Blogging Break

There will be no new posts for a few days as I will be in a high-level conference with my New York Bureau Chief Doug.  We'll be brain-storming new media strategies for the 2nd decade of the 21st century.  Between cocktails. 

Sarah Palin and Fox Misrepresent LL Cool J

If you watch Fox "News," and I don't, you may have seen promos for Sarah Palin's new special Real American Stories, set to air this Thursday.  The show features stories of Americans overcoming adversity or some such shit and was to feature Toby Keith, GE Chairman Jack Welch and LL Cool J.  LL Cool J on The Sarah Palin Show?  Really?  Conservative blogger Allahpundit gloated as follows:

"Frank Rich fans will be shocked to find the alleged Grand Dragon of the tea-party movement making chitchat with a hip-hop legend.."

He's right.  This Frank Rich fan was certainly surprised until he found out it wasn't true.  Turns out Sarah was never going to interview LL Cool J or even be in the same building.  Fox found a 2008 interview the artist gave and stapled it onto Palin's show.  Mr. Cool J tweeted:

"Fox lifted an old interview I gave in 2008 to someone else & are misrepresenting to the public in order to promote Sarah Palins Show. WOW."

I know you're as shocked as I am to find Sarah Palin associated with deceptive practices.  Fox, caught lying again, yanked his segment and issued the following statement:

"Real American Stories features uplifting tales about overcoming adversity and we believe Mr. Smith's interview fit that criteria. However, as it appears that Mr. Smith does not want to be associated with a program that could serve as an inspiration to others, we are cutting his interview from the special and wish him the best with his fledgling acting career."

"Fledgling acting career?"  Fox "news" hounds are real bitches. 

Johnny Weir on Evan Lysacek's "Girlfriend"

Watch Johnny on Chelsea Handler's show:

Why Ricky Martin Matters

When Ricky Martin came out, some greeted the news with cynicism.  Writer Lorenzo Herrera y Lozano, who grew up in a small town in northern Mexico, has a different perspective:

"Whether U.S. fags approve or not, Ricky is a prominent figure here, and more importantly, in Latino América. Ricky’s coming out makes it possible for young boys in countless homes to imagine themselves as something other than confused."


Read it all here. 

Erykah Badu Bares Herself in Dealy Plaza

Dallas-based Erykah Badu released a new video in which she takes off all her clothes in Dealey Plaza - yes, that Dealey Plaza - and then is assassinated. 

The whole thing was shot guerrilla style without permits.  Whoever happened to be on the street that day saw it all happen.  It opens with Erykah driving up in a vintage Lincoln, the radio voice-over of the Kennedy motorcade in the background.  She gets out, walks up to the grassy knoll, disrobing along the way.  A shot rings out and she falls. 

Here's how she explained it to the Dallas Morning News:

"Times Square is the most monumental place in New York, and when I was thinking of monumental places, the grassy knoll was the most monumental place in Dallas I could think of. I tied it in a way that compared that assassination to the character assassination one would go through after showing his or her self completely. That’s exactly the action that I wanted to display."

You can watch the whole thing at her website here.  Probably not safe for work although her body parts are pixilated. 

Ricky Martin: Livin' La Vida Cuerdo

Ricky Martin has come out of the closet.  He wrote a long statement on his web site that ended with "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."  Welcome.

Read it all here. 

Republican National Committee Drops Wad at Fake Lesbian Bondage Club

This has to be my favorite story of the decade.  According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Republican National Committee spent has spent a fortune on lavish living including private jets and luxury hotels such as the Beverly Wilshire.  Then, there's this tidbit:

"The Republican National Committee gave nearly $2,000 to a Southern California GOP contributor for meal expenses at Voyeur West Hollywood, a lesbian-themed California nightclub that features topless dancers wearing horse-bits and other bondage gear, according to newly filed disclosure records."

Women in horsebits.  You can't make this stuff up. 

"Voyeur West Hollywood has garnered attention in Los Angeles for its risque and outrageous theme since opening last fall, attracting celebrities such as Lindsey Lohan and Leonardo DiCaprio. A Los Angeles Times article said the club had a "dark, leather-heavy interior" that was "reminiscent of the masked orgy scene" from the movie "Eyes Wide Shut" and includes "impromptu bondage and S&M 'scenes' being played out on an elevated platform by scantily clad performers." Opening night included one woman "with a horse's bit in her mouth...strapped to the wall by another," the article said."


Apparently Voyeur features topless ladies simulating lesbian sex.  I suppose it's OK as long as they don't simulate lesbian weddings.

June Havoc: ? - 2010

The original Baby June and sister to Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc has died at the age of 93 or 96 depending on the source.  Mama Rose used different birthdates and birth certificates to keep June in her kiddie Vaudeville act and get around child labor laws.  She was either born in Seattle or Vancover, BC in 1913 or 1916.

At 13 (or so), Havoc rebelled against her mother and ran off and married a teen boy from the Vaudeville troup, Bobby Reed.  She struggled for years to make it in theater until she scored a triumph on Broadway in Pal Joey in 1940.  That led to a Hollywood contract.  She made over two dozen films including Gentleman's Agreement.  In 1970, she became artistic director of the New Orleans Repertory Theater, persuading actors like Richard Mulligan and Julie Harris to perform there.  In 1982, she returned to Broadway as Mrs. Hannigan in Annie.  When asked by a reporter if she minded being the sixth actress to play the role, she said “To hell with vanity, give me the work.”

(For some reason I can't get pictures to load right now.  Hopefully it will work itself out). 

Ai: 1947-2010

The poet Ai has died of pneumonia related to undiagnosed cancer.  She was 62 and lived in Stillwater, OK.  She was a winner of the National Book Award and her poetry was widely anthologized.  She was on the English faculty at Oklahoma State University.

She was born Florence Anthony in Albany, TX and once described herself as "the child of a scandalous affair my mother had with a Japanese man she met at a streetcar stop.”  As an adult, she changed her name to Ai, which is Japanese for love. 

The New York Times, as it often does, de-gayed her in its obituary.  You can read some of her poetry here. 

Monday's Man: Raul Esparza

Today I've chosen Broadway Star Raul Esparza.  LC NY Bureau Chief Doug and I agree that he's a dreamboat.  As Doug said, "it's not even that he's all that cute. There is just something about him...his talent, his intensity...something that makes my heart go pitty-pat."  I couldn't agree more.

Doug alerted me to this clip from last year of Raul talking about life and spirituality with ABC's Father Beck.  Again, I'm not sure what it is about him.  He's magnetic.

Palin: We're All Teabaggers!

If you can stand it, here's the quitter blaming right-wing violence on the "lamestream media." 



Who knew the Ticked Off Trannies had a fashion line?

Ticked Off Trannies With Knives

Dallas filmmaker Israel Luna has kicked up a controversy with his latest film, Ticked Off Trannies With Knives.  The film stars iconic Dallas entertainers including Richard Curtin, Jenna Skyy, and Krystal Summers.  I've seen them all perform and they're amazing.  I can't wait to see this film. 

The film is an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and GLAAD has decided to raise a stink.  The issued an ACTION ALERT!!! because this is what we all should be super-duper concerned about these days:

"GLAAD was recently alerted by community members and allies to a film called Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives that will be screened at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival.


GLAAD has since seen the film in its entirety and can report that the title is far from the only problem with this film. The film, its title and its marketing misrepresent the lives of transgender women and use grotesque, exploitative depictions of violence against transgender women in ways that make light of the horrific brutality they all too often face."

It goes on for a while.  You can read it all at the link above.  It turns out GLAAD is not being completely honest in it's righteous indignation.  The Tribeca Film Festival has issued the following statement:

“The filmmakers provided a copy of this film to GLAAD in February, and for weeks the organization had been supportive to the filmmakers. In fact, GLAAD representatives advised the film’s producer, director and cast on how to describe the film to its core constituency. Tribeca is proud of its ongoing commitment to bring diverse voices and stories to its audiences, and looks forward to the film’s premiere at our Festival next month.”


So much for "recently alerted by community members." 

Movieline went further:

"First of all, congratulations to Luna (a sort of budding Tarantino if Tarantino were Latino, Texan and gay — which kind of makes cosmic sense, somehow), who’ll see his profile heightened immeasurably as the man at the center of this particular contrannieversy.


But back to the issue: When, exactly, did GLAAD start delineating between what is acceptable or not acceptable humor within the whole Queer spectrum for whom they advocate? According to their logic, drag as a subject is an OK area for broad satire, because it’s “performing,” but transexualism is not. Well, what if the transexual in question also happens to be a raunchy drag performer, like Dirty Sexy Money star Candis Cayne? Doesn’t the voice of the filmmaker count for something? Are transexuals incapable of laughing at themselves? If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love someone else? Can I get an amen up in here?! (And don’t f*ck it up.)"

I was totally unaware of this movie before GLAAD decided to give it tons of free publicity.  Now I can't wait to see it!  Thanks GLAAD!

White Powder Sent to Rep. Weiner's Office

The Queens, NY office of Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner received a package of white powder with a threatening note today.  This comes on top of vandalism at the offices of four other Democratic members of Congress and Democratic party offices around the country.  Additionally, the home of the brother of Democratic Congressman Joe Periello of Virginia was targeted after a Teabagger website posted his brother's address thinking it was the Congressman's.  A gas line was cut. 

New DA/DT Rules Announced

Secretary Gates has announced new rules for dealing with witch hunts investigations under Don't Ask/Don't Tell. 

"The changes raise the level of officer authorized to initiate a fact-finding inquiry into a case, the level of officer who can conduct an inquiry and of the one that can authorize a dismissal.


To discourage the use of overheard statements or hearsay, from now on any evidence given in third-party outings must be given under oath, Gates said. Cases of third-party outings also have included instances in which male troops have turned in women who rejected their romantic advances or jilted partners in relationship have turned in a former lover.


Some kinds of confidential information also will no longer be allowed, including statements gays make to their lawyers, clergy, psychotherapists or medical professionals in the pursuit of health care."

These provisions go into effect immediately and are considered a stopgap measure while Congress ever so slowly considers repeal of DA/DT. 

When I was in the Army I desperately wanted to talk to a chaplain or a psychologist about being gay in the military. I couldn't of course, because chaplains and psychologists often reported admissions of homosexuality to the chain of command. It seems incredible to civilians who expect privacy and professionalism from clergy and mental health professionals, but in the culture of the Army, it was accepted. 

Happy Birthday Flannery O'Connor

Writer Flannery O'Connor would have been 85 today.  The Georgian died of Lupus at the age of 39 in 1964.  She wrote two novels and numerous short stories.  I think it's appropriate to mark the day with one of her quotes:

"Anything that comes out of the South is going to be called grotesque by the northern reader, unless it is grotesque, in which case it is going to be called realistic."

Puppies Eating Ice Cream

By Flickr user Mr_Grim. More pictures of puppies eating ice cream here.


via Andrew Sullivan.

A New Stamp for Us

My friend Randy who works for the Postal Service thought I'd want to buy several rolls of the new pansy stamp.  I can't imagine where he got the idea. 

Bewitching Memories

A more complete obituary of Robert Culp is now up at the Los Angeles Times.  It includes a gallery featuring this amazing picture of Culp and Elizabeth Montgomery presenting an Emmy to Agnes Morehead in 1967.  It was for her work on The Wild Wild West, not Bewitched. 

Colleen Kay Hutchins Dead

Miss America 1952 has died at the age of 83.  She passed away at her home in Newport Beach, California after an illness of six months.  She was the last Miss America crowned before the pageant was televised and the first Miss Utah to win the title.  She became a Broadway actress for a time then married a professional basketball player turned physician.  They honeymooned at Queen Elizabeth's coronation.  She is survived by her husband and four children and grandchildren. 

You read that right:  Miss America, Broadway actress, married to professional athlete turned doctor and honeymoon at the coronation.  What a life.

h/t LC NY Bureau Chief Doug

Robert Culp Dead

Handsome actor Robert Culp died this morning at the age of 79.  He fell while talking a walk outside his Hollywood home and was found by a jogger who called 911.  He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at Queen of Angels Hospital. 

He was probably best known for starring in the 60s TV series I Spy with Bill Cosby.  He was nominated for an Emmy three times for the show.  He also starred in the 1969 film Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice.  He was a hard working actor who made numerous TV appearances over the past 50 years. 

College of Charleston Students Protest Westboro Baptist Homophobes

I'm proud of my alma mater today as hundreds of College of Charleston students turned out to protest an appearance by Westboro Baptist Church.  Watch:

I'm Buying Mango Today

You've got to watch adorable Marty Beckerman and his unseen girlfriend try out Cosmo sex advice, or as he calls it, putting random stuff on a dick.  Super-duper not safe for work. 

I Tried Cosmo's Sex Advice—Wow, My Penis Hurts! (But the Mango Was Nice...) - watch more funny videos

If You're Gay and Married Let the Census Know

George Takei and Brad Altman tell you how.



This is exactly what Wes and I did. 

Watch History Being Made

President Obama is signing the Health Care Reform Bill now:

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

1LT Choi Felt Betrayed by HRC

Dan Choi gave an interview with Newsweek Magazine and didn't hold back on HRC's rally for the cameras:

"If [the Human Rights Campaign] thinks that having a rally at Freedom Plaza with a comedienne is the right approach, I have to wonder. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not a joking matter to me. To be at Freedom Plaza and not at the White House or Congress? Who are they trying to influence? I felt like they were just trying to speak to themselves. If that's the best the lobbying groups and HRC can do, then I don't know how these powerful groups are supposed to represent our community. Kathy Griffin and [HRC president] Joe Solmonese said they would march with me to the White House but didn’t. I feel so betrayed by them."

I think Choi just drove the final nail into the coffin of HRC's relevance. 

Georgia Town Allows Gay Prom Date

When 18 year old Derrick Martin of Cochran, Georgia asked the school board if he could take a male date to his prom at Bleckley County High School, he was surprised that the answer was yes.  According to school board rules, out-of-county dates must be approved in advance, and Derrick followed the rules by asking.  In sharp contrast to Itawamba, Mississippi where Constance McMillan made a similar request and saw the prom cancelled, Bleckley County High's prom will be held on April 17, as planned.  It sounds like the Bleckley board learned a few things from Mississippi and decided to do things right.  See what happens when sanity reigns? 

Martin initially asked his principal who said no, reasoning the school wasn't ready for it.  The board, however, found no rule against it and allowed it. 

Martin is an honor student who tutors at-risk kids.  He has a full scholarship to college.

 

Jake Shears is on Fire

Jake Shears was looking good at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC on March 17.  Here he is with Ana Matronic and the rest of the Scissor Sisters performing their rumored new single "Fire."  Check out the rest of the hot pictures here.  Then watch Jake in leather:

Health Care Reform Passes!

Last night the House passed health care reform by a vote of 219-212. Then, the House approved a package of changes to it that goes to the Senate this week for a simple majority vote that seems assured.  Then it goes to the President.  It will provide health insurance for millions of uninsured.  There was not one Republican vote in favor.  Here are the top ten immediate benefits that Republicans tried to deny us.

Finally, the long national nightmare is over, and by "long national nightmare" I mean the Byzantine process by which Congress passed this bill and the horrible lies cooked up by the opposition to kill it.  Last night, as Rep. Bart Stupak spoke in favor of the bill, an unnamed Representative yelled "baby killer" at Stupak, who is probably the strongest anti-abortion member of the House.  The unnamed Representative had a southern accent and came from the area of the Texas delegation.  Naturally.

No matter what the opposition says, however, this is a historic bill.  It is certainly flawed but after decades of work, our absurd health care system will begin to focus on the needs of people instead of insurance companies.  It's an important start.  As President Obama said:

“We pushed back on the undue influence of special interests. We didn’t give in to mistrust or to cynicism or to fear. Instead, we proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things.  This isn’t radical reform,” he added, “but it is major reform.”



  

Monday's Man: The We Can Do It Campaign

The Open Artist Movement has started a new pictorial compaign featuring some gorgeous men and women echoing the iconic World War II poster.  So far, they feature Darryl Stephens (above),

Wilson Cruz, and

Air Force veteran Reichen Lemkuhl.  Check out the rest. 

Spring Snowpocalypse

Friday night, Wes and I met a friend for dinner outdoors at La Duni.  It was a beautiful spring evening.  All the bulbs and trees were in bloom.  The Bradford pears have been gorgeous this year.  Dallas Blooms has started at the arboretum.  Then, yesterday turned cold and rainy and look at what we woke up to this morning.  It's not a lot of snow, but it broke the record for this day.  This picture doesn't convey the wind and biting cold.  Dallas typically gets about one winter weather event a year.  This year has been like living in Saskatchewan.  The good news is it's supposed to be sunny and warm tomorrow.  Just in time for the work week.

Racist and Homophobic Teabaggers Swarm Congress

A large group of teabagger protesters hit Congress yesterday to protest the health care reform bill that they know nothing about.  They showed their true colors when they encountered several members of Congress.  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) was spat on.  Civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) was called a ni**er to his face and Rep. Barney Frank was called faggot and protesters shouted at him with lisps.  Rep. Bob Clyburn (D-SC) called it "absolutely shocking and said "I heard people saying things that I have not heard since March 15, 1960 when I was marching to try and get off the back of the bus."  Clyburn went on to say "It doesn't make me nervous as all.  "In fact, as I said to one heckler, I am the hardest person in the world to intimidate, so they better go somewhere else." 

In Pine View, NY, Rep. Louise Slaughter's (D-NY) office was vandalized when someone threw a brick through the window. 

The scumbag who spat on Rep. Cleaver was arrested but Cleaver declined to press charges. 

The Teabaggers are celebrated by the media and Republican leaders like Sarah Palin as a "movement."  They are nothing but racist, homophibic, ignorant scum.   

Dan Choi Out of Jail

1LT Dan Choi and CPT Jim Pietrangelo have been released from jail after pleading not guilty and demanding a trial.  They were brought into the courtroom in handcuffs and leg irons to make their pleas.  Choi said "I plead not guilty and I am not ashamed. And, I am not finished."  Here's what he had to say outside the courtroom.  Note that they're wearing no military insignia and therefore not violating military regulations:



Americablog has more.

LT. Choi's Speech

From Americablog, here is Dan Choi's amazing speech yesterday:



Note that Kathy Griffin said "of course" when asked to go with Choi to the White House then didn't follow through.  I think her mistake was aligning herself with HRC.  Straight celebrities do that a lot under the belief that they represent all of us.  They don't realize how irrelevant HRC has become. 

Lt. Dan Choi Arrested

Lt. Dan Choi and Captain Jim Pietrangelo chained themselves to the White House fence this afternoon in protest of Don't Ask/Don't Tell.  Minutes ago, they were arrested.  Also arrested was activist Robin McGehee of GetEqual.   This began as a rally/photo op led by HRC and Kathy Griffin at some pointless location across from DC City Hall.  Lt. Choi took the stage, apparently unannounced, said DA/DT is no joke and led the crowd to the White House.  Griffin and Joe Solomnese did not follow.  Lots more here.

UPDATE:  "According to Tweets from Robin McGehee at GetEqual (see stream below) reporting from the Kathy Griffin - Human Rights Campaign "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rally, McGehee, who is traveling with Lt. Dan Choi, asked Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese if Choi could speak at the rally and he rebuffed her, telling her it was Kathy Griffin's rally."

It sounds like this began as a staged rally for My Life on the D List that was hijacked by Dan Choi and turned into a real protest.  As soon as it became real, Griffin and (naturally) HRC abandoned it.

From Americablog, here are the brave officers chained to the White House fence.  John Aravosis of Americablog is on the scene and said the following:

"As I noted below, Lt. Dan Choi spoke at the HRC/Kathy Griffin rally today. Then, he marched to the White House with Capt. Jim Pietrangelo and a crowd of several hundred. Kathy Griffin told Dan that she'd march with him, but didn't. This is a t.v. show for her, but for Dan, it's his life."

Here's CNN's Rick Sanchez on the incident:

National Call In Day for Huntington's Disease

Today is a national call-in event in support of the Huntington's Disease Parity Act.  I just called my Congressman and encouraged him to support the Act which would make it easier for people with HD to access Social Security benefits and would eliminate the current crazy two-year waiting period for Medicare. 

Applying for Disability can be a long, frustrating process for HD patients.  Once approved for disability, there is a pointless two-year waiting period before Medicare can be accessed.  This bill would speed up the application process by eliminating out-dated criteria used by Social Security for HD patients.  The bill would also eliminate the two-year waiting period. 

HD is a rare disease that is often overlooked.  Help shine some light by calling your Member of Congress and Senators today.  Thanks!   

Justin Kissed a Boy!

TV history was made last night on Ugly Betty as teenage character Justin kissed another boy.  Earlier in the episode, Justin kissed a girl he "liked," but that was on-stage as part of a drama class scene. Later, he and his friend Austin, clearly attracted to each other, shared an unexpected kiss.  It was very sweet and awkward and felt real for two kids.  This followed several months of Justin claiming to be straight, just like real life.  Very nice. 

Bryan Batt on Mad Men

Openly gay actor Bryan Batt talked with Huffington Post's Katy Hall about Mad Men and being gay in Hollywood.  Well worth a read.  Here's an excerpt:

"If you are openly gay, the masses can be asses and sometimes can't get past the fact that that's how someone lives their private life."

Thx to LC NY Bureau Chief Doug.

Mom, Dad...I'm Gaelic

I totally stole that from my friend Myron's T-shirt.  I don't think he reads my blog anyway. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!   Go drive away some snakes or something. 

I Heart Gabby Sidibe

Watch her on The Soup:



This girl needs to be in a comedy NOW.

Texas School Board Whitewashes History

The GOP-dominated Texas Board of Education has spent this winter revising social studies standards and the results have been a bizarre disaster.  Led by Dr. Don McLeroy (a dentist, not an academic) the new standards stress the Christian principles guiding the founding fathers (questionable at best); the influence of Ronald Reagan but not Lyndon Johnson's Great Society; Newt Gingrich and his Contract With America but not Sonia Sotomayor.  They also removed Thomas Jefferson from a discussion of the Enlightenment.  They're not too thrilled about that whole enlightenment thing anyway.  The latest travesty is the whitewashing of The Alamo.  The Republicans on the board flatly refused to teach students about Tejanos who fought and died for Texas independence at The Alamo.  They seem to think the old Fess Parker TV series was historically accurate.

The news isn't all bad.  McLeroy was recently defeated in his bid for the republican nomination for re-election.  His opponent campaigned specifically on not imposing his personal views on the school system and stepping back from McLeroy-style extremism.  McLeroy's term doesn't expire until the end of the year, however, so he has plenty of time left to do more damage. 

A final vote on the standards takes place in May, then the textbook manufacturers bring their finished products to the board for approval next year.

Texas, one of the wealthiest states, ranks 46th in education.

Tulsa is Beautiful! Except...

When I returned from lovely Tulsa, I spent a bit of time catching up on news on the net and had to laugh at Andrew Sullivan's post on "Butt Ugly Churches" because the Great Uncles live near Oral Roberts University.  Oh my God, I've never seen such a bizarre place.  Google "Oral Roberts University" and hit images, but you might want to do it at home because I'm not sure such bad taste is safe for work.  It's built in a 60s space age, Jetsons-meet-Jesus style of architecture that made me think some hack architect must have shown Oral the designs as a joke and been stunned that he chose them.  Then he laughed all the way to the bank. 

You enter the University through these gigantic praying hands.  They are Oral's hands, of course, not Gods and not the hands from the famous Durer painting. Then, you're assaulted by an explosion of gold glass, jutting angles and jarring shapes.  This place makes the Seattle Space Needle look positively Victorian.  Think Disney's Tomorrow Land without the tasteful restraint. 

It is so worth a visit.

UPDATE:  I understand that the tall building at top is no longer part of ORU.  Oral built it because God told him to and the city fathers tried to stop it.  It's a low rise part of town and that gold tower is jarring.  Oral would not be deterred because he was on a mission from God.  I guess the Lord works in mysterious ways because Oral went bankrupt building it and had to sell it.  It now belongs to some other outfit, and remains largely empty.  But, it's right across the street from the rest of the campus and is clearly of the same architectural style. 

"We Have Been in Love for 60 Years"

As I reported earlier, we went to the surprisingly beautiful city of Tulsa, Oklahoma over the weekend to visit the hubby's great uncle and his partner of 60 years.  The picture is of a wildlife sculpture in Riverside Park.  The Great Uncles are a wonderful couple, still very much in love.  They live in a terrific house that I would describe as Brady-esque, if Mike Brady had come out and had impeccable taste.  Uncle is 85 and In-law is 91, but they both look and act 20 years younger.  We loved talking to them about how they navigated the past 60 years together.  I particularly love the story of how they met.  I'll call them "Uncle" and "In-law" since I didn't ask for permission to write about them, but I can't resist telling this story.

Both Uncle and In-law served with distinction in World War II.  In fact, Uncle earned a bronze star for valor in combat in northern Italy.  In-law served in north Africa.  They are both truly part of The Greatest Generation. 

After the war, In-law stayed in the reserves, thinking he would never be called up.  He was wrong.  He was called up for Korea in 1950.  Instead of being sent overseas this time, he was sent to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, near the small town of Fort Smith.  One night, he was having a beer in a bar when he was approached by a man who offered to buy him another.  In-law was tall and Germanic with broad shoulders.  Very handsome.  I imagine he was approached at bars a lot.  He said no, he didn't want another beer and the man said "what about a mixed drink?"  He was about to go to a party with an open bar.  In-law said he liked mixed drinks and agreed to go.  They arrived at the party in a private home and the first thing In-law noticed was two male soldiers from his unit kissing.  He now knew what kind of party this was.  When the host saw them, he flew into a rage and stormed back into his bedroom.  In-law's "date" followed.  It turns out this guy was the hosts' lover and had picked up In-law just to make him jealous.  Never think that we invented gay life or gay drama.  This was 1950 in a small town in Arkansas!

In-law's date came out and said they needed to leave together, but by then In-law had spotted a very cute guy with a tight, muscular body.  That was Uncle and In-law said he wasn't going anywhere.  His date stormed off and In-law introduced himself to Uncle.  They became an item that night.  In-law said they consummated the relationship after 3 or 4 weeks.  Uncle said "you mean 3 or 4 hours."

There was one rather large hitch.  In-law was married.  With young children.  It was 1950 after all.  She found out and things got ugly fast so Uncle and In-law ran off together to California.  They lived in LaJolla, in a cottage on Cove Beach for a few years.  Eventually, things calmed down with In-law's wife and he hated being away from his sons, so they returned to Oklahoma.  Things got a bit complicated after that until the sons (one of whom is gay) finished high school, but Uncle and In-law managed to keep the love alive through the decades, or as In-law put it, "We have been in love for 60 years."     

Monday's Man: Dave Salmoni

Have you seen these pictures of Animal Planet's Dave Salmoni from Flaunt Magazine?  If your answer is yes, you know you want to see them again.

Brings out the animal in me.

Peter Graves: 1926-2010

Handsome actor Peter Graves has died of a heart attack at the age of 83.  He was best known as the star of Mission Impossible for six years.  The brother of actor James Arness, he married his college drama teacher and came to Hollywood.  He was featured in the film Stalag 17, but it was Mission Impossible that made him a star.  Later, he showed his comic side in the Airplane!  movies. 

Travelin' to Tulsa

We're off to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the weekend. It turns out that the hubby has a long lost gay great uncle there and they want to re-connect.  The great uncle is 85 and his partner is 90 and they are celebrating 60 years together this year.  60 years!  They've been together as a gay couple in love in Tulsa since 1950.  They were pioneers!  Can you imagine being gay in the 50s in Oklahoma?  Or anywhere?  Instead of hiding, they found each other and found love.  I can't wait to hear all about it. 

While we're in Oklahoma, maybe we'll sit and talk and watch a hawk making lazy circles through the sky. 

VA Gov. Backtracks on Gay Rights

You probably recall that Virginia's new and allegedly moderate governor, Bob McDonnell recently issued an executive order yanking GLBT anti-discrimination protections in state employment.  Then, his Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, issued a personal legal opinion that state universities had no legal authority to offer those same anti-discrimination protections.  There has been a significant backlash and yesterday Gov. McDonnell backtracked with a statement that says the following:

"Discrimination based on factors such as one’s sexual orientation or parental status violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution."

The text of the entire statement is here.  This statement does not have the effect of law while the executive order does, so gays still have no legal protection, but the statement is significant for a couple of reasons.  First, the Supreme Court has never held that sexual orientation employment discrimination violates equal protection.  Such a holding would put sexual orientation on an equal footing with race and ethnicity in federal anti-discrimination law.  Further, as Andrew Sullivan pointed out, it would mean we have a constitutionally protected right to marry.  This would be the holy grail of gay rights. This is an amazingly sweeping statement. 

The second reason it's significant is that he felt enough political pressure from throwing gays under the bus to do a 180 degree turn.  I would prefer seeing the previous executive order rescinded, and I certainly don't believe McDonnell and Cuccinelli have suddenly become cool with the gays, but it's encouraging to see bigots pressured into backing off. 

Corey Haim Found Dead

Actor Corey Haim, star of 80s teen movies including The Lost Boys and License to Drive has been found dead at the age of 38.  The cause of death was apparently an accidental overdose.  He had a history of drug abuse problems.  He had a comeback of sorts over the past few years with a reality show called The Two Coreys co-starring fellow 80s teen star Corey Feldman.  It was cancelled after two seasons. 

Oscar Night 2010!

Wes and I were joined by our friend Roy for a festive night of Oscar watching and champagne drinking.  The minute the show started, my car alarm started going off.  I dashed out to check it, missing part of NPH's opening, and turned it off with the remote.  20 minutes later, it went off again.  And again 20 minutes after that.  And after that.  And after that.  I left the car unlocked thinking that would disengage the alarm and it couldn't possibly go off again.  It did.  Finally, sometime during animated shorts or something, I found a wrench and unhooked the car battery.  Today, my car is in the shop.  Other than that super-annoyance, I thought the Oscar show was one of the best in years.  it lasted about 17 hours, but really didn't feel it.  Here are some of my random thoughts, which include the Barbara Walters Special and E! live from the red carpet.

"It ain't that heavy.  Let it go."  Words of wisdom from Mo'nique.
I thought it was really interesting that she spoke of her open relationship with her husband by saying "if he has sex with another person, it's not a game changer."  Another "person."  Mr. Mo'nique is almost as gay as Mr. Mariah.

That's it from Baba Wawa.  On to the red carpet.

Sigourney Weaver is my prize winner for best dressed.  She's stunning in red. 

Sandra Bullock's champagne gown looks like molten platinum.  Sumptuous.  The red lipstick is too much. 

Tyler Perry is roughly twice as gay as Mr. Mariah. 

Myley Cyrus looks like a hillbilly who stole Sophia Loren's gown.  It's way too grown up for her and she has no idea how to wear it.  She has the posture of a field hand.  Her mother is showing Sherri Sheppard her tattoos.  Charming.

Sherri Sheppard's hair is amazing.  We have a best hairdoo winner.

Here is Jess Cagle talking to the Best Supporting Actress nominees.  Is he adorable or what?  I just love short, well-groomed guys with tight bodies.  He is so my type.  Who on earth is he?  Love the color, ladies.

SJP first thought:  OMG WTF!
SJP second thought:  Wait a minute...
SJP third thought:  OMG I love it.
SJP fourth thought:  I still lust after Matthew Broderick.

JAKE!  With scruff!  Gayer than Mr. Mariah?  Let's hope so!
(The first three pictures have been blantantly stolen from The Film Experience). 

OK, I'll say it.  Zac Efron is totally cute.  Don't judge me. 

Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer are the hottest couple on the red carpet.  (This picture NOT stolen from Film Experience).

Now on to the show! 

All the Best Actor/Best Actress nominees are brought out for a round of applause.  Gabby Sidibe does a sassy move when she's introduced.  Love. Her. 

NPH!  What a surprise!  Now he's gone, never to be seen again.  Here are our hosts, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.  I can't decide who I want to do most.  Yes I can, Alec Baldwin.  Always.

Christoph Waltz wins.  Not exactly a shock.  I love his shawl collar. 

Hurt Locker and Precious win screenplay awards.  Both of the writers are young and cute. 

Matthew Broderick and a drag queen doing Molly Ringwald come out for the John Hughes tribute.  They're followed by the whole brat pack.  Ally Sheedy should be a bigger star.  Just saying. 

Zoe Saldana is a leggy vision.  Carey Mulligan is cute as a button but something about that blond hair just isn't right.

Lauren Bacall's honorary Oscar wasn't good enough for the telecast?  They have time for some pointless tribute to horror and some sort of original score dance-off but not enough time for Lauren Bacall?  Couldn't they have at least made her a presenter?  Shame. 

Mo'nique won a well-deserved award.  Love the gardenias.   Do you know who else wore gardenias on Oscar night?  Miss Hattie McDaniel who was thanked by the newest winner.  Lovely.

Farrah Fawcett was left out of the memorial segment.  I realize she was known mainly for television, but she made a lot of movies.  Bad decision.  Michael Jackson was appropriately included although he was known for music, not the few films he did.  Why no Farrah?     

Tom Ford and SJP.  This is the gayest Oscar moment ever.  Plus Tom Ford!  He is sex on legs.  Seriously, people.  This picture isn't Tom from last night but it's a reasonable approximation.  Sigh.

Sandy Powell is the new Edith Head.

Kristin Stewart needs to stand up straight and do something with her lank hair.  Taylor Lautner looks like a West Hollywood twink all dressed up.  He's so thin.  I thought he was supposed to be the hunk du jour?  Look for him to come out on the cover of People five years after the movie career tanks. 

"Music by Prudence" just won Documentary Short.  A guy sprinted up to the stage followed by a woman who totally interrupted him and took up all his time!  What on earth?  Here's the story. 

The sound editing tribute to The Dark Knight is longer than the tribute to horror.  They really do feel bad about snubbing it last year.

White Ribbon didn't win for Best Foreign Film.  It's an upset people!  The first one of the night!  5 people across America care.

I saw Kathy Bates eating pasta at Orso in LA one time.  She was with a handsome younger man.  Love her.

Best actor.  Surprise!  It's Julianne Moore and Michelle Pfeiffer and some other people.  They managed to find a fresh way to present this award.  Kate Winslett is a vision in quicksilver.  No surprise, it's Jeff Bridges.  He seems thrilled. 

Best actress.  It's Oprah!

Sandra Bullock is now an Oscar winner.  Her speech is really nice.  She's a stand up gal.

It's Barbra!  She's presenting the award for Best Director.  Oh, the irony!  "The time has come" for Kathryn Bigelow.   She is 58 years old and looks 28.  Her body is amazing.

Here's Tom Hanks, "the Academy Governor," to present Best Picture.  He doesn't read the nominees, just rips open the envelope and says "The Hurt Locker!"

That's it people.  Another year of glamour comes to a close. 

About Frigging Time

In the biggest entertainment news story of 1998, Sean Hayes came out on the cover of The Advocate.  He's still a dick, though.  A quote:

“I feel like I’ve contributed monumentally to the success of the gay movement in America, and if anyone wants to argue that, I’m open to it. You’re welcome, Advocate.”

If you care, you can read the whole thing here.

And The Winner Is...

The biggest (only) surprise at the Oscars was that they brought back that phrase.  I've got all kinds of thoughts on last night's extravaganza , everything from Mo'nique's gardenias (brilliant) to Sandra's lipstick (too much).  I'll get it all up later today.

Monday's Man: Jeff Bridges

Welcome to a special Oscar edition of Monday's Man!  Probable winner Jeff Bridges still looks great, but remember a few years back?  Remember sex in the Mayan ruins with Rachel Ward?  Talk about indelible images. 

If there was an Oscar for best ass he would have taken home the lifetime achievement award for that one. 

And best everything else. 

Here he is in American Heart from 1992, a film I haven't seen but need to put on my list. 

Maybe I should start calling this feature Sunday's Man since that's when I usually post it.  Obviously I have more time on Sundays than Mondays to do this blog thing.  Hmmm.  I'll give it some thought.