Jay Brannon: "Can't Have It All"

Check out cute Jay Brannon's new video. I've blogged about him in the past, but in this video, he manages to be even more adorable than ever.

CEOs Can Relax

From Lazy Circles NY Bureau Chief Doug comes this secret video for disgraced CEOs mourning the loss of their private jets. No need to worry, Jet Blue has the answer:



More videos here.

DA/DT Repeal to be "Kicked Down the Road"

According to Defense Secretary Gates, repeal of the military's gay ban, known as Don't Ask/Don't Tell, is a low priority and will be "kicked down the road a bit." Gates was asked about it on Fox News Sunday and said:

"That dialogue, though, has really not progressed very far at this point in the administration. I think the president and I feel like we've got a lot on our plates right now and let's push that one down the road a little bit."

Don't hold your breath for that unknown date in the future when the President will have sufficient time to give a shit about fair treatment of American citizens who serve their country. As Dan Savage said:

"A day may come when President Barack Obama won't have anything on his plate that's more important than trifling gay rights issues and then we can ask the president to make good on some of the promises he made to gay and lesbian voters during the election.

Of course since gay rights issues are trifling and unimportant it's unlikely that we'll ever see a day when this president—or any future president—isn't facing issues and crises that are more important than gay rights issues, so..."

Monday's Man: Steve Zahn

I saw the new film Sunshine Cleaning over the weekend, featuring hunky Steve Zahn.

Although his Sunshine Cleaning character wasn't the nice guy he usually plays, he did take his shirt off several times which was A-OK by me.

These skin shots are from Bandidas and Joy Ride, respectively, as I haven't found any of his sexier stills from Sunshing Cleaning. I think they illustrate my point that Steve is one guy worth seeing more of, don't you? I especially love the scruff pic up top!

Candy Spelling: I Don't Know Where Tori Lives!

Last night, hard-hitting news show 20/20 featured an interview with Candy Spelling about her relationship with daughter Tori. There were bits and pieces of an interview with Tori, but it was the Candy show. She declared that she's taken care of Tori and the grandchildren financially despite Tori's claims to the contrary and got in a dig about how fast Tori provided the babys' social security numbers. In a wrenching moment, Candy revealed that, not only has she never met 9 month-old Stella, she doesn't even know where they live. This prompted Elizabeth Vargas to momentarily let down her razor-sharp journalistic integrity and sigh "Oh Candy."

Tori got in some digs including one very delicious bit. When Tori was a little girl she asked her mother if she was pretty and Candy replied: "You will be when you have a nose job." Why oh why haven't I read sTori Telling by Tori Spelling yet!

By coincidence, Candy has a new book: Stories from Candy Land.

Science Victory in Texas

Yesterday, the Texas State Board of Education removed a two decades old requirement that science teachers teach the "strengths and weaknesses" of scientific theories, a rule aimed at evolution instruction. The vote was a seven-to-seven tie which upheld a preliminary board decision in January to delete the "strengths and weaknesses" rule. The new rule regarding scientific theories states that students shall "analyze and evaluate scientific explanations using empirical evidence, logical reasoning and experimental and observational testing."

At one point in the hearing, a group of evolution deniers held up protest signs saying, without a hint of irony, "Don't Censor Science" even though the new rule finally frees science teachers to teach unhindered by others' religious beliefs.

If "intelligent design" can't win a battle in Texas, they've lost the war.

Equality in New Hampshire

I't's one step forward, one step back for marriage this week. In New Hampshire, the House has passed a marriage equality bill in a dramatic turnaround. Earlier today, the measure failed by one vote. Then, after a motion to reconsider, it passed by six votes. Seven house members changed their votes. Now it's on to the Senate. The Governor, like his Republican counterpart in Vermont, is opposed to marriage equality.

In Other Words, Shut Up, Dick!

Former (I love saying that) VP Dick Cheney has been on his own personal media tour, criticizing the Obama administration for making America less safe. It's more than a little desperate, transparently self-serving and completely classless. In other words, classic Dick. Last night, former Secretary of State Condi Rice went on the Tonight Show and said the following:

"My view is, we got to do our way. We did our best. We did some things well, some things not so well. Now they get their chance. And I agree with the president; we owe them our loyalty and our silence while they do it. […] These are quality people. I know them. They love the country and they won’t make the same decisions, perhaps, that we did. But I believe they’ll do what they think is best for the country."

A classy way of telling the Big Dick to Shut the Fuck Up.

Inequality in Vermont

And now some bad news. The Republican governor of Vermont, Jim Douglas, has announced that he will veto the marriage equality bill that has passed the Senate and is pending in the House. His excuse? He says the legislature should be focusing on the economy, not on silly little issues like equality for citizens. That's pure bullshit, of course. It's what politicians say when they're out of straight-faced arguments. As Dan Savage points out, if he really wanted the lege to focus on the economy, he should sign the bill and put this issue to rest, instead of sending it back for a possible override vote.

Equality in Florida

And now, some good news. A ballot measure in Gainsville, FL that would have repealed various GLBT anti discrimination protections, has failed and failed big. 61% voted against hate and for gay rights.

Haggard Free of Nasty Urges

Media whore, attention hog, and man of God Pastor Ted Haggard actually appeared on the TV show Divorce Court and revealed that he wanted his wife Gayle to divorce him, but she refused. According to The Denver Post, he said he consulted pastors about his "struggle" and they told him to pray, which didn't work. Then he want to Christian counselors in "secular counseling centers" and now he "no longer has a sexual desire for men." If you believe a word of that crap, I've got a collection plate to pass to you.

Divorce Court? Was Judge David Young booked?

"Worth Nothing Less"

Watch this bright, self-possessed 17 year-old explain the importance of marriage equality in Vermont.



Via Andrew Sullivan

Skeletor Barbie

Today's New York Times has a fascinating pictorial of CT scans of common objects including Chicken McNuggets (even more disgusting than you thought) and Barbie, pictured above. It's all about inner beauty, girl.

Equality in Vermont

The Vermont Senate has approved a marriage equality bill. Now, it has to go to the House where it's expected to be approved. Then it must go to the Governor who has not yet said if he would sign it.

Sweden to Saab: Drop Dead

The Swedish government has announced that they're not going to help keep quirky carmaker Saab afloat after it's dumped by GM by the end of 2009. Saab has been hemorrhaging money and, although there are reportedly a few serious investors sniffing around, things are looking dim around Trollhatten, the industrial city that depends on the company. The government's refusal to act is a bit surprising considering generous Swedish socialism, but the right-leaning government's position is “The Swedish state is not prepared to own car factories.” If you've had your eye on that hot 93 convertible, you might want to go ahead and buy one.

Portia's Sorry

I was out of town when Portia de Rossi taped this "PSA" on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, but I can't resist posting it. She's so sorry for all the pain she caused by marrying the love of her life. Grab a Kleenex and watch.

Girl Power

These four gorgeous Hollywood screenwriters, including Diablo Cody, second from left, have banded together to form their own "Fempire" and have earned some real clout in a male-dominated world. Read it here.

Monday's Man: Cody Green

Cody Green, the amazingly talented star of Greese and Movin' On and the winner of Bravo's So You Think You Can Dance is currently appearing as Riff in the triumphant revival of West Side Story on Broadway.

Above is Cody in red as Riff at the Rumble. I had the privilege of seeing the show on the last night of previews (thanks,Doug) and it is without question the best think I have ever seen on stage.

Here's Cody in black in rehersal. All the Jets and Sharks were sexy as hell, but Cody held my attention.

All I Ever Wanted

I'm taking a little vacation for the rest of the week, so there will be no more posting until I return.

Altovise Davis Dead at 65

Altovise Davis, widow of Sammy Davis Jr., has died after suffering a stroke. She was a singer, dancer, and actress who met her husband when they were both appearing in Broadway shows in in the mid-60s. After her husband's death in 1990, she struggled with a massive tax debt. A lawsuit against two former business partners is still pending. She is survived by their son, Manny Davis.

Ron Silver: 1942-2009

Tony winning actor Ron Silver has died of esophageal cancer at the age of 62. He made numerous TV appearances and won his Tony in 1988 for Speed the Plow. His many films included Reversal of Fortune. He was a long-time political activist, often for liberal causes, although he was a strong supporter of Ronald Reagan's Star Wars defense plan and George W. Bush's war on terror.

I remember him as sexy and creepy in Blue Steel with Jamie Lee Curtis.

Monday's Man: Hugh Jackman

I know I've featured pictures of Mr. Jackman before, but honestly, can you get too much of him?

It's almost criminal that a man this gorgeous can also sing and dance and act.

Plus, he's always a gentleman when asked about the gay rumors. I couldn't love him more.

The GOP Road to Irrelevance

Just when you thought the Republicans were out of ideas in this time of national crisis, here comes Freshman Florida Congressman Bill Posey (R, Lameness), nose to the grindstone, solving America's problems. He has submitted a bill to require all presidential candidates to produce a birth certificate. You heard that right. This is his response to the grave responsibility his constituents have entrusted him with.

"This was not meant as an insult to the president," Posey lied, "it is simply meant as a way to clarify future election laws and to dispel the issue so we can move on with doing business for the country."

News flash to Rep. Posey: Americans have "moved on." You may have noticed that on election night. In fact, Americans never believed this fake issue. Only the nuttiest of wingnuts think/hope this is an issue at all.

Aren't the Republicans the guys who keep saying Obama needs to focus on the economy every time he mentions something else? What's next for Rep Posey? A bill to study pictures of Jesus on Cinnabons? Maybe a federal study of Big Foot?

Obama's Equality Test

After just a few weeks in office, President Obama is being forced to confront issues of fairness and equality for gay Americans. Two federal judges in California have issued orders that their employees are entitled to benefits for same-sex partners, but the Office of Personnel Management has refused to comply, citing the damnable, so-called Defense of Marriage Act. One of the effected couples is pictured above.

During the campaign, Obama promised to "fight hard" for the rights of gay Americans. Here's his chance. Will he rise to the challenge or throw us under the bus in the name of conciliation and bi-partisanship?

Thanks to Lazy Circles NY Bureau Chief Doug.

Steele: Being Gay Like Being Black and Abortion is an Individual Choice

In an interview with GQ, Michael Steele stated pretty clearly that being gay is natural, like being black and that he's pro-choice on abortion. Seriously, here's the quote, with the questions in bold and particularly surprising answers in italics:

"How much of your pro-life stance, for you, is informed not just by your Catholic faith but by the fact that you were adopted?

Oh, a lot. Absolutely. I see the power of life in that—I mean, and the power of choice! The thing to keep in mind about it… Uh, you know, I think as a country we get off on these misguided conversations that throw around terms that really misrepresent truth.

Explain that.

The choice issue cuts two ways. You can choose life, or you can choose abortion. You know, my mother chose life. So, you know, I think the power of the argument of choice boils down to stating a case for one or the other.

Are you saying you think women have the right to choose abortion?

Yeah. I mean, again, I think that’s an individual choice.

You do?

Yeah. Absolutely.

Are you saying you don’t want to overturn Roe v. Wade?

I think Roe v. Wade—as a legal matter, Roe v. Wade was a wrongly decided matter.
Okay, but if you overturn Roe v. Wade, how do women have the choice you just said they should have? The states should make that choice. That’s what the choice is. The individual choice rests in the states. Let them decide. "

He was also asked about his feelings about gays. While talking about his time in the Catholic seminary and gay priests he encountered:

"Do you have a problem with gay priests who are celibate?

No, it’s your nature. It’s your nature. You can’t—I can’t deny you your nature."

So, Micheal Steele believes being gay is our "nature." Very enlightened of him. He went further:

"Do you think homosexuality is a choice?

Oh, no. I don’t think I’ve ever really subscribed to that view, that you can turn it on and off like a water tap. Um, you know, I think that there’s a whole lot that goes into the makeup of an individual that, uh, you just can’t simply say, oh, like, “Tomorrow morning I’m gonna stop being gay.” It’s like saying, “Tomorrow morning I’m gonna stop being black.”

So he has compared being gay with being black! I certainly agree with him, but does he realize he just contradicted Dobson, Perkins, and all the other Generals for Jesus who wield a hell of a lot more power than he does in the GOP? Does he realize how many prominent black preachers like TD Jakes he has just directly contradicted? They're going to come down on him hard. Keep in mind, this is the same Michael Steele who laughed when asked about civil unions and said "why would we do that?" This is the same Michael Steele who criticized Rush and then apologized to him and claimed he was misunderstood. So, how long do you think he'll stick to these mildly progressive views?

Not long. He's released the following statement (this is an excerpt, read the whole thing here):

"I am pro-life, always have been, always will be.

"The Republican Party is and will continue to be the party of life. I support our platform and its call for a Human Life Amendment. It is important that we stand up for the defenseless and that we continue to work to change the hearts and minds of our fellow countrymen so that we can welcome all children and protect them under the law."

So much for letting the states decide. Don't think the anti-abortion fanatics are satisfied with this. Jill Stanek said:

"Michael Steele has just unmistakably proclaimed himself to be pro-choice," she said in an email. "You thought he was 'embattled' last week over his Limbaugh comment? Ha. He has now stepped both feet into it."

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said "I expressed my concerns to the chairman earlier this week about previous statements that were very similar in nature. He assured me as chairman his views did not matter and that he would be upholding and promoting the Party platform, which is very clear on these issues. It is very difficult to reconcile the GQ interview with the chairman's pledge."

And they haven't even started in on him on those dirty homos.

I'm Going to be Published

I'm over the moon. I just got word that a short story I wrote will be published in Alyson Books' Best Gay Love Stories 2010. I don't know the publication date yet, but this is a picture of the 2009 collection that you can order here. The story is called The Trick and I'll keep you posted.

Meghan McCain for RNC Chair

John McCain's daughter, Meghan, writes a blog and is one of the few prominent Republicans who seems to understand the challenges facing the party. In her latest post, she takes on the almighty Ann Coulter. Here's an excerpt:

"I straight up don’t understand this woman or her popularity. I find her offensive, radical, insulting, and confusing all at the same time. But no matter how much you or I disagree with her, the cult that follows Coulter cannot be denied. She is a New York Times best-selling author and one of the most notable female members of the Republican Party. She was one of the headliners at the recent CPAC conference (but when your competition is a teenager who has a dream about the Republican Party and Stephen Baldwin, it’s not really saying that much)."

I love that last dig about the freak show that was CPAC. She goes on to discuss her support of marriage equality and the accusations that she's not conservative enough for the party. It's a good read. If the GOP wants to have a future, it needs to start listening to people like Meghan and start ignoring the crazies who run things now.

OMG! It's Good Economic News!

Holy Shit, stop the presses, the Dow is up! CitiBank has announced a profit! Could this be good economic news??? How did this happen?!?

Barbie is 50!

It's a Barbie World and we've been playing in it for 50 years. Today, the original glamazon-next-door is officially a woman of a certain age, yet she still looks like a teenage fashion model. The worldwide celebrations include a Barbie bash at a full-size Malibu Dream House, featuring DJ AM and interiors by Jonathan Adler. Elsewhere, there are fashion shows in New York and London, a new flagship Barbie store in Shanghai, an Angela Merkel Barbie in Germany (seriously!) and even a Barbie Fiat.

After her introduction on March 9, 1959, Barbie's family quickly expanded to include best friend Midge, little sister Skipper, chaste boyfriend Ken, and many others. Barbie herself was black, white, hispanic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, blonde, brunette, and "titian." She was a model, stewardess, pilot, doctor, and presidential candidate. Check out this commercial for the original Dream House from 1960. I still want one.

Monday's Man: Jake Gyllenhaal

These newly-released publicity stills The Prince of Persia, are all over the internet, but how could I not print them? Thank God His Jakiness didn't wax that chest.

According to producer Jerry Bruckheimer, this body is all natural, not juiced at all. I believe it. He was hot before and he's hot now. You can click on them to make Jake really big. I know this is Sunday not Monday, but I couldn't wait to share all this delicious post.

Via Towleroad.

Horton Foote: 1916-2009

Pulitzer Prize winning Playwright and Academy Award winning screenwriter Horton Foote has died at the age of 92. He's shown here in front of his boyhood home in Wharton, TX. He won two Academy Awards for screenwriting, for To Kill an Mockingbird and Tender Mercies. His work also included The Trip to Bountiful, which began as a television play, was performed on and off Broadway, and made into a film. Thus, Mr. Foote's work earned Academy awards for three actors: Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall, and Geraldine Page. His play, The Young Man From Atlanta, about a Houston couple in the 1950s, nearing retirement and dealing with their grown son's suicide and suspected homosexuality, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1995.

Samjay Gupta Withdraws Name as Surgeon General

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta has withdrawn his name from consideration as Surgeon General. What, was he afraid of all those questions about his gay face?

"Not Our Day"

Prop 8 arguments before the California Supreme Court were today and it doesn't look good for our side. Supreme Court justices are usually not significantly swayed by oral arguments, but the line of questioning indicates skepticism for the position that Prop 8 was an improper revision.

Good Ink

I'm not a big fan of most body art. There are tatts that work and a lot that don't. This is Tegan, an example of tatts that work. Really work. For much more revealing shots of Tegan and his ink, see Fantastics Mag here. Click on Tegan to make him bigger.

Does Steele Want Obama to Fail?

GOP chairman Michael Steele, fresh off his Limbaugh castration, has apparently adopted Rush's position that he hopes President Obama fails. Asked by Matt Lauer on Today this morning to comment on the idea that Rush and others want Obama to fail, Steele refused to dispute the Dear Leader and said:

"I don't think the Republicans, Democrats, independents or anyone... want policies that nationalize health care in our nation... "One of the challenges... is to be heard,'' the chairman said, "talking and focusing on the impact of the stimulus bill.''

Nevermind that Obama has not proposed nationalizing health care, if Obama fails, America fails. It's stunning that the GOP thinks this is an effective strategy in a time of national crisis.

Rush Limbaugh Increases Testicle Collection

A few days ago, new RNC head Michael Steele seemed to demonstrate some gonads when he called Rush Limbaugh an "entertainer" who is "incendiary" and "ugly." Way to call it, Steele. Rush is setting himself up as the de facto head of the GOP which is great for him but not so great for the party. Despite his army of dittoheads, Rush is actually one of the most unpopular figures in America. The junkie has recently brought attention to himself by saying he hopes Obama fails. If Obama fails, America fails, so this kind of Republican "hope" seems pretty callous to Americans who are already suffering from the Republican economy, particularly since it comes from a morbidly obese drug addict who recently signed a $400 million deal. Steele, then, was wise to try to distance the party leadership from the junkie/food addict. Click here to watch Steele's comments to D.L. Hughley.

That was a few days ago. Today, Steele sliced off his balls and gave them to Rush on a silver platter with a side of bacon and some ranch dressing. Steele announced he "reached out to Rush" to tell him he meant "no offense" when he called him "incendiary" and "ugly." “I was maybe a little bit inarticulate," Steele lied. "There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.”

Thus Rush Limbaugh's primacy over the Republican party is complete. Enjoy it, suckers.

Gary Collins Sentenced

I've written before about Gary Collins and his recent arrest for his third DUI. Yesterday, he plead no contest and was sentenced to four months in county lock-up. He reports June 2, but he can apply for home detention so that Mary Ann Mobley can give him unmitigated hell every single day.

Via Kenneth in the 212.

Bill to Repeal Don't Ask/Don't Tell to be Introduced Today

Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D, CA) will introduce a bill today to overturn the military's gay ban, known as "Don't Ask/Don't Tell." Tauscher's bill, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, has 114 bipartisan co-sponsors. President Obama has pledged to end the bankrupt policy, but has also said the issue "needs more study," which is, of course, merely a delaying tactic. This bill will be a test of President Obama's commitment to equality.

Monday's Man: Hugh Dancy

The 2007 film Evening has been playing on HBO lately. It's an okay movie with an all-star cast including Mr. Dancy as a tortured closeted homosexual in the 50s with beatufully touseled hair.

In a tiresome touch, the tortured homosexual had to die at the end of the first act. Wouldn't it have been more interesting to allow him to escape to Greenwich Village, and find some hot guy? This movie was made in 2007, for God's sake.

They didn't even let him take his shirt off.