess is nothing.

She's Not a Jefferson Davis for the 21st Century

But her husband might be. Todd Palin was a member of the secessionist Alaska Independence Party from 1995 - 2002. The party believes that Alaskans should be able to vote on secession from the United States.

At Least She's Helping McCain in the Polls

Obama is now polling at 50% nationally, his highest numbers yet. McCain is stuck at 42%.

Update: Make that Obama at 51%.

At Least She's Fiscally Conservative

When Sarah Palin became mayor of tiny Wasilla, AK, she inherited a town with zero debt. When she left, the town was $22 million in debt.

At Least She's Not a Homo Bigot, Right Log Cabinites?

Sarah Palin was asked the following question by Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum:

"In relationship to families, what are your top three priorities if elected
governor?"

This was Sarah Palin's response:

"1) Creating an atmosphere where parents feel welcome to choose the venues of education for their children;

2) Preserving the definition of "marriage" as defined in our constitution, and

3) Cracking down on the things that harm family life: gangs, drug use, and infringement of our liberties including attacks on our 2nd Amendment rights."

Exactly where in the US Constitution is marriage defined? Or mentioned at all? Perhaps the meant the Alaska constitution, but it's disturbing that her number two priority regarding families is making sure homos can't get married, even though it's already doubly illegal in her state. Keep in mind that she also opposed domestic partner benefits for Alaska state employees. She doesn't even want fags to get health insurance.