Monday's Man: Alessandro Nivola

I can't believe I haven't posted about this handsome man before. He's the star of Junebug, Coco Before Chanel and Laurel Canyon (the source of the pool and phone shots).

He's sexy as hell and a terrific actor, but somehow hasn't become a big star.

I'll never understand that. Meanwhile, go rent some of his movies if you haven't seen them. I'll think you'll agree that he's a great choice for this series.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We're heading off to Clinton Country for Thanksgiving with some of the hubby's relatives. We'll be in the northwest part of the state and I've never been there before. It's supposed to be beautiful.

See? Beautiful. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I'll resume blogging when I return.

Evangelical Church Opens Up To Gays

From Towleroad comes an interesting story of The Highlands Church, an evangelical church in Denver whose minister decided to include gays completely. When Rev. Mark Tidd announced the change, the church lost half the membership and 2/3 of the financial support. I guess that's what happens when you take the fear out of fundamentalist religion. Tidd stands by his decision, though because it's "the right thing to do."

Tidd's decision was inspired by watching gay Christians struggle to change:

"There were devout Christians who tried this and found it spiritually and psychologically crippling," Tidd said. "If homosexuality is against God, then abstinence ought to be life-giving. These people were not flourishing. The results were broken spirits, despair and depression."

It's so nice to read about a preacher who understands our humanity.

I Heart Martha Stewart

I only thought I loved her before. Listen to Martha on Palin:

Monday's Man: Dominic Cooper

I saw the charming new film An Education over the weekend and thought I might do a post on dreamy Peter Sarsgaard who plays the male lead. Then Dominic Cooper came on-screen looking sexy in his 1962 tailored suits and skinny ties and stole every scene he was in.

There's something about a short guy with a tight body that really does it for me. Unfortunately he stayed fully clothed throughout the film. Not to worry, though. If you want to see more of him, just rent Mama Mia.

The boy can handle a jet ski.

You thought I was going to post about Levi Johnston, didn't you? His Playgirl pictures have leaked all over the internet and they didn't exactly leave me breathless. But hey, he's a cute kid and all and I'm all for him grabbing his 15 minutes, so if you want to see, click here.

Sarah Palin's Going to Ft. Hood

Sarah Palin's Going Rogue tour is going to Fort Hood on December 4 to expliot tragedy for personal gain, I mean to sympathize with the families of the fallen. She will donate royalties of her book sales to the families in some unnamed way. Of course, she could just write a check, but checks don't come with a Fox News camera crew.

Dan Choi Makes Sexiest Man Living List

Salon.com has published their 2009 Sexiest Man Living list and Lt. Dan Choi came in at number 13. I would have put him higher, but it's nice to see an openly gay man make the cut. Salon's list is considerably more intellectual than People's and the men must be both sexy and accomplished. Choi was cited for his heroism in sacrificing his military career to fight Don't Ask/Don't Tell. Here's what they had to say:

"Sure, he may not have been thrust into the spotlight under the best of circumstances. But given his smarts, undeniable appeal and dreamboat good looks, he's just the spokesman gay soldiers -- and the millions of Americans who support them -- have been waiting for."

The hot picture above is from the Out 100 list which also included Lt. Choi.

And Neil Patrick Harris is at Number 2!

Is Hetero Marriage Invalid in Texas?

In 2006, Texas voters passed one of those damned constitutional amendments defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Democratic Attorney General candidate and all around awesome Texan Barbara Ann Radnofsky pointed out subsection B which says "the state or any political subdivision of the state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage." Oops. The clause was inserted to make sure those darned Texas queers don't try sompin' fishy like them domestic partnernships or civil unions like they got in France or somewhere. Radnofsky said this is unlikely to create the overnight dismanteling of marriage in Texas, but does create unnecessary arguments and lawsuits.

This kind of sloppiness results when pandering to ignorance becomes government's first priority.

Good for Barbara Ann to take this on. She's a stand-up gal in the great tradition of strong Texas women.

Palin's Base

If you've ever wondered what sort of person would pay actual money for Sarah Palin's book and stand in line for hours in a Grand Rapids shopping mall just to see her, watch this unintentionally hilarious CNN report:



Do Palin for President T-shirts only come in extra-small? Skin-tight T-shirt guy is actually kind of goofy-cute. Have we found Sarah's gay friend?

Via Wonkette

The other day, I was stuck in traffic behind a car with "Palin 2012" and "Go Sarah Go!" bumper stickers. It was an ancient Dodge mini van with unrepaired dents, being driven by a white woman. Just saying.

Justice for Paul Broussard

In 1992, Paul Broussard, 27 was savagely beaten and murderd outside a Houston gay bar by a gang of thugs who had come to Montrose looking for queers to beat up. According to In Cold Blog, Paul suffered abrasions, broken testicles, a broken rib and 3 stab wounds. He died later that night. Paul's friend and mine, singer Christine Cochran sent me a message last night saying she had just found out his convicted killer, Jon Buice, has a parole hearing today. Buice's lawyer has gone to the media to build up sympathy for his client, saying it was all just a "little altercation" and the real culprit was the Houston paramedics who were afraid of AIDS. You can send a message to the Parole Board this morning letting them know how you feel by using this link:

victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.us. Reference Jon Buice, TDCJ # 630496.

No Johnston Shots

The Huffington Post is reporting that the Levi Johnston Playgirl photo shoot (or Levi's porn career as a certain ex-governor of Alaska called it) is over and there is no full frontal shot. Even though Levi's manager Tank Jones said Levi would thrust out his manhood, Playgirl says we might get a "glimpse" but that's all. These folks teased us and said we'd see it all and now we're denied. What a bunch of pricks.

50th Anniversary of the Sound of Music

The hills have been alive for 50 years. The Sound of Music premiered on Broadway on November 16, 1959. If you're in New York, head over to the Barnes and Noble at 1972 Broadway at 66th St. at 5:00 PM to meet original cast members Theodore Bikel (Captain Von Trapp who will actually sing Edelweiss), Lauri Peters (the original Liesl, a role she stole from me, or would have if I'd been alive yet), and Brian Davies (Rolf. Woof). Finian's Rainbow star Kate Baldwin will be on hand to sing the title song.

If we're lucky, Lazy Circles NY Bureau Chief Doug will give us a recap tomorrow.

Monday's Man: Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg is part of the impressive cast in the upcoming Tina Fey/Steve Carell comedy Date Night. Apparently the costume budget was too tight for a shirt. Thank God he's playing to this strengths again.

I couldn't post about Mr. Wahlberg without an image from his Markey Mark days. Hot then, hotter now.


Here's the Date Night trailer. The good part starts at the 1:28 mark. Enjoy.

Reap What You Sow Watch

Remember the Carrie Prejean sex tape? Turns out it was the tip of the iceberg. Eight, count 'em, eight more sex tapes and thirty more nude and topless photos have surfaced in the last 24 hours. Plus, the book tour's been cancelled.

This is downright Biblical.

Carrie's on the Bestseller List!

At number 701.

Levi Wins Fleshbot Award

The Levi Johnston saga just keeps getting better and better. Wednesday night, he appeared at the first annual Fleshbot awards to accept the prize for "Best Crossover Performer." He was there with a Playgirl spokesman, a "massive security guard," and, of course, his manager Tank Jones. If I ever do something notorious, I'm totally hiring Tank Jones to make me famous. The guy's a genius.

The emcee was Justin Bond (AKA Kiki of Kiki and Herb). Here's his intro:

"For the bravery to be himself despite the pictures other people want to paint of him and for taking control of his image and letting us all enjoy in it, the mainstream to porn crossover award goes to...Levi Johnston."

Brings a tear to my eye.

Carrie Narcissus

You've got to watch this clip from Larry King's interview with Carrie Prejean. She's thin-skinned, bizarre and incredibly unprofessional. What a colossal ego this woman has. She's not nearly as smart as she thinks she is. Unfortunately I can't embed it, so watch it here. The strange acting out begins at about 1 minute 15 seconds.

h/t NY Bureau Chief Doug.

Tracy Morgan Flops at Carnegie Hall

There's an old joke that the way to get to Carnegie hall is practice, practice, practice. It looks like Tracy Morgan didn't practice enough because his recent show there was a big flop. According to the New York Daily News, many people walked out. What's more, "Morgan talked trash about homosexuality (saying it’s “a choice,” which drew gasps)." Forget the nice thinks I said about him in my Emmy post. He's an unfunny hack.

Veterans Day

Originally designated Armistice Day to commemorate the Treaty of Versailles which ended hostilities in World War I, it was declared a national holiday in 1921. In 1954, in recognition of the millions more war dead of World War II and Korea, President Eisenhower signed a new law declaring November 11 Veterans Day, a day to honor those who have served and those who have fallen. This year is particularly poignant, of course. Here's what President Obama had to say about today:

"It's a chance to pause, and to pay tribute -- for students to learn the struggles that preceded them; for families to honor the service of parents and grandparents; for citizens to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in pursuit of a more perfect union." President Obama, 11/10/09

Dan Savage on the History of Marriage

Hot + funny + smart = Dan Savage. Here he is debunking the myth of "traditional marriage."



via Joe.My.God

Republicans Scozzafava Themselves

In the wake of the NY-23 Congressional election in which moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava was forced out by a dirty campaign waged by Dick Armey's Club for Growth, her name has become a verb used to described the process of being screwed over by the Republican purists. In a fascinating article in today's Washington Post, it seems clear that the GOP is in the process of Scozzafavaing itself.

Scozzafava was a long-time Republican NY state assemblywoman with a voting record to the right of the norm for her party in Albany. She seemed like a natural choice for an easy victory in a district that had never sent a Democrat to Congress. The Club for Growth came up with a goofball named Hoffman who knew nothing of local issues and in fact, didn't even live in the district. But he was ideologically pure. There was no sunlight between him and Sarah Palin and Jim DeMint. Scozzafava, on the other hand, had supported gay rights, abortion rights, and even had some contact with labor leaders. After a dirty campaign in which she was bizarely labeled the Acorn candidate, Scozzafava dropped out without endorsing anyone. Hoffman did not call her to offer condolences. Neither did George Pataki or any of the other prominent NY Republicans who encouraged her to run. Who did call? Bob Owens, the Democratic candidate for one. Bill Clinton for another. Also, Senator Shumer, Atty. General Cuomo, and a host of other prominent NY Democrats. As a result, Scozzafava endorsed Bill Owens and he won.

When Scozzafava returned to Albany, the punishment continued. She was stripped of her leadership position and she may be considering a switch to theDemocratic party. The Republicans control all of 40 seats out of 150 in the Assembly. They can ill afford to alienate a member, but that's just what they're doing.

So, while the GOP punishes those who stray from the strict party line, the Democrats are building coalitions. Which party seems like the party of the future?

Dreamgirls at the Opollo

The national tour of Dreamgirls is currently in previews at the Apollo Theater, a fitting location since the show begins and ends there. This revival began life in Korea where it was a hit with a Korean cast and took advantage of cheaper set construction costs. The producer is John Breglio, the executor of the estate of Michael Bennett. The production will feature some re-written scenes and the addition of the Beyonce song Listen (ugh) from the movie with new lyrics (maybe not so bad). In the picture above, Moya Angela, the new Effie White, admires the work of costume designer William Ivey Long. She said “This is definitely a big break for me. Most women in this role really take off after this.” That's an understatement, Moya.

'Tis the Season for Shopping at the Gap

The religious right's tiresome "war on Christmas" has begun again. Donald Wildmon's American Family Association has announced a boycott of The Gap because they "refuse" to use the word Christmas in their holiday advertising. Oh my God, how can people possibly be expected to maintain their faith when Christ has been taken out of T-shirt commercials? We need more Christ in commercialism!

Wildmon has a history of boycotts of Ford, Disney, Sears, and others who advance the "homosexual lifestyle" or whatever paranoid blather he comes up with. Typically they don't work and Wildmon eventually declares a fake victory and moves on to the next target.

Via Joe.My.God

Mad Men Mondays

The last episode! So much going on! Here are my thoughts (don't read further if you haven't see it yet):

Is Sal really gone forever? They keep teasing us with bits like Peggy's complaint that she doesn't have art because there's no art department. Bring Sal back to the new firm! Let's start a petition!

Thank God they found a new job for Joan. She should never have been sidelined.

No way Roger Sterling's marriage survives; Joan's either. Those two are meant for each other.

Either Betty doesn't go through with the divorce or she has a torrid post-divorce affair with Don.

I kind of wish they had chosen Ken over Paul. He's cuter and not such a dick. Decent gratuitous beefcake shot of Paul, though.

I suppose Duck is done.

Who among the left-overs at Sterling Cooper will stick around for next season?

What do you think?

Monday's Man: Marco Dapper

This ought to get your Monday morning going with a jolt. Calling Marco Dapper hot is like calling Mount Everest big. It doesn't begin to do him justice. He's beyond hot, post-hot, ultra hot. He's in a class of hotness of his own. His heat defies language. Just sit back and take it all in. Or maybe I should say sit up.

He was the lust object in Eating Out II, Sloppy Seconds in which he took it all off. If you would like to see Marco in all his glory, and it IS glorious, click here. It is very NTSW and very worth it.

First picture source.

Shooting Rampage at Fort Hood

Horrifying news out of one of my old duty stations, Fort Hood, Texas. Three active duty soldiers opened fire at the Soldier Readiness Center killing 12 and wounding 31. A soldier readiness center is a processing center for those about to be deployed to war zones. Fort Hood is the largest military base in the world and has sent a huge number of soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan. about 250,000 military and civilian personnel go to work there every day.

My God.

UPDATE: The alleged killer is Major Nadal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist. He was born in Virginia of Jordanian immigrant parents. Contrary to previous reports, he is alive and expected to live. The New York Times coverage is amazing.

Rue McClanahan Hospitalized

Blanche Devereaux herself, Rue McClanahan is in the hospital with "acute cardiac illness." She has been forced to miss a tribute to herself to be held at the Castro theater in San Francisco on November 14.

“My darlings, I’m just devastated that I am going to have to miss my own tribute at the Castro Theatre,” she said in a statement on Wednesday from her hospital room. “Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I’m currently having some maintenance on the old ticker. Trust me, I’d much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you.”


According to Entertainment Weekly, she had heart by-pass surgery and is expected to recover fully. I saw her in person recently when the Sordid Lives tour came to Dallas. Frankly, she didn't seem well. She came onstage slowly and sat down to tell her stories. Let's hope EW is right and she's back to her old self again soon.

Carrie's Sex Tape Saga

TMZ has posted more on the Carrie Prejean sex tape story. According to the article, attorneys for Miss California USA showed the tape to Carrie and her legal team and her first reaction was "that's disgusting." She denied it was her until the camera angle changed and there was no more denying it. She immediately started talking to her lawyers and "it took about 15 seconds for Carrie to drop her $1 million demand."

Is lying Biblically correct?

Is There a Biblically Correct Sex Tape?

TMZ is reporting that former Miss California Carrie Prejean abruptly settled her lawsuit against the Miss California pageant and essentially walked away with nothing because of a XXX sex tape. According to the settlement, the mouthpiece for Jesus gets about $100,000.00, which will cover a fraction of her expenses. She pockets zilch.

Hate to rain on your parade, Maggie Gallagher.

h/t Lazy Circles Bureau Chief Doug

Hutchison Recommends Gay Candidate for US Attorney

Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn have endorsed two applicants for US Attorney for the Western District of Texas: Robert Pitman, a U.S. magistrate in Austin, and San Antonio criminal defense lawyer Michael McCrum. Pittman also just happens to be openly gay. Hutchison's role has garnered attention because she's running for governor against teabagger-in-chief Rick Perry. Hutchison probably had no idea and we'll see if she sticks to her guns.

Dem Wins in NY-23

The upset of the night occurred in the New York North Country where a Democrat will represent the district in Congress for the first time ever. Republicans have represented this area since before the Civil War. This is the district where the GOP candidate, Dede Scozzava, was forced out by dirty political meddling by the Club for Growth, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and the rest of the teabaggers. Scozzafa had committed the sins of supporting gay rights and abortion rights. They all endorsed an unknown named Hoffman running as a conservative. Scozzava dropped out of the race a few days ago and the Republican National Committee switched positions and backed Hoffman. All the pundits predicted the voters in this heavily Republican district would go for Hoffman. All the pundits were wrong.

Thus, the drive to purify the Republican party and purge is of apostates has resulted in a Democratic pick-up. Brilliant strategy, conservatives.

Hate Prevails in Maine While Equality May Win in Washington

The campaign of lies won the day in Maine as the marriage equality bill was rejected by 53% of voters. 47% voted in favor. Once again, the only minority group in America whose rights are put up for popular vote are suffering the tyranny of the majority.

Things look better in Washington, where the so-called everything but marriage law has a solid lead.

In Houston, openly gay Annise Parker has the lead and appears headed for a runoff.

Equality in Kalamazoo!

The good people of Kalamazoo, Michigan have beaten back an anti-gay ballot initiative. Good news for all those gals who have a gal in Kalamazoo!

Happy Birthday Lulu!

Today is Lulu's birthday. Don't worry about her age, she looks better than she did when she sang for Sir.

Election Day

If you live in Maine or Washington, go vote for equality.

If you live in New Jersey, a vote for Corzine is a vote for equality. Corzine has pledged to sign a marriage bill when the legislature gets it to his desk. Marriage has the votes in the legislature, but if Corzine looses to Christie, marriage in New Jersey is dead for four years because Christie is solidly opposed to our rights.

If you live in New York's 23rd Congressional district, go vote for Bill Owens.

If you live in Virginia, God help you. The Pat Robertson Manchurian Candidates look like a lock.

Monday Morning Mad Men

We've all wondered how Mad Men would handle the Kennedy assassination. Now we know. What did you think? Also, will Sal return in the final episode?

Monday's Man: Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert, the most gay fabulous winner of Idol yet, has just released his first single off his glam new album. What's that? He didn't win Idol? Oh that's right, he's just already bigger than most of the winners. Give his song a listen and tell me what you think.