Chris Kluwe is Out of Bounds

Football star and straight ally Chris Kluwe is at it again with a delicious response to a homophobe's support of "traditional marriage."  A guy named Balling (apparently his real name) wrote a long, tortured piece in the Minneapolis Star Tribune titled "Why Same-Sex Marriage Affects My Marriage."  Kluwe took it apart in his typically smart, funny way.  An excerpt:

"You start off strong, with an opening salvo ostensibly promoting the rights of other groups to have their own views (if we ignore the fear-mongering tag line “The goal is to move society — in this case, away from a safe environment for children), but then, much like a Michael Bay plot, your argument starts careening off the rails. Your first mistake is what we would consider 'mind projection fallacy' – where one considers the way he sees the world as the way the world really is."

Go read it all here, then bookmark Kluwe's Out of Bounds blog in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. The guy's a genius.

UPDATE:  Chris Kluwe has challenged Republican Minnesota state representative Mary Fransen to a debate.  Fransen used Kluwe's tweets in a fundraising mailer as an example of "leftist attacks" against her for standing up for "traditional values."  Fransen recently said in a debate that she doesn't believe homosexuality is normal behavior.  I'm sure she'll be far too big a coward to take Kluwe up on his offer.   

Emmyzzzzz

Am I the only one who thought this year's EmmyCast was a bit lackluster?  I'm not exactly a big Jimmy Kimmel fan, or a small Jimmy Kimmel fan for that matter.  I don't think many any of his bits worked and too many of the awards went to the same three shows.  Ah well, there's still the glitz and glamah!  Here are my random thoughts jotted down between sips of champagne and on-going gay fashion commentary with the husband:

Exactly, Miss Bates.

The opening bit with the nominated ladies in bathrobes practicing their winning and losing faces in the ladies room had promise. Then, for some reason, they all started punching Jimmy.  It felt like Kimmel couldn't figure out how to finish it so he said "why don't you all just punch me."  Kathy Bates apparently didn't need any encouragement.

Kimmel's opening monologue was instantly forgettable except for a couple of lines - "There are 40 Republicans and the rest are Godless liberal homosexuals."  Then there was the bit about Chic-fil-a on the Glee craft table.  I LOVED all the shit about Chic-fil-a.  Suck it, Cathy.  This is your company's reputation now and forever and you brought it on with your prideful arrogance.

John Hamm's tie was wonky.  I should be his dresser.

Comedy!

"Presenting the first of 800 awards," Amy Poehler and Louis CK.  Their bit falls so flat.  She worked it hard but he went to his happy place.  Supporting Actor Comedy included every male from Modern Family.  Eric Stonestreet won again and it's totally deserved.  Best line of the night:  "I never knew I'd be on TV as a gay man, but I love all the pictures of hairy chests you sent me."  

Eric Stonestreet adding to his Emmy collection.

Out actor and 2-time Emmy Winner Jim Parsons and too-cute Zooey Deschenel presented comedy writing to Louis CK.

Some giant boobs and that guy from 2 1/2 Men presented Supporting Actress in a Comedy to Julie Bowen.  Again.  I like her, but I would have liked to see Kristin Wiig win, even with her granny dress and stringy hair.  Bowen's yellow dress isn't great, but it's better than last year's acres of exposed sternum.

Boobs.

They make all the winners stop in front of a clutch of paparazzi on stage.  This bit was super-cheesy.  America's Next Top Model-level cheesy.

Matthew Perry got spray-tanned by the same guy who did Mitt Romney on Univision.  He presented Guest Actress and Actor in a comedy, Kathy Bates and Jimmy Fallon.  They presented something; directing maybe?  It goes to - surprise! - Modern Family.

Matthew Perry forgot to spray-tan his hands.  

The filmed bit about Aubry Anderson-Emmons (AKA Lilly) being the monster of the Modern Family cast is a stitch, especially since there are more jokes at Chic-fil-a's expense.  Eat it, Cathy.

Two funny ladies, Mindy Kaling and Melissa McCarthy, presented Lead Actor in a Comedy to, wait a minute, who?  Jon Cryer?  Do you mean to tell me that Jim Parsons, Alec Baldwin, Larry David, Louis CK, and Don Cheadle all lost to Jon Fucking Cryer?  I'm this close to switching over to Hoarders.

South Carolina's Stephen Colbert said let's celebrate women!  I'm with you, Stephen!  He gave Best Actress in a Comedy to "one of the nice ones," Julia Louis-Dreyfus for Veep, which is a pretty good show but I think Amy Poehler would have been a better choice.  Great bit getting her speech confused with Poehler's.  "And in closing, it's a shame Amy Poehler didn't win."  The comedy ladies work it out again.

Reality!

James Van Der Beek and Damon Wayans.  That's a whole lot of lean hotness on that stage.

Make way for the hotness.

Outstanding Reality Competition Show goes to The Amazing Race for the umteenth time.  That's about as interesting as Jon Cryer.

Cute Seth McFarland went to the wrong microphone.  "That's what happens when you don't go to rehearsal."  He awarded Best Reality Show Host or whatever to Tom Bergeron of Dancing with the Stars.  He beat out Betty White!  Has the Betty White bubble burst?  Nah.

Drama!

Claire Danes in a beach cover-up presented Supporting Actor in a Drama to Aaron Paul for Breaking Bad.  I'm sure he deserved it and all, but I can't take my eyes off Clair Dane's horrible maternity gown.

There's an incomprehensible bit where Kimmel tells the audience to Facebook or Twitter "OMG Tracy Morgan has just passed out at the Emmys!"  I don't do it because I'm not that pathetic.  Tracy lies down on stage as if he's passed out.  Spoiler alert:  this bit goes nowhere.

A strangely shiny Connie Britton with an overly-complex 'do and Hayden Panettiere stepped over Tracy Morgan, who's still lying there, to present Drama Writing.  Homeland wins.


I love Connie, but was there no backstage gay to give her some powder?



They also presented Supporting Actress Drama to Dame Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey's only award of the night.  As much as I adore Dame Maggie, I'd rather have seen Christina Hendricks win.  She really earned it this year.

Giancarlo Esposito, whoever he is, likes doing that Namaste thing with his hands.

Esposito blessing Aaron Paul. 

Esposito introduced Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama.  The winners are Jeremy Davies (whoever he is) and Martha Plimpton.  They gave an award to Boardwalk Empire.  Directing?  Writing?  Hairdressing?  This thing's been going for a while, people.  Give me a break.

Kimmel returned with a tasteless and, even worse, unfunny bit poking fun of In Memoriam reels.  Josh Groban couldn't save it.  It might have worked on Kimmel's show, but you don't satirize a death reel on a show that has a death reel.

Julianna Margulies in a stunning gown presented Best Actor in a Drama to the stunning Damian Lewis for Homeland.

Stunning gown, stunning man.



Claire Danes signing "Worst Dressed List."

 











Jon Hamm and Tina Fey presented Best Actress in a Drama to Claire Danes who is still in her beach cover-up.  Another win for Homeland.

Variety!

Cute Aziz Ansari and Jane Levy (who?) give an award to Louis CK.  I think it's writing for a variety special.

Ricky Gervais presents the award for Directing a Variety Special to Glenn Weiss for The Tony Awards! I l love The Tony Awards!

 Outstanding Variety, Music, Comedy, or Barbershop Series goes to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.  There was a very funny bit with Jimmy Fallon and Steven Colbert tackling Stewart.  The only funny bits were the Kimmel-less unscripted ones.

That Emmy is mine, bitch!

If I see that Samsung Galaxy Tablet commercial with that annoying Maroon 5 song one more time I'm going to throw a shoe through the TV.

Miniseries and Movies!

Steven Buscemi presented Supporting Actress to Jessica Lange for American Horror Story.  If it had gone to anyone else I would have absolutely changed the channel to Hoarders.

Kerry Washington, who has the best publicist in Hollywood since she's on every red carpet yet never seems to work, presented Supporting Actor to Tom Beringer for some Hatfield and McCoy's thing.

Opie's tribute to Any Griffith was quite nice.  Then there's the death reel.  For real.  Marvin Hamlisch! Davy Jones!  Dick Clark!  I miss them all!

A fierce-looking Lucy Liu and a sober-looking Kiefer Sutherland presented writing to Game Change. Then they presented Best Actress to Julianne Moore for Game Change.  "I feel so validated because Sarah Palin gave me a big thumbs down."  Palin would sell her soul (what's left) to be on that stage.

Suck it, Palin.

Ginnifer Goodwin in a stunning gown and Emily van Kamp presented Directing to Game Change.

Then they presented Best Actor goes to Kevin Costner for that Hatfield and McCoys thing.  Damn, he looks good.

Costner's still got it.

Outstanding Movie or Miniseries (it's been the same nominees in every category) went to Game Change.

The Final Two Awards!

Two-time Emmy Award winner (her first was a daytime Emmy in 1987) Julianne Moore presented Best Drama Series to Homeland, breaking Mad Men's streak and denying them a record.

Michael J. Fox presented Best Comedy to Modern Family.

The Modern Family Family. 

Good night everybody!



Emmy Fashion Round Up!

Here is my take on the Emmy Red Carpet highlights (and a couple of lowlights):

First up is cute Jesse Tyler Ferguson in a Tie The Knot tie from the foundation he and his cute fiancé Jason Mikita founded to benefit marriage equality.  I love that he got there early so he could get in a good word for his good works.   The ties look great, too.

Just when you thought E!’s red carpet coverage couldn’t get any more shallow, they bring out the Mani-Cam!  Starlets walk their fingers down a mini red carpet so we can get a close-up look at their manicures, because “manicures have become so important in Hollywood.”

Mayim Bialik – the reveal.  After The New York Times build-up, she arrives in a very soft and pretty red Pamella Roland that covers everything, just like she wanted. 

Max Greenfield is very cute but he needs to lose the glasses.  He’s coming off as a douche.  His tux fits well, though.

Ginnifer Goodwin – spectacular.  That Monique Lhuillier gown is a work of art.  I bet a lot of people won’t like it, but I love it.

Heidi Klum looks very soft and pretty Alexandre Vauthier – so unlike her.  She usually goes for an edge, but this works beautifully.  Great color.  Her “bodyguard turned boyfriend” was watching the kids.  I want one of those!

Tina Fey looks fabulous in burgundy Vivienne Westwood couture. 

Kristin Wiig’s hair is drab and so is her dress.  Worst dressed.

Christina Hendricks wisely chose a Christian Siriano gown that accentuates her bosom.  Poor girl is so thin and flat-chested. 

Julianne Moore is a knockout in yellow Christian Dior couture.  I know a lot of people won’t like it, but I think the combination of that gorgeous yellow with her gorgeous auburn hair is, well, gorgeous!

Jan Jones brings the drama, as usual.  I like the Zac Posen dress, but hate the hair and makeup.

 Nicole Kidman, arriving well after the hoi polloi of course, is working the shit out of a museum piece gown from Antonio Berardi.  I can’t say I love it, but it’s Nicole so she owns the red carpet. 

The Emmys Take on Chic-fil-a

Chic-fil-a was the butt of several jokes on last night's Emmys, but the best was this "behind the scenes" look at Modern Family.

 "Yup. This is what I'm going to eat at my wedding. What are you going to eat at your wedding?"

Modern Family is a Game Change for the Homeland

The Emmys were last night and you know I was there noting the tight gowns, tight faces, and tight jokes.  The big post will go up later, but in the meantime - SPOILER ALERT - Modern Family, the Showtime series Homeland, and the HBO movie Game Change seemed to win everything.  That's not literally true, but it's pretty close.   

No, the ghosts of Don Adams and Lucille Ball did not return to receive awards from Bill Cosby.  This picture is from 1968.

Monday's Man: Jeremy Jordan

Broadway.com posted this picture of Newsies star Jeremy Jordan and I thought, yep, this is Monday's Man.  

This is Jeremy from the Men of Rock of Ages calendar.  I don't remember wine coolers being that delicious.

Here is an unknown Jeremy playing a rentboy in The Little Dog Laughed with Chad Allen in 2006. 

Jeremy played the cute guy in the Dolly Parton/Queen Latifah film Joyful Noise.  Talk about type casting.  

Romney's Worst Week Ever

From the DNC

Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita Are Tying the Knot

The two adorable guys are launching a new foundation:

One Year Ago Today

President Obama signed the Don't Ask/Don't Tell repeal into law.  Exactly none of the horrible consequences predicted by the anti-gay crusaders have come true.  Allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly has been a total non-event.

Aimee Mann and Jon Hamm Redo Voices Carry

Too funny:


It's a pretty great song, too.

Mitt Romney Has Contempt For 47% of Americans

These aren't my words; they're Mitt's.  He believes that half of all Americans are parasites:



Read the whole Mother Jones article here.

Quote of the Day

"Not in my home, you don't come and rape my daughters and my ... wife. But that is where we are again. There has been a freedom of elections, not tyranny of selections since way back. Why are we going to roll over and let them steamroll us, be it Democrats or Republicans or whomever?"

--Lulli Akin, the wife of Missouri Republican Senate nominee Todd Akin, on the GOP's attempts to get her husband to drop out of the race after his "legitimate rape" comments.  You read that right.  The wife of the man who thinks "legitimately raped" women can't get pregnant compared her husband's treatment by the Republican party to rape.  

Monday's Man: John Benjamin Hickey

I featured the out gay Tony winning actor John Benjamin Hickey a little over a year ago, so I thought it was about time to do so again.  Actually, I saw him in person this weekend in a very unexpected place - the lobby at the Eisemann Center for the Arts in Richardson, TX.  I was there to see Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin in the 10th anniversary performance of their show which originally premiered at the grand opening of the Eisemann in 2002.    During intermission, I couldn't help noticing a tall, slim, terribly handsome man with very cool glasses and a general air of chic sophistication about him.  Knock me down if it wasn't Texas native John Benjamin Hickey.  I kept my faux New York cool that I learned from the master, LC NY Bureau Chief Doug, and didn't say anything to him.  I just admired him from afar.

By the way, if you want to see his full rear view from an appearance on Sex and the City, click here.

An A-List Body

The execrable A-List New York (and Dallas!) may have mercifully gone to TV heaven, but star Rodiney Santiago lives on with a new swimwear line.  Rodiney was my favorite A-Lister anyway, so let's enjoy his modeling (and design!) skills:

One imagines the "Rodiney's swimwear launch party" A-List episode in which Derek and Nyasha bitch about what an asshole Austin is while Reichen sticks his tongue down the throat of a production assistant hot guy at the bar, then cries when he finds out the guy has a boyfriend because he really thought they made a connection.  Next episode - "Rodiney's swimwear launch party after party!" 

See more of Rodiney and his designs here.

H/T Kenneth in the 212.

Romney's Nose Dive

Master political prognosticator Nate Silver released his latest forecast today and according to him, if the election were held today, President Obama would have a 91.6% chance of winning while Romney would have an 8.4% chance.  8.4%.  Just a week ago, Silver gave Romney a 32.3 % chance of winning.  That's down 23.9% in a week.  The President is soaring while Romney is sinking like a stone.  No wonder Romney was so quick to exploit the embassy attacks for cheap political points.  He's desparate.     

And Now Yemen

A day after the September 11 attacks on US diplomatic compounds in Egypt and Libya in which four Americans, including US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens, were killed, a mob has stormed the US embassy in Sanaa, Yemen.  They breached the walls and set fires to vehicles and tires.  They also tore down and burned an American flag.  There are unconfirmed reports of casualties after security guards opened fire.

In the wake of  the September 11 attacks, Mitt Romney seized the opportunity to blame the President and score cheap political points.  Even after it was proven that he was factually incorrect, he stuck to his lie that the President was sympathizing with the mob.  This picture of Mitt smirking as he leaves the podium, even as the tragic events were still unfolding, says it all. We'll see how he blames violence in Yemen on the President.  

American embassies were attacked and Mitt's first instinct is to exploit the situation for cheap political points.    Mitt Romney simply doesn't have what it takes to be President.  

Monday's Man: Chris Kluwe

I wrote yesterday about Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe and his impassioned, smart and funny defense of marriage equality.  I'd also like to note that he's a hot guy and a natural for Monday's Man.  

A big man with big balls. 

Straight allies with iPhones.

He's cute when he's clean-cut.

A little scruff makes him hot.

Who Got the Bounce?

This chart represents the latest post-convention Gallup polling.  As you can see, President Obama and only President Obama got a post-convention bounce.  Nate Silver believes the President is the front runner and his lead in the polls could grow significantly in the coming days.

Andrew Sullivan had this to say:

"The logic of the Obama argument - so pellucidly laid out by Bill Clinton last week - is so compelling, the GOP positions so extreme, the Republican brand still so tainted if it isn't merely a protest vote (as in 2010) ... that a landslide is possible, if still unlikely. Anything is possible. But, trying not to get too excitable about this, it cannot be encouraging for the Republicans that after the first real apples-to-apples focus on the choice, Obama has surged."
The Democratic Convention was marked by enthusiasm, excitement, and inclusion.  The Republican convention was a flat, judgmental dud and the polling reflects that.  The GOP has an unpopular candidate with a fanatic for a running mate.  I'm very confident that President Obama will be reelected.  I don't believe it will be nearly as close as the press would like us to think.  Mark my words in November.

The Real Mitt Romney Revealed

Finally, Mitt Romney, unvarnished.

h/t Andrew Sullivan

Quote of the Day

Chris Kluwe:  Cute, smart, hilarious, hero.

"I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life. They won't come into your house and steal your children. They won't magically turn you into a lustful cockmonster. They won't even overthrow the government in an orgy of hedonistic debauchery because all of a sudden they have the same legal rights as the other 90 percent of our population—rights like Social Security benefits, child care tax credits, Family and Medical Leave to take care of loved ones, and COBRA healthcare for spouses and children."

--Minnesota Vikings Punter Chris Kluwe in response to Maryland Delegate Emmett Burns. Delegate Burns, who is also a minister, wrote a strongly worded letter on official Maryland House of Delegates letterhead to the owner of the Baltimore Ravens demanding that he shut down Ravens player Brendon Ayanbadejo who has spoken out in support of marriage equality. Delegate Burns, who should face severe discipline for this flagrant abuse of the public trust, was trying to use the power of his government office to interfere with Ayanbadejo's 1st Amendment rights. Kluwe wasn't having it. Go read the rest of Kluwe's spot-on letter here. Then go here and read his follow-up which includes a hilariously cleaned up version of the original. Chris Kluwe and Brendon Ayanbadejo are my new heros.

Brendon Ayanbadejo:  That's what I'm talking about.  

Here's Kluwe on The Ed Show:
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

President Obama Makes His Case

The final speech of the DNC was, of course, the President's.  What do you think?  I think it was solid, but for me, the high points of the convention were President Clinton and Michelle Obama.

Idols With iPhones

Have you ever asked yourself whatever happened to American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry?  Apparently he's been spending a lot of time in the gym:

He tweeted "Just left the gym!  After 5 years of neglect I'm PUMPED to see abs again."  So am I, Chris.  So am I.

Via Towleroad.

Marriage Equality in the 2012 Election

It is apparent from watching the Republican and Democratic conventions that marriage equality has flipped from an issue that favors Republicans to one that favors Democrats.  The high water mark for the GOP on this issue was 2004 when President Bush made fear of gays a centerpiece of his campaign and ugly, anti-gay constitutional amendments were strategically placed on the ballots in battleground states.  Back then, Republicans couldn't shut up about "protecting marriage" from the evil homo menace.  

What a difference eight years make.  There was hardly a mention of "protecting marriage" in Tampa.  Oh sure, there were a few moments when speakers briefly mentioned "honoring marriage."  Mike Huckster was the only one who went as far as accusing President Obama of trying to "redefine marriage."  That was about it.  

Contrast that with Charlotte where the Democrats can't stop talking about it!  It seems like almost every speaker talks about the right to marry the person you love.  Michelle Obama mentioned it three times in her amazing speech.  In 2004 and 2008, the last thing the Dems wanted to talk about was marriage equality.  Remember the Logo Presidential  Forum where then-Senator Obama seemed agitated that his civil unions position didn't satisfy the gay audience?  We'll see what he says in tonight's speech, but I feel sure he'll include a pointed reference to his support for our marriages.  

Andrew Sullivan pointed out that anti-gay attack ads have been minimal this year and (badly) produced by outside groups.  Check out these two commercials.  In the first, produced by The Campaign for American Values, and currently running in North Carolina, two bad actors wake up to discover that President Obama is trying to force them to be gay, or something:

In the second, currently running in Minnesota, a real married couple speak from the heart about the importance of honoring love:

  

What a difference.  The first is an awkward hack-job that looks like it was thrown together by some amateurs.  The second is professionally done with solid production values.  

The Democratic Party didn't decide to go all-out on marriage equality just because it's the right thing to do and Republicans didn't decide to downplay it because they've had a change of heart. Both were strategic decisions.  We're winning and both parties know it.    

President Clinton Hits It Out of the Park

If you didn't see last night's speech by President Clinton, do yourself a favor and watch it now:

Picture of the Day

A Night of Amazing Speeches

Michelle Obama wowed the nation last night.  If you didn't see her speech, here it is:




Other speakers last night included Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley who was very good but had the misfortune to be wedged between two barn burners:  Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and the Keynote Speaker, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

Here's Patrick:


O'Malley:

Finally, here is rising star Castro:

Democratic Platform Makes History

Freedom to Marry. We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.

We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.

And The Winner For Best Fried Food Is

I have to try the Fried Jambalaya.

Every year the Texas State Fair awards two top prizes for fried food:  Best Taste and Most Creative.  Previous winners have included Fried PB&J and Banana Sandwich, Fried Bubble Gum, and of course, Fried Butter.  This years winners were selected today and Best Taste went to five-time winner Abel Gonzales for his Fried Jambalaya.  Gonzales quit his day job as a computer tech five years ago to work a food booth for three weeks a year at the fair.  How's that working out for him?  Last year, food sales at the fair topped $23 million and Gonzales' booth is the star attraction.  I'd say the math is in his favor.  

Oh so right and oh so wrong.

Most Creative went to Butch Benavides for his Fried Bacon Cinnamon Rolls.  That seems to sum up everything that's right and wrong with America in one dish.  Other top picks included tasty-sounding Chicken Fried Cactus Bites, also created by Benavides, and Fried Mac-n-Cheese Sliders, which sound disgusting.      

Monday's Man: Chad Sanders

Have you been watching the web series Were the Bears Are?  If not, you should be, at least for the hot hairiness.  Case in point is actor Chad Sanders who strips down in Episode 3.

 Here is the not very safe for work Episode 3 featuring Chad in all his glory: