The Triumph of the King

Hello, dear Lazy Circles readers, here is my stream of (un)consciousness, jotted down in real-time as I watched the Oscars, at least, when I wasn't filling my guests' champagne glasses.  And mine.

It's on!  James Franco and Anne Hathaway are entering the nominated movies, Inception-style, with my next husband Alec Baldwin and Morgan Freeman.  Nicely done, but why are they in Back to the Future?   

The bit with James' and Anne's "mominees" in the audience is cute.  Grandma Franco is a looker.  One senses that the show might be better with her as a co-host. 

What's that?  Why it's Tara's Theme.  Tara at sunset fills the stage.  a "two-time Oscar winner" is about to be announced.  OMG!  Could it be Olivia de Havilland?!?  Oh.  It's Tom Hanks.  He's fine and all, but why is he doing a tribute to Gone With the Wind?  Wait a minute, now he's doing a tribute to Titanic.  Same question.  This doesn't seem to be working.  Apparently, this is all for the cinematography award.  I'm not sure this was fully thought out (ed. note, "not fully thought out" will be a recurring theme for the evening).  The winner is Wally Pfister who is coming on stage with his readers on his forehead.  This is the shot that will accompany your obit, buddy.  Loose the glasses.

Kirk Douglas is presenting Best Supporting Actress.  He's pretty funny.  He's still got it. 

As the names are announced, Melissa Leo looks like she's on the verge of a nervous breakdown. 

Big surprise, she won.  She looks genuinely shocked.  She's the only one. 

The F-word!  Oops! 

She's going on and on.  Can't blame her, but she's kind of a ham, especially when she mugs with Kirk's cane.         

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the Official Snubbed Presenters, Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake.  What makes him so cute?  He's kind of a nebbish, but incredibly F___able, know what I mean?

Justin does some lame bit with an app because the Oscars are, like, wired dude. 

Animated short:  The Last Thing. 

Animated feature:  Toy Story 3.  That's almost as big a shock as Melissa Leo.

Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem in ice cream suits.  That's a whole lot of man meat on one stage. 

 The Social Network wins screenplay.  Aaron Sorkin starts off by comparing himself favorably to Paddy Chayefsky.  No ego there.

Original screenplay goes to The King's Speech.  Surprisingly, David Seidler doesn't compare himself to Shakespeare.  Instead, the 73 year old says his father always said he'd be a late bloomer.  Charm is so much more appealing than ego.

Anne Hathaway does a great job with a cute song about hot Hugh Jackman.  She should be on Broadway, maybe in a show with Hugh Jackman!    

James Franco in Drag!

Sounds like a great idea, but I can't say it really worked.  Seems like a missed opportunity.  Anne looks great, though.

Anne seems to be doing all the heavy lifting tonight.  Does James Franco seem a little stoned to you?

Helen Mirren's gown is spectacular, as is her French.  I'm not a Russell Brand fan, but when he's on-stage with Dame Helen, he's almost bearable.  They present Best Foreign Film to In a Better World from Denmark.

Reese Witherspoon''s 60s hair and make-up are flawless. 

Shockingly, Best Supporting Actor is Christian Bale.  That's almost as shocking as Toy Story 3.  I really don't like his beard.  I love beards, but don't like his.

Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman are on-stage together.  Beauty overload!  I hope you'll forgive me for including this shot from Australia instead of something from last night.

Original Score goes to The Social Network. I must say, Trent and Atticus are certainly cute.  Especially Trent. 

ScarJo and McConaughey.  That's a lotta hotness.

Sound Editing and Mixing, both to Inception. 

My friend Beth hates Marisa Tomei's gown.  In fact, Beth hates the dress, the hair, everything.  Beth is also the only one in the room not drinking, but I digress.  I like the neckline all right, but I have to agree with Beth about the rest.

The Goddess Cate Blanchett is giving the award for make up.  Her comment on the Wolfman clip:  "That's gross."  Is "that's gross" a make up insider term?  Wolfman wins.   

The Costume award goes to Colleen Atwood for Alice in Wonderland, making her a 3-time winner.   

President Obama likes As Time Goes By.  That seems random, kind of like a lot of things this evening.  

Kevin Spacey.  Over him.  

Randy Newman is performing a song that sounds like every song he's ever written.  Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so:

  

Mandy Moore has been resurrected and looks beautiful.  I wondered why Zachary Levi was at the Oscars. 

It's Jake!  And Amy Adams and her green tumor necklace.  Plus, Jake! 

Best looking male presenter:  Jake! 

Live Action Short:  God of Love.
Luke Matheny is stealing the show, even though he's sharing the stage with Jake!  "I should have gotten a haircut.  Adorable.  Love him.  Can he co-host next year?



Prepare yourselves, people.  It's OPRAH!!!  They are pulling out all the stops tonight. 

Best doc is not Banksy.  It's Inside Job.  Presented by OPRAH!!!

Here's Billy Crystal.  The audience seems to want him to take over, but he's just here to introduce a Bob Hope hologram.  Shouldn't there be a Johnny Carson hologram, too?  It's almost a tribute to former hosts, but it's not quite.  Like everything else tonight, it's almost but not quite.

Jude Law is still drop-dead gorgeous.  Robert Downey, Jr. is still annoying.  Their bit about Downey's past actually works, which makes it a stand-out tonight.

Inception wins Visual Effects and The Social Network wins Film Editing.  I feel like these awards were given out an hour ago.

JHud looks incredible.  I'm so glad the Best Song performances are back. 
Randy Newman won for the least distinguished song on the list.

Celine needs no introduction.  She does a nice job with the death reel.  Beth is horrified that they left off Corey Haim.  Why the diss, Academy?

Very nice tribute to Lena Horne by Halle Berry.

It's Hilary Swank in feathers.  Who needs more champagne? 

Kathryn Bigelow is a beautiful woman, but that red sweater dress does her no favors. 

Best Director:  Tom Hooper for The King's Speech. 

Annette Benning commands the stage.  She is stunning tonight.

Jeff Bridges should tone down the grizzled look. 

The shock of the night!  Natalie Portman wins Best Actress!  Almost as shocking as Christian Bale and Toy Story 3!  I kid.  It was deserved.

Sandra Bullock's little tribute to each Best Actor nominee was witty and fun.  Maybe she can co-host next year with Like Matheny and Grandma Franco. 

Colin Firth wins Best Actor for A Single Man.  "I've a feeling my career just peaked."  I love his wit.  I love him.  I love you Mr. Darcy!  

Anne Hathaway's Armani Prive liquid metallic gown is beyond.  I believe LC NY Bureau Chief Doug let her borrow it for the night.  It looks better on you, Doug!

Spielberg is presenting Best Picture to The King's Speech.  They kinda gave it away when the Best Picture clip reel featured Colin Firth's voice giving the actual king's speech over all the nominated films.  I'd be pissed if I was a producer for, say, Winter's Bone.   

The very handsome, beautifully groomed producer Iain Canning (top picture, in the middle), just thanked "my boyfriend, Ben."  Lovely.  Lucky Ben.  

Whew.  It was a marathon, but we did it!  It's ov...oh wait.  We have a chorus of kids from PS something or other singing Over the Rainbow.  They're a You Tube sensation!  See how hip the Oscars are?  

OK, now it's over.  Who wants more champagne?  

Happy Birthday LC NY Bureau Chief Doug!

This is your year, this is your time!  I know you will make it amazing.   

Quick Oscar Note

I have to dash off to work, but I wanted to give my brief take on the show.  I thought Anne Hathaway was great.  She's got a talent for broad humor and song-and-dance.  I love James Franco, but his appeal is more cerebral and subtle and not as suited to this sort of gig.  The show seemed disjointed and without a unifying theme.  It jumped from Gone With the Wind tribute to Bob Hope gimmick to the Kids from PS whatever.  When they cued up Tara's Theme and began to introduce a "two-time Oscar winner," I thought "Oh My God it's Olivia de Havilland!"   Instead, we got Tom Hanks.  Hanks is just fine, but why was he talking about GWTW?  That was the first of several moments that didn't feel thought through.  I loved that they brought back the original songs.  Now, I wish they'd bring back the parade of costume nominees.     

That's it for now, more later!

Monday's Man: Colin Firth

I conclude my Oscar series with the Best Actor winner, Colin Firth.

He was amazing in The King's Speech and certainly deserved to win, but frankly,

I felt he deserved it last year for A Single Man. 

Of course, who can forget his breakthrough role as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?  I do love my British costume dramas.   

Or maybe you prefer him as the man Bridget Jones was meant to be with?  

Whatever you preference, it's clearly time for Colin to celebrate!

Oscar Red Carpet (almost) Live Blog!

As usual, I took notes with pen and paper since I don't (ahem) own an Ipad.  I looked for one in the LC gift bag, but alas, there was none. 

Here are my random thoughts on Oscar's red carpet:

Jennifer Lawrence was the first big celebrity to arrive and she looked spectacular in her red Calvin Klein gown.  Simple, young, sunny, classic California girl.  

Melissa Leo's lace and gold was bold if a bit fussy.  She dressed to win and she did.  The workmanship was stunning.  

Hailee Steinfeld looked like a beautiful princess in a one-of-a-kind Marquesa dress.

Who designed Mila Kunis' lavender and lace?  Fredericks of Hollywood?  Borderline vulgar. 

Michelle Williams' shimmery gown was very adult.  Quite a departure from her pixie look.  Her hair and makeup were flawless.

Amy Adams wore purple sequins.  Nice, but not a stand-out.  I don't get the green tumor necklace.

Jennifer Hudson was sexy and skinny in a red halter gown.  She has transformed herself.

Mark Ruffalo = Sex.  Sex with Sunshine, apparently.

Cate Blanchett is a goddess.  No one else could wear that dress. 

Scar Jo:  love the hair but I feel like I've seen that dress a hundred times.

Annette Benning:  classic and gorgeous.  Hollywood royalty.

Valentino himself!  He said Anne Hathaway was wearing "archival Valentino."  Whatever you call it, she looked amazing.

Sandra Bullock wore what my mother would call Go To Hell Red.  Love it.  Even the butt bow.  Obviously, Go To Hell Red was the color of the night.

Nicole Kidman wore a work of art.  Nicole Kidman is a work of art.  The rest of us mere mortals must bow to her.

Next up was Gwyneth Paltrow.  All kinds of wrong. 

Halle Berry looked like a dream.  She looked like a real movie star.

My best dressed?  Anne Hathaway, Anne Hathaway, Anne Hathaway, Anne Hathaway.  Just when you thought she couldn't look any more spectacular, she came out in another jaw-dropping gown.  The liquid metallic deep blue gown was incredible.  Then, the almost see-through black sheath she wore for the finale made our entire Oscar party scream! 

I'll have my full Oscar post tomorrow evening, including Anne Hathaway pics (as soon as I find some). 

Quote of the Day II

"I can see myself in it."

--Ryan Seacrest, on Melissa Leo's Oscar dress.  Don't let your slip show, Ryan. 

Quote of the Day (so far)

"'Super-annoying.  I mean, if she bought it at a store, that’s her right. There’s no way they gave it to her. I haven’t even checked because I can’t believe that they would do that. And also, Helena’s not sample-sized.' (Me-ow!)"

--Stylist Elizabeth Stewart, as quoted in today's New York Times (the "me-ow" was added by the article's author).  Ms. Stewart was referring to Helena Bonham Carter's Marc Jacobs dress that she wore to the SAG awards.  Stewart had previously dressed Freida Pinto in the same frock, resulting in a "Bitch Stole My Look" segment on Fashion Police.  Somehow, this makes me love Helena even more.

Stewart is styling it-girl Jennifer Lawrence for tonight's ceremony.  Look for a simple silhouette in red.   

It's Gay Super Bowl Sunday, so I assume there will be more quotable quotes before the day is out, hence this post's headline.

The 70s Weren't Chic

The 70s were a bizarre time of strange looking people.  For those of us who lived through it, with the possible exception of  P-town hotties in short shorts, it's best to forget how we actually looked.  Want proof?  Check out Welcome to Hell where you can see the 1973 Sears catalog plus Janice and Anitra!

Shhh, You'll Wake James Franco

He's catching a cat nap before his Oscar hosting duties.

"The wedge has lost its edge."

That's a statement made by GOP political strategist Mark McKinnon who worked for G.W. Bush during the 2004 campaign.  He was referring to marriage equality and the Obama administration's decision not to defend DOMA.  An article in today's New York Times makes the case that the fallout from the DOMA announcement has been mininal and gay issues are unlikely to be important in the 2012 campaign.  An excerpt:

"But Republican strategists and gay rights activists said on Thursday that the issue’s power as a political tool for Republican candidates is diminishing. While surveys suggest that Americans are evenly divided on whether the federal government should recognize gay marriages, opposition has fallen from nearly 70 percent in 1996."

I'm not sure I completely buy the article's assertions, but you can read it all here. 


One potential candidate who spoke loudly was Mike Huckabee who said the President "stepped off into a deep hole."  If you have a strong stomach, you can watch him scare the base about gay adoption, marriage, and military service:




Remember, he told Tyra he's not anti-gay.  He speaks with love.  I feel the love, don't you?

Equality Closer in Maryland

As I previously reported, on Wednesday the Maryland Senate gave initial approval to a marriage equality bill.  Yesterday, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 22-25.  Now it goes to the House of Delegates where it is expected to pass.  If so, it will go to the desk of Governor O'Malley who is expected to sign it into law.  Maryland would join Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Iowa in providing full rights to all citizens.  Rhode Island is also coming along and may very well be lucky number 7.  I also believe New York will come around sooner rather than later and equality will return to California. 

Huge Day for Marriage Equality!

This is big news.  Attorney General Eric Holder announced today that the U.S. Government will no longer defend that damnable "Defense of Marriage" Act in court:

"After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the President has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny. The President has also concluded that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied to legally married same-sex couples, fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the President has instructed the Department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the President’s determination.


Consequently, the Department will not defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of DOMA as applied to same-sex married couples in the two cases filed in the Second Circuit. We will, however, remain parties to the cases and continue to represent the interests of the United States throughout the litigation. I have informed Members of Congress of this decision, so Members who wish to defend the statute may pursue that option. The Department will also work closely with the courts to ensure that Congress has a full and fair opportunity to participate in pending litigation.
Furthermore, pursuant to the President's instructions, and upon further notification to Congress, I will instruct Department attorneys to advise courts in other pending DOMA litigation of the President's and my conclusions that a heightened standard should apply, that Section 3 is unconstitutional under that standard and that the Department will cease defense of Section 3."

The cases of Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States will still continue, and their futures are quite uncertain.  DOMA is still the law of the land, but clearly the clock is ticking.  We may be a long way from seeing it swept into the dustbin of history along with NOM, FRC, and the other hate groups that trade in fear and ignorance of gays.  However, this is a significant day, not least because the President of the United States has recognized that championing our issues can be politically advantageous.  We may have crossed a threshold so that gay rights issues are a positive for Democrats and an embarrassment for the GOP.  It's the Republicans who were put on the offensive today. 

Also on this day, Prop 8 opponents asked the California Supreme Court to drop the stay on allowing gays to marry in the Golden State.  California Senator Feinstein vowed to introduce a bill to repeal DOMA.  Governor Abercrombie signed Hawaii's new civil unions bill, giving many new legal rights to gay couples in the Aloha State.  Finally, the Maryland Senate gave initial approval to a marriage equality bill.  All that was just today!  What's up for tomorrow?!?     

I'ts a New Day in Alabama

Watch a gay minister on the campus of my husband's alma mater Auburn University, PREACH! 



The poor dear in the denim skirt never had a chance, bless her heart.

Caption This

From the collection of LC NY Bureau Chief Doug.

Lady Gaga's First Monster Ball Performance of Born This Way

LC NY Bureau Chief Doug is a passionate fan of Lady Gaga, so just for him, I am posting this clip of her first performance of Born This Way on her Monster Ball tour.  This was in Atlantic City:

Last Gasp of a Dictator?

Amidst the protests and brutal violence in Libya, Qaddafi appeared on state TV.  It was not to urge protesters to go home or to assert his power over the country, or anything one might expect from a dictator about to be toppled.   Instead, it was this:


Translation:  "I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela. Do not believe the channels belonging to stray dogs....I wanted to say something to the youths at the Green Square (in Tripoli) and stay up late with them but it started raining. Thank God, it's a good thing."


There has been great violence and bloodshed as forces loyal to Qaddafi and mercenaries have hit hard at protesters.  At the same time, two Libyan Air Force officers have defected to Malta instead of carrying out orders to bomb their own people and Libyan ambassadors around the world are resigning.  Could this clip be the last glimpse of Qaddafi? 

Andrew Sullivan has strong coverage of this story.   

Priscilla Cast: It Gets Better

Watch the talented and handsome cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Broadway tell tell the world that it gets better in a PSA currently airing in New York City:



"All the greats were ahead of their time."

You can read more about Priscilla and gorgeous Nick Adams here. 

Monday's Man: Jeremy Renner

Continuing with the Oscar theme, I present Jeremy Renner, nominated for the second year in a row.  This year, he's bringing out the big guns. 

I crack myself up.  He's nominated for Best Supporting Actor for The Town.  He'll probably lose to crazy Christian Bale, but it won't be for lack of hotness. 

This shot is from a TV show he did called The Unusuals.  It ran for a few episodes in the spring of 2009.  It may not have been a hit, but a star was born.  He could lose the waxing, but otherwise I have no complaints.     

This shot was for a movie called 12 and Holding.  He wasn't nominated for it, but he really should have been.  Best use of sweat and dirt?  Best supporting hard hat?

New Fox Outrage: Lea Michele's Boobage

Remember when I said Lea Michele's sexy photoshoot in Marie Claire UK seemed wrong?  I take it back.  You get as sexy as you want, Lea.  More power to you.  It seems that Fox and certain conservative moms are upset with the Glee star's attempts at a more adult image, particularly her new Cosmo cover:

"Mom of two teenagers Suzette Valle, who writes a blog called Mamarazzi Knows Best, thinks Cosmo is just piggy-backing on GQ’s publicity from last year and she finds the cover shot of Michele contradictory.


“It’s irresponsible to be using an adult who represents a minor dressed in provocative clothes,” Valle told Fox411. “I think Cosmo is now taking advantage of the raucous GQ caused with their ‘Glee’ cover and hoping to cash in on the press that got.”

Here's the cover that's got Suzette's mommy jeans in a wad:

I, for one, can hardly believe the brazen sexuality.  This is certain to plunge 11 year-old Glee fans into a lifetime of sexual depravity.

Naturally, a grocery store in Texas has removed the magazines from public view.     

Lea Michele is a 24 year-old grown woman, but because she plays a teen, she can't wear a low-cut blouse, got that?  Have these sainted moms ever actually watched Glee?  Brittany, Santana, Quinn and Puck aren't exactly virginal Mouseketeers.  Cosmo is a magazine for adults.  It's not for children.  What's wrong with that?  Does everything have to be sanitized for a pre-schooler? 

h/t Pass the Doucheys on the Right-Hand Side

Coming Soon: It Gets Better, The Book

Kathy Griffin to Guest on Glee!

In today's perfect casting news, Kathy Griffin will appear on an up-coming episode of Glee! as Tammy Jean, a judge at regionals who is "recent Tea Party candidate and home schooler -- a Sarah Palin type."  I smell Emmy number 3. 

Show creater Ryan Murphy said the purpose of this character is to make the show more open to religious conservatives.  No really, he said that:
"We've taken a couple jabs at the right wing this year," he said to TV Guide. "So what I want to do with this character is have someone who Christian kids and parents can recognize and say, 'Oh, look -- I'm represented there, too!' If we're trying to form a world of inclusiveness, we've got to include that point of view as well."

Then he laughed and yelled Psyche!  It's Kathy Griffin!  Home school moms think she's the Anti-Christ!  That's why I cast her! 

OK, he didn't say that but he should have.   


h/t LC NY Bureau Chief Doug

House Votes to Completely Defund Planned Parenthood

The GOP-controlled House of Representatives voted to eliminate all federal funding for Planned Parenthood.  Federal law already prohibits any federal funds for abortion, and Planned Parenthood doesn't use the funds for that purpose, thus this new law would take away money used for other women's health services.

"The measure would eliminate about $330 million through the end of September for preventative-health services, including federal funding for contraception and cancer screenings, at Planned Parenthood clinics across the country."



"Planned Parenthood is already prevented by federal law from using federal dollars for abortion services. The amendment takes away the money they use to provide for family planning, birth control, medical and preventive services."

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) shocked the chamber when she bravely stepped to the podium and revealed something deeply personal:

Shirtless Arkansas Frat Boys Doing Katy Perry

Need I say more?

Quote of the Day

“Nobody is more qualified to multitasking and doing all the things that you need to do as president than a woman, a mom,” Ms. Palin said to appreciative laughter, particularly among the women. She added with a smile, “Maybe someone who’s already run for something — a vice-presidential candidate?”


--Former 1/2 term governor Sarah Palin, speaking at a highly paid gig on Long Island.  Let's see, who could she be talking about?  A woman and a mom who's run for VP?  Geraldine Ferraro? 

Wonkette's take is priceless, and spot-on. 

Ahoy...That is All

NPR has an interesting piece on the history of the word "hello" and the evolution of phone greetings and sign-offs.  It seems that hello is a new word and wasn't used as a greeting until the telephone was invented.  Edison favored hello while Alexander Graham Bell thought ahoy was better.  The world's first phone book, published in New Haven in 1878, instructed it's users to sign-off with a crisp "that is all."  I like that.  You can read it all here, and see how Montgomery Burns answers the phone.

Baskit Ball

I'm stealing like crazy from Kenneth in the 212 this morning, but I can't be blamed.  This video is too hot to ignore.  Here is the Australian rugby star Nick Youngquest who is in the running for hottest man alive:

Wanna Cookie?

Remember my review of Burlesque?  I said there were three reasons to see it:  Cher, Stanley Tucci's chest, and Cam Gigandet's Famous Amos.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Cam Gigandet's (NSFW) Famous Amos:


Via Kenneth in the 212

Tucker Carlson Doesn't Need Michelle Obama to Buy His Breast Pumps!

First Lady Michelle Obama has championed breast feeding and has noted that tax breaks are available for breast pumps as medical devices.  Naturally, this means she's a socialist communist Martian who wants to destroy America and create a Caliphate of breast pumping homosexual terrorists.  As the ever-desperate Tucker Carlson said:

"Why would you want to raise your own kids when Michelle Obama will do it for you? In fact, she will do it at gunpoint."

He points out that the First Lady's concern for infant health naturally means forced breast pumping at gunpoint.  There's nothing insane about that, is there?      

Here he is with the Fox "News" brigade of whiners who apparently think the First Lady actually makes law by decree:





I remember when Nancy Reagan said "just say no to drugs" and instantly, all of America's kids were drug-free.  When Barbara Bush encouraged literacy, suddenly 100% of Americans were literate.  First Ladies have that kind of awesome power.  My government breast pump came by UPS today and I don't even have any babies.  Naturally, being a gay couple, Wes and I will be issued babies by the Caliphate and ordered to breast feed.  I saw it all on Glenn Beck's chalk board.     

Quote of the Day

"I really don't believe in abortion," Bieber says. "It's like killing a baby?" How about in cases of rape? "Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason.  I don't know how that would be a reason.  I guess I haven't been in that position so I wouldn't be able to judge that." 


--Justin Bieber, who apparently doesn't know when to shut up. 

It's Happening

Greg Sergeant of the Washington Post had this to say about recent Public Policy Polling data:

"A 51% majority of national GOP primary voters erroneously think President Obama was not born in the U.S. 28% know that he was. With the latter, Palin's favorability rating is 41-52 -- other than Ron Paul, the only candidate these voters view negatively. But with birthers, she has a soaring 83-12, far higher than for any of the others."


Look for an explosion of birther madness. 
Andrew Sullivan has more to say.

Lara Logan Brutally Assaulted in Egypt

On Friday, during the celebrations after President Mubarak's resignation, CBS News and 60 Minutes correspondent Lara Logan suffered a "brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating" after being separated from her crew in the crush of people.  She was saved by a group of women and Egyptian soldiers.  On February 2, Logan and her crew had been detained at gunpoint and ordered out of the country.  She returned on Friday because she was so passionate about covering this story. 

Darren Criss in Out

You're welcome. 

Poached GaGa

I know, I know, I didn’t blog about the Grammys and I heard about it from my NY Bureau Chief.  Why didn’t I?  Partly because my new job is keeping me busy and partly because I'm just not that interested in the Grammys.  Frankly, I don't know most of the nominated acts anymore.  Back in the day, I knew every nominated song and rooted for my favorites. This year, I hardly knew any one.  In fact, my father called me to tell me to be sure to watch Lady Antebellum because he's such a fan and I had no idea who Lady Antebellum was.  My father is 87 years old.  He knows more about the hot Grammy contenders than I do.  One act I did know, like a good gay, was Lady GaGa and her incredibly hyped new cover of Express Yourself song Born This Way.  When does she come out as a Madonna tribute act?  You’ve heard of Mini Kiss?  She could be Mini Madonna.  She even had the Blonde Ambition ponytail.   I don’t know how Stefani does it.  She sings and dances and shakes her tight body in a tiny sarong of taupe Mylar yet she seems as sexy as Susan Boyle.  I really can’t put my finger on it, but Lady GaGa is like a young Madonna without the sex appeal.  So much effort goes into the costumes and the extravaganza of it all that the emotion is left out.       

I realized I may have just broken an unwritten gay law (and there are so many) by criticizing Lady GaGa.  She is a strong friend of our people and that's great, but Born This Way was underwhelming.  As gay anthems go, it's no I Am What I Am.

Monday's Man: Armie Hammer

I know I said I was going to do a series of Oscar Nominated actors for the next few weeks.  As research, I saw The Social Network this weekend because I thought Jesse Eisenberg might be a good candidate (Wes' take 20 minutes in:  "I'm bored."  His take 1 hour in:  "Aren't we missing Fashion Police?").  Once I laid eyes on Armie Hammer and it was all over.  He plays the strapping, athletic Winklevoss twins, and does it Parent Trap style.  The movie is worth it just to see Armie Hammer X 2, rowing crew.        

He's been cast as Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover's life partner, in the Clint Eastwood-directed biopic starring Leonardo DeCaprio.  I'm getting tired of straight actors playing gay men from our history, but if I had to pick a straight guy to play gay, I could do worse than Armie.  Let's hope Clint doesn't white-wash, or maybe I should say straight-wash, Hoover's life.  The screenplay is by Dustin Lance Black, so I believe it'll be honest. 

Sarah Palin Wants to Deport X-Tina

From Kenneth in the 212 comes the latest bit of insightful analysis from former 1/2 Governor Sarah Palin.  She told Sean Hannity that if she were president, she would deport Christina.  Now, I'm not a fan of Miss Aguilera's Super Bowl performance either, but deportation seems a bit harsh, particularly since she was born in New York.  It would have taken a Palin minion 10 seconds tops to find her birthplace, but facts don't matter in Palin-Hannity world. 

Quote of the Day

"I'm not a conservative, but I'd like to fuck Sarah Palin."

--Sophie B. Hawkins to Michael Steele, redeeming herself after performing at last night's GOProud party at CPAC.  His response?  "Well, she's very attractive." 

Read Dave Weigel's take on the partying gay Republicans here.

President Obama on Mubarak Resignation

I believe the Obama administration has been brilliant throughout these momentous events. 

Quote of the Day

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and bies; school was the unhappiest time of my life, and the worst trick it played on me was to pretend that it was the world in miniature. For it hindered me from discovering how lovely and delightful the world can be, and how much of it is intelligible. From this platform of middle age, this throne of experience, this alter of wisdom, this scaffold of character, this beacon of hope, this threshold of decay, my last words to you are: 'there's a better time coming.'"

--E.M. Forster, over 100 years ago, set forth in A Great Unrecorded History by Wendy Moffat.  Think of it as the first post on It Gets Better.  The more things change, the more they stay the same. 

As a graduate of a tiny Christian academy in rural South Carolina, this quote certainly resonates with me. 

Via Dan Savage 

Workin' Man

My new job starts tomorrow!  Wish me luck!  Unfortunately, I won't be able to tend to LC at work, so blogging might be a bit light until I get my bearings.  Stick with me folks!  Gosh, after four months of sleeping until I wake up, it's going to be a bit strange re-entering the workforce.  I've learned that I'm not going to be one of those people who don't know what to do with themselves when they retire.  I can totally fill my time.  Unfortunately, I need a paycheck, so off to work I go.   

Spider-Man: Turn Off The Lights

The New York Times has reviewed Spider-Man:  Turn Off the Dark.  The paper gave up waiting for an official opening and sent Ben Brantley to a preview around the time of a previously-scheduled opening.  The claws came out, and I don't mean the Green Goblin's:

"The sheer ineptitude of this show, inspired by the Spider-Man comic books, loses its shock value early. After 15 or 20 minutes, the central question you keep asking yourself is likely to change from 'How can $65 million look so cheap?” to “How long before I’m out of here?'”

Ouch!  Read the rest here. 

Caption This

Via Towleroad.