Truth of the Day - American Idol

"Gay dog" abandoned by owner saved from being put down

This handsome dog was set to be put to death in Tennessee today after his owner abandoned him because he thought he was gay.

According to the owner of the shelter, the dog's master noticed him 'hunched over' another male dog, which led him to assume he was gay.

A woman known as the "Jackson Madison Rabies Control Stalker" posted this on Facebook yesterday:

 "This guy was signed over to RC, not bc he's mean or bc he tears things up, but because... His owner says he's gay! He hunched another male dog so his owner threw him away bc he refuses to have a "gay" dog! Even if that weren't the most assinine thing I've ever heard, its still discrimination! Don't let this gorgeous dog die bc his owner is ignorant of normal dog behavior! He's in kennel 10L and he WILL be put down tomorrow bc there is no room at the inn!"

Historically such behavior is seen as a sign of dominance, and wouldn’t be indicative of a dog’s sexual orientation.

The good news is he has been saved by a viral campaign over the past 24 hours. More than 4,000 people shared the Facebook post overnight. Men and women from across the United States volunteered to adopt the dog or pay for him to be moved to a no-kill shelter.

Rescue group "Saving the Animals Together" posted on Facebook Thursday morning that the dog was safe. Here is the woman who reportedly saved the pup:

SF 49ers Chris Culliver faces the media after anti-gay statements

San Francisco 49er Chris Culliver faced members of the media this morning following outrage over remarks he made in an Artie Lange radio interview that a gay teammate would not be welcome on the 49ers or in the NFL:

"I don't do the gay guys man. I don't do that. No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do. Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah… can't be... in the locker room man. Nah."

Those comments were then followed up with this half-hearted apology:

"The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel," he said in the statement. "It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience."

Culliver's personal public relations representative, Theodore Palmer, added:

"Chris is very apologetic for any harm caused to anyone," Palmer told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "His intent was not that at all. He is one who celebrates the differences of others. All of this was just a big mistake. It was interpreted wrong."

I'm not sure how you interpret his original comments anyway other than homophobic.

Asked how he is feeling today, a shell-shocked looking Culliver replied: "Just emotional, that's it... Apologetic."

Culliver was then asked what he was thinking when saying those things: "I was really just ... not thinking. It was something that I thought, but definitely not something I feel in my heart."

Culliver said he had spoken with Coach Jim Harbaugh, who earlier said he "rejected" the player's remarks: "We talked privately... about the whole situation...just to learn and grow from it.... like I said that's not what I feel in my heart, and he understands that."

Culliver was then asked if he would welcome a gay player, and gave this response: "If it is ... it is...everybody's treated equally in the locker room."

He said that he had not addressed his remarks with the team: "I'm not trying to bring anything trashy to the team."

Being married to a longtime, experienced PR rep, I have an idea what the past day or so has been like for Culliver. And I also have an inkling of the kind of behind the scenes discussions that he's been a part of. It's pretty clear that his "apology" was written for him by the PR teams. AND the phrase that's been drilled into him is the "not what I feel in my heart."

People says stupid things. I know that. But I think Culliver most probably said what he truly felt in the heat of heading to the Super Bowl, feeling kind of invincible. And this kind of talk doesn't get a second thought in the locker room.

Unfortunately for Culliver, he wasn't in the locker room when he made his comment.

Cleve Jones & David Mixner call for peaceful demonstrations regarding DOMA/Prop 8 SCOTUS cases

Longtime LGBT activists Cleve Jones and David Mixner have posted "a call to action", calling for local demonstrations and grassroots actions around the time the Supreme Court will hear the Prop 8 and DOMA cases on March 26 and 27.

From Jones and Mixner: "Between us, we have over 80 years of experience in the movement for peace and social justice. In particular, as gay men, we have fought for the rights and dignity of our own community, known today as LGBT. We do not claim that age necessarily brings wisdom, but it does bring memories and we have many... Now is the time, once again, to recognize the unique moment before us and to act with the greatest power and intelligence possible."

The activists say the best way to deal with the rally being organized by the anti-gay National Organization to Marriage is to "ignore them."

Instead, they "encourage all LGBT advocates and all fair-minded Americans who believe in equality and justice to take part in public actions on during the last week of March."

Link to Facebook page: National Equality Action.

(source)

Tennessee: "Don't Say Gay" Bill is back, requires teachers to "out" students

From ThinkProgress: Tennessee’s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay‘ bill died with the adjournment of the state assembly last year. But now the measure is back — with new, harsher requirements.

The bill, SB 234, still bars Tennessee teachers from discussing any facet of “non-heterosexual” sexuality with children in grades K-8. But the newest iteration also includes a provision requiring teachers or counselors to inform the parents of some students who identify themselves as LGBT.

Family rejection is a serious risk for LGBT youth. Kids who are LGBT often face alienation, if not outright abandonment, because they come out. Forty percent of homeless youth are LGBT, and many of them report that the reason they left home was to escape an environment hostile to their sexual orientation.

LGBT youth who experience family rejection are at high risk for depression and suicide.

More at ThinkProgress

Colorado: Civil unions bill passes in state Senate committee

The Colorado Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a civil unions bill by a vote of 4 - 3 this morning. Civil unions passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

If passed, SB-11 will provide committed gay and lesbian couples with critical legal protections and responsibilities, such as the ability to take family leave to care for a partner, to make medical and end-of-life decisions for a partner, to live together in a nursing home, and to adopt children together.

The landmark legislation will now head to the full Senate for consideration.

Sen. Rand Paul doesn't "understand" same-sex marriage

Senator Rand Paul was a guest on AFA hate group leader Bryan Fischer's radio show yesterday. The Senator and Fischer discussed several topics, but what is an interview between two ultra-conservatives without getting into the gays?  So, of course, they eventually found themselves on the topic of marriage equality.

From Raw Story:

“I believe in traditional marriage,” he said during an interview with Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association. “I really don’t understand any other kind of marriage. Between a man and a woman is what I believe in, and I just don’t think it is good for us to change the definition of that.”

Paul noted that his state, Kentucky, had approved a constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage. He said he was “not sure” about DOMA, but warned the federal law could result in conservatives losing “the battle for the whole country.”

Paul said marriage rights should be decided state-by-state rather than nationally so that “urban centers” couldn’t dictate the law.

To be honest, I don't understand what there is to "understand." Two people love each other and want to marry and have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as straight couples.

Plus - if you believe marriage is a "states rights" issue, then you can't possibly support DOMA. DOMA is a federal law reaching into what you've just said is a "states rights" issue.

There. Was that hard?

Dance: India's Got Talent

From "India's Got Talent"

First of all - how incredible are these two? And can I underscore the fact that they are 13 and 7???

I have to know, how do you follow that?

From the YouTube description: Sumant and Sonali, the two little students of Bivash Academy of Dance perform the most amazing and breathtaking Indian Classical choreographed by Mr. Bivash Chowdhury himself.

The dance was performed in the audition round of India's got talent Season 4, a reality show of Colors TV.

Former Rep. Barney Frank will not be Sen. Barney Frank

"There was one thing that sort of troubled me in the discussion about it — nobody was particularly quoted; they attributed something to governor’s office and others — was that the governor would want to appoint someone who’s either a minority or a woman. And what troubled me is the question of LGBT people was just kind of swept out.

"I’ve never asked for any appointment based on me being gay, but when they begin talk about the importance of diversity and leave us out, that troubles me. It’s almost as if some people didn’t listen to the president when he said, ‘Seneca, Stonewall and Selma,’ and didn’t hear the Stonewall part. Just as it was in the House, I think being a same-sex married couple in the Senate could have took an important lesson home to some of them." - Former Rep. Barney Frank to the Washington Blade about being passed over for the interim Massachusetts Senate post.

I'm surprised, to be honest.  Instead of Frank, Gov. Deval Patrick chose his former chief of staff, William "Mo" Cowan.

Video: The People vs Fitness

From the same folks who brought us last week's "The People vs Winter."

Bless these folks. Some are really trying to workout, and some are just not very bright...

Funny in an "America's Favorite Videos" kind of way.

Barbra Streisand to sing at this year's Academy Awards

Via press release: Two-time Academy Award® winner Barbra Streisand, who has sung on the Oscars only once before, will perform on the upcoming Oscar® telecast on February 24. Streisand last sang the love theme from “A Star Is Born” on the March 28, 1977 show, winning the Best Original Song Oscar for “Evergreen” that same night.

“In an evening that celebrates the artistry of movies and music,” said producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, “how could the telecast be complete without Barbra Streisand? We are honored that she has agreed to do a very special performance on this year’s Oscars, her first time singing on the show in 36 years.”

Cast of CABARET reunites on TODAY Show for 40th Anniversary

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Amazing that 40 years have gone by since the release of the ground-breaking CABARET.  Eight Academy Awards!

It really was a tremendous performance by Liza. Still great 40 years later.

 The newly re-mastered Blu-Ray/DVD is being released February 5th.

 (h/t JMG)

Behind the scenes with shirtless Tim McGraw at People Magazine

Behind the scenes with shirtless Tim McGraw at his People Magazine photo shoot.

Tim talks on staying fit (which he clearly is), how to keep peace in his household and what a "perfect day" would be for him.

And go check out his upcoming CD "Two Lanes of Freedom."

Wayne LaPierre, NRA head: Gov't isn't prosecuting illegal gun purchases, so why have background checks?

The head of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, appeared before the Senate hearing considering gun control and declared that the government is already failing to prosecute people who illegally apply to purchase a gun, there would be no point to impose a background check on people that buy guns at gun shows.

I'm just staggered. With that kind of logic we could get rid of all kinds of laws - people still go faster than the speed limit, so why not just abolish the speed limit?

Live stream: Check in on the dogs of Puppy Bowl

Watch the puppies live!

From the website: "Puppy Bowl returns for its ninth consecutive year with an all-star, all-adorable cast that's ready to mix it up on the grand gridiron of Animal Planet Stadium."

Gun violence victim and former congresswoman Gabby Giffords speaks at Senate gun control hearing

Share your opinion on whether gay scouts should be allowed to take part in the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America are taking feedback from the public as they consider putting an end to their ban on gay scouts and leaders. Their board is scheduled to discuss the matter next Wednesday. Right wing groups are already churning their followers to take action.

Calls are being answered at the National Service Desk at 972-580-2330. A representative will answer and ask if you are for or against the policy change.

Emails are also being accepted at nationalsupportcenter@scouting.org.

GLAAD also suggests posting a message of support on their Facebook page.

(via the dallas voice)

High school senior produces documentary based on 10 coming out stories of men aged 15 to 82

Devon Yaffe, a high school senior in L.A., recently completed his Senior Project, a 90-minute documentary in which ten gay men talk about their experiences growing up and coming out.

Writes Devon: "After finding out I could choose any topic for my Senior Project, I decided on one that was closer to home: Overcoming Adversities as a Gay Teen. As a member of this ever growing community I planned to branch out to the gay community in order to hear the stories of gay youth. This documentary tells the story of ten gay males, ages ranging from 15-82. We find out how each of them overcame their adversities as a gay teen throughout each generation. Please enjoy."

I've watched much of it and while simple in format, the men's stories are powerful in their telling.

Dogs: Sticking Point

Thanks Andy Towle for pointing up this cute video.

Clearly this was "the stick" for this dog. Bless his heart. Very cute, but maybe not so bright.

Dogs rule.

NJ teenager who came out at high school assembly surprised by George Takei

The NJ teenager who "came out" at his high school assembly meets his idol, George Takei, on Anderson.

Excerpts from President Obama's speech on immigration reform

Excerpts from President Obama's speech on immigration reform today in Las Vegas:

First, I believe we need to stay focused on enforcement. That means continuing to strengthen security at our borders. It means cracking down more forcefully on businesses that knowingly hire undocumented workers. To be fair, most businesses want to do the right thing, but a lot of them have a hard time figuring out who’s here legally, who’s not, so we need to implement a national system that allows businesses to quickly and accurately verify someone’s employment status. And if they still knowingly hire undocumented workers, then we need to ramp up the penalties.

Second, we have to deal with the 11 million individuals who are here illegally. Now, we all agree that these men and women should have to earn their way to citizenship. But for comprehensive immigration reform to work, it must be clear from the outset that there is a pathway to citizenship.

We've got to lay out a path, a process that includes passing a background check, paying taxes, paying a penalty, learning English, and then going to the back of the line behind all the folks who are trying to come here legally. That’s only fair. All right.

So that means it won’t be a quick process, but it will be a fair process. And it will lift these individuals out of the shadows, and give them a chance to earn their way to a green card and eventually to citizenship.

And the third principle is we’ve got to bring our legal immigration system into the 21st century, because it no longer reflects the realities of our time.

For example, if you are a citizen, you shouldn’t have to wait years before your family is able to join you in America.

If you’re a foreign student, who wants to pursue a career in science or technology, or a foreign entrepreneur who wants to start a business, with the backing of American investors, we should help you do that here, because if you succeed, you’ll create American businesses. And American jobs. You’ll help us grow our economy, you’ll help us strengthen our middle class.

[snip]

So in the coming weeks, as the idea of reform becomes more real and the debate becomes more heated, and there are folks who are trying to pull this thing apart, remember Alan and all those who share the same hopes and the same dreams. Remember that this is not just a debate about policy. It’s about people. It’s about men and women and young people who want nothing more than the chance to earn their way into the American story. And throughout our history, that’s only made our nation stronger. And it’s how we will make sure that this century is the same as the last, an American century, welcoming of everybody who aspires to do something more, who’s willing to work hard to do it, who’s willing to pledge that allegiance to our flag.

Read the entire speech at Washington Post.

Bryan Fischer at American Family Assoc. losing his mind that Boy Scouts may drop gay discrimination policy

American Family Association hate group leader Bryan Fischer is going ballistic over the news that the Boy Scouts of America might drop its policy against gay scouts and scout leaders, claiming that "male homosexuals offend against children at roughly 10 times the rate at which heterosexuals offend" and warns that it's an open invitation to pedophiles.

According to Fischer, should the policy be dropped, the Boy Scouts "are done, they're toast, they're history. From this day forward, there is not one loving father in America that ever, ever, EVER oughta entrust his son to the Boy Scouts of America."

Obama administration wants same-sex binational couples included in immigration reform

Aboard Air Force One en route to Las Vegas, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney was asked about the omission of same-sex binational couples from the Senate's immigration reform proposal.

Carney's reply, according to transcript:

Q:  Gay rights advocated were disappointed that the Senate framework did not include extending immigration benefits for same-sex couples.  Is that a problem for the President and the administration?

CARNEY:  The President believes that it should be included and that should come as no surprise.  As we've said all along, this is consistent with the principles he has laid out over the last four years.  And the President has long believed that Americans with same-sex partners from other countries should not be faced with the painful choice between staying with the person they love or staying in the country they love.  And the President's position on this is consistent with how we've approached prosecutorial discretion at DHS and others.  So I think it should not be a surprise and it would be entirely inconsistent not to have that position.

UPDATE: Here's a link to full transcript of President Obama's speech on immigration reform in Las Vegas.

Sneak Peak: The men of GLEE naked

Blake Jenner ("Ryder" on the show) introduces the newest episode of GLEE.

The men of GLEE make a calendar for fund-raising, and it looks like we get shirtless Darren Criss as full on Chippendale with cuffs & collar!

Hit the video to see.

San Francisco: Gay sports bar celebrates 49ers in Super Bowl

A photographer snapped a celebration photo at "Hi Tops" in San Francisco's Castro District when the 49ers clinched a spot in the Super Bowl. The image captures the thrill of victory with cheers and kisses at a gay sports bar. And now that photo is included in the current issue of Sports Illustrated.

"Hi Tops" opened a few months ago, bartender Logan Chavarria says, "A lot of people come in and don’t even know it’s a gay bar and then we find out we have common bond."

The 49ers are definitely bringing people together. Randy Report readers already know that the 49ers are part of the anti-bullying "It Gets Better" campaign.

Owner Jesse Woodward says the photo sends a winning message "Sports fans from all walks of life and we’re all a big melting pot everyone can get along."

(via NBCBayArea.com)

For Your Consideration - "Anne Hathaway" from Les Miseraables

This is fab, funny AND well-sung!

From the YouTube description: After winning best supporting actress at the SAG Awards, Golden Globes and Critics Choice, "Anne Hathaway" reminds the Academy, one last time, why she must (and will) win at the 85th Academy Awards.

Church Sign of the Day - "Live so fully"

I completely agree.

(via JMG)

Dependency

Is this what Jesus would say?

Whitney Houston's mother would not have accepted Whitney as lesbian

Oprah Winfrey interviews singer Cissy Houston, Whitney's mom, in the latest episode of Oprah's Next Chapter.

Cissy discussed the longstanding rumor that Whitney was involved in a romantic relationship with her best friend and one-time executive assistant Robyn Crawford.

In the book, Cissy alludes to Whitney "experiment[ing]" with this friendship. Cissy tells a clearly surprised Oprah that had Whitney come out to her as a lesbian she would not have liked it, or condoned it.

(via Towleroad)

Modesto, CA: LGBT youth & allies send message of acceptance

The Place is an LGBTQ youth support center run by the UCC in Modesto, California.

And I think The PLACE Youth Group sounds like a fabulous place to go.

Thank you to everyone there who demonstrate true compassion, understanding and love.

And standing ovation please for all these fantastic families who know and love the gay sons and daughters.

For more info email theplacemodesto@yahoo.com

Bravo The PLACE!

Without a word, Georgia man guns down 22 year old who arrived at wrong address

Phillip Walker Sailors, a 69-year-old war veteran and former missionary was arrested over the weekend on the suspicion of killing Rodrigo Abad Diaz, a 22-year-old Cuban immigrant, who mistakenly arrived in his driveway because of faulty GPS directions.

Friends who were in the car with Diaz told WSB-TV that they were trying to pick up a friend on the way to ice skating on Saturday but their GPS directed them to the wrong address. The friends said that they waited in the driveway for a few minutes before Sailors emerged from the house and fired a gun into the air.

Gandy Cardenas, who was in the car, recalled to WAGA that the homeowner made no effort to speak to the group before opening fire.

“He didn’t talk to them, he just started shooting,” Cardenas explained. “The first shot was in the air.”

At that point, Diaz tried to turn the car around to leave, but Sailors fired another shot, striking the immigrant on the left side of the head. The group, which included a 15 and an 18 year old, said that Sailors held them at gunpoint until police arrived.

The arrest warrant suggested that Sailors had shot Diaz with a .22 caliber pistol. He was charged with malice murder.

WSB-TV’s Tony Thomas reported that Sailors was a war veteran and a former church missionary.

Ah, God's gentle children.


(via Raw Story)

Coming out is a "piece of cake"

Well, here's one way to come out to your parents.

Click on the pic for larger view (Via Think Progress)

President Obama to introduce immigration reform plan today

Today President Obama will introduce his immigration reform plan and LGBT couples are expected to be included. However gay immigration is not addressed in the Senate plan. Chris Geidner reports at Buzzfeed:

A Democratic source said: "Same-sex couples will be part of his proposal." A second source confirmed that, unlike the Senate framework released Monday, same-sex bi-national couples — those with one American and one foreign partner — will be included in the White House principles.

The decision by Obama seeks to remedy what advocates for same-sex couples view as one of the most searing inequalities under the existing federal limit on marriage to one man and one woman: LGBT American citizens simply have no way to confer citizenship on their romantic partners, something that is automatic — if not always simple — for straight couples.

Under current law, such same-sex couples, even when married under state law, are not eligible for the green cards that opposite-sex couples can receive. Foreign partners of same-sex couples have in the past found their green card applications denied — often forcing couples to separate or move abroad.

On CBS This Morning, Sen. John McCain made his position clear saying that inclusion of LGBT couples in the immigration reform bill is "not of paramount importance."

(source)

Major Corporations form new coalition to support repeal of DOMA

The Human Rights Campaign today announced a new coalition of corporations that is endorsing the Respect For Marriage Act, which would legislatively repeal DOMA.

A|X Armani Exchange, Aetna Inc., Biogen Idec, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Diageo North America, eBay Inc., Electronic Arts, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Marriott International Inc., Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Replacements, Ltd., Sun Life Financial U.S., and Thomson Reuters are initial signees to the new Business Coalition supporting repeal of DOMA.

From HRC: "The Business Coalition for DOMA Repeal is a group of leading U.S. employers that support legislative efforts to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act through the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. These Coalition members recognize that DOMA is bad for business and have pledged their support for RMA, which restores the rights of all lawfully married couples—including same-sex couples – to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law."

Said HRC President Chad Griffin: "These corporate pioneers understand one marriage deserves no less respect and dignity than any other marriage.They understand that repealing the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act is the right thing for our nation, and the smart thing for American business. We call on both large and small businesses to add their voices to the growing chorus calling for an end to this odious law."

(from Towleroad)

Boy Scouts of America close to ending ban on gay members

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

MSNBC is reporting that the Boy Scouts of America are close to ending their ban on gay members and leaders. This would be a big shift in policy for BSA.

The policy change is now before the organization's national board of directors.

The decision would be left to each individual chapter whether or not to accept gay scouts and leaders.

MSNBC reports that this changes comes from communications from the grass roots level of the Boy Scouts. Local chapters have apparently urged the national organization to reconsider the discriminatory policy.

Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and founder of Scouts for Equality, had this to say: "This would be an incredible step forward in the right direction. We look forward to working with BSA Councils and chartering organizations across the country to end the exclusion of our gay brothers in Scouting, as well as the gay and lesbian leaders who serve the organizations so well."

Argentina sends message of support for marriage equality to France

When lawmakers in France vote yes to legalize same-sex marriage (fingers crossed), the country will become the 12th in the world where gays and lesbians can wed.

Argentina joined that elite list in 2010. Supporters, activists and couples in love gathered on Sunday at the Plaza Francia in Buenos Aires to send a message of support.

Ah, love....

(via Advocate)

Wyoming: House committee advances domestic partnership bill, votes down marriage equality

The Wyoming House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee voted down a marriage equality bill, HB169, in a 5-4 vote.

Shortly thereafter, the committee voted to advance HB 168, a domestic partnership bill,  carrying most of the legal rights of heterosexual marriage has cleared the committee by a vote  of 7-2 and is headed to consideration in the full House.

Click here to read the bill.

Father of Sandy Hook slain child heckled

I respect that gun lovers are passionate about their guns and 2nd Amendment rights. But they do little for their cause when they heckle the father of a slain Sandy Hook child.

This is pretty disgusting:

A false fire alarm, 45-minute waits to get into the Capitol complex, even the heckling of a bereaved parent of a Newtown shooting victim marked Monday's day-long legislative hearing on gun control.

"The Second Amendment!" was shouted by several gun enthusiasts in the meeting room as Neil Heslin, holding a photo of his 6-year-old son, Jesse Lewis, asked why Bushmaster assault-style weapons are allowed to be sold in the state. "There are a lot of things that should be changed to prevent what happened," said Heslin, who grew up using guns and seemed undisturbed by the interruption of his testimony.

Just because you CAN raise your voice, doesn't mean you have to lose your sense of compassion.

Borrowing

There's a new Diet Coke hunk in town

Hard to believe it's been 19 years since Lucky Vanous starred in the first male-objectifying Diet Coke ad.

And now - there's a new hunk, Andrew Cooper, using his pecs, abs and wet t-shirt to sell some refreshment.

Business Insider writes: "Ad agency BETC London created the spot for European TV markets, but if it's a success expect it to be rolled out worldwide."

Watch the new ad, then relive the fun with Lucky Vanous.

(via Towleroad)

Adam Levine goes shirtless in SNL Opening skit

Adam came off charming and didn't seem to take himself too seriously.

2013 Screen Actors Guild Award winners

At the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night, Ben Affleck's Argo continued to pick up top honor winning Best Ensemble Cast.

Daniel Day-Lewis and Jennifer Lawrence picked up the lead actor roles in. Tommy Lee Jones and Ann Hathaway won for their supporting roles in their respective movies.

Personal favorite of mine - Julianne Moore won for her fab performance as the former half-term Governor of Alaska in "Game Change."

Dick Van Dyke won a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Male actor in a supporting role
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln – WINNER
Alan Arkin, Argo
Javier Bardem, Skyfall
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master


Female actor in a supporting role
Sally Field, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway, Les Misérables – WINNER
Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Nicole Kidman, The Paperboy
Maggie Smith, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel


Cast in a motion picture
Argo – WINNER
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Les Misérables
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook


Male actor in a leading role
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln – WINNER
John Hawkes, The Sessions
Hugh Jackman, Les Misérables
Denzel Washington, Flight


Female actor in a leading role
Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Marion Cotillard, Rust and Bone
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook – WINNER
Helen Mirren, Hitchcock
Naomi Watts, The Impossible


Ensemble in a drama series
Boardwalk Empire, HBO
Breaking Bad, AMC
Downton Abbey, PBS – WINNER
Homeland, Showtime
Mad Men, AMC


Ensemble in a comedy series
30 Rock, NBC
The Big Bang Theory, CBS
Glee, Fox
Modern Family, ABC – WINNER
Nurse Jackie, Showtime
The Office, NBC


Male actor in a drama series
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire, HBO
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad, AMC – WINNER
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom, HBO
Jon Hamm, Mad Men, AMC
Damian Lewis, Homeland, Showtime


Female actor in a drama series
Claire Danes, Homeland, Showtime – WINNER
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey, PBS
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Asylum, FX
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife, CBS
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey, PBS


Male actor in a comedy series
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock, NBC – WINNER
Ty Burrell, Modern Family, ABC
Louis C.K., Louie, FX
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory, CBS
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family, ABC


Female actor in a comedy series
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie, Showtime
Tina Fey, 30 Rock, NBC – WINNER
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation, NBC
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family, ABC
Betty White, Hot in Cleveland, TV Land


Male actor in a television movie or miniseries
Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys, History – WINNER
Woody Harrelson, Game Change, HBO
Ed Harris, Game Change, HBO
Clive Owen, Hemingway & Gellhorn, HBO
Bill Paxton, Hatfields & McCoys, History


Female actor in a television movie or miniseries
Nicole Kidman, Hemingway & Gellhorn, HBO
Julianne Moore, Game Change, HBO – WINNER
Charlotte Rampling, Restless, Sundance
Sigourney Weaver, Political Animals, USA
Alfre Woodard, Steel Magnolias, Lifetime


Stunt ensemble
Boardwalk Empire, HBO – WINNER
Breaking Bad, AMC
Game of Thrones, HBO
Sons of Anarchy, FX
The Walking Dead, AMC

Finally, Dick Van Dyke won a Lifetime Achievement Award sans a crazy coming out speech ala Jodie Foster.

Encore: "It's Time"

Uploaded to YouTube over a year ago. Just saw it again and was taken aback by how simple yet powerful the message is. It's just time.

Forward.

Laugh of the day

PSA: "Sinead's hand in marriage"

Speaks for itself. And makes it's point well, no?

Paris: Over 100,000 show support for same-sex marriage in France

The streets of Paris were filled today by over 100,000 supporters for the passage of marriage equality there.

From the New York Times:

Demonstrators waved banners emblazoned with phrases like "Equality of rights is not a threat" and chanted: "What do you want? Equality! When do you want it? Now!"

Another placard showed a version of the French government’s seal, but with two Mariannes kissing. Under the words "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was the slogan "No more, no less!"

According to the police, the march attracted about 125,000 people, twice the number that took part in a similar demonstration in mid-December. Two weeks ago, a rally by those opposed to the proposal drew what the police said were 340,000 people into the streets of Paris.

In contrast to the opponents who demonstrated two weeks ago, many of the marchers on Sunday were relatively young and personally invested in the future of the law.

Nicolas Marquart, 37, a physiotherapist, made the trip from Strasbourg with his partner, with whom he is in a "civil solidarity pact," and another gay couple. "I'm here as a gay man, and because it would be nice, since we are still in the 21st century after all, to see our morals evolve. It would be a good thing to all have the same rights."

Other estimates say today's crowd may have been as large as 400,000.  

(via Towleroad)

Support for marriage equality increases in France

A new poll out of France shows a small improvement in the number of voters who support marriage equality.

From Reuters:

The number of people who support the legalisation of same-sex marriage in France has risen despite major protests against the government's planned reforms earlier this month, a new poll by Ifop for news website Atlantico.fr showed.

The proportion of those surveyed supporting the change in the law rose to 63 percent from 60 percent in early January and December.

Support for adoption rights for gay couples also rose by 3 percentage points, although the country remains divided on the issue, with 49 percent in favour, according to the international marketing firm.

(source)

King for a night - the "awesomest" time ever

Tyler Morris is elected homecoming king by his fellow students in the largest margin in ten years.

Tyler is also autistic, and clearly loved by his student body.  How uber-cool is this story?

From the ABC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida.

 (source)

NOM to protest SCOTUS Prop 8 hearings

The National Organization for Marriage announced today that they'll rally in Washington DC on March 26th, the day the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments in the Proposition 8 marrage equality case.

From their press release, via JMG:

When the Supreme Court convenes to hear oral arguments in what could be the Roe v. Wade of marriage, we'll be there — and we hope you'll be there with us!

...[We] hope that you can show up in person to stand with us on March 26th for what we pray will be an unprecedented outpouring of support for society's most fundamental and sacred institution: marriage between a man and a woman.

Together, we'll stand before the Supreme Court and make sure our voices are heard that we will not allow the dismantling of marriage by Judicial fiat to happen on our watch!

JMG reminds us that at NOM's recent hate rally in the Bronx, thousands of attendees heard one preacher declare that homosexuals "are worthy of death."

If you want to prevent abortions...

From the Go Left Facebook page

Sarah Palin and Fox News no longer a team

Former half-term Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has parted ways with the network, according to RealClearPolitics.

Palin had been a contributor the cable news network since January 2010. That means she stayed with Fox longer than she did her elected job as Governor for the state of Alaska.

The Fox spokesperson did not say whose decision the departure was, but the New York Times said that Palin's contract had expired, and was not picked up, despite negotiations that continued as recently as last week.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our association with Governor Palin," Bill Shine, Fox News' executive vice president, programming, said. "We wish her the best in her future endeavors."

Interetingly, Palin has remained silent on the split on her Facebook page and Twitter account, which she regularly uses to to share her news and opinions.

Bye-bye Ms. Palin, seems like we hardly knew you...

Christian radio hosts: Feminists are "selfish, narcissistic, family-destroying whores"

I can't believe these guys aren't some kind of ironic comedy act.

According to Christian radio hosts Pastor Kevin Swanson and Dave Buehner, feminists are ugly, narcissistic, family-destroying whores who refuse to submit to a man.

What all these feminists have in common, Swanson argues, is that “all of them want to be free from the family” and together with “the homosexuals” are “destroying society.” Buehner speculates that in the future, feminism will be remembered as “a time in which women lost the love of their children” and “decided to become selfish, narcissistic, family-destroying whores.”

This is from the official description of Generations Radio:

Heard in all 50 states and over 60 countries around the world, Generations Radio brings a fast and fresh perspective to issues touching Christian families.

Kevin Swanson is the host of Generations Radio and a homeschool father of five children. Homeschooled himself in the 1960's and 1970's, Kevin went on to run for US Senate and has since traveled around the US and world speaking on the family, education, and biblical worldview.

One clip I listened to began with Kevin Swanson explaining that his show was "just two home school dads hanging out in his basement studio."

I think that explains a LOT.

(source)

President Obama addresses 3,000 LGBT advocates

President Obama addressed the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s 25th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change via video message this afternoon. Attended by 3,000 LGBT rights advocates, the conference is being held in Atlanta this week.

Said Obama in the message:

"I’ve always said that the change we need in this country — real change — doesn’t come from Washington, it comes from folks like you. Change has always come from ordinary Americans who sit in or stand up or marched to demand it. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has been a partner at the forefront of that movement for 40 years. ... With your help, we will continue the journey to perfect our union. The work will be hard, the road will be long, but I’m more confident than ever that we will reach a better future as long as Americans like you keep reaching for justice — and all of us keep marching together."

I watch this and have to say - there are days I could barely dream of an American President being this supportive of equality for the LGBT community. I can barely express what this means to hear a message like this coming from our President. It's just huge. Huge. And means so much to so many of us.

I can't say "thank you" enough, Mr. President.

Joe Manganiello on Season 6 of TRUE BLOOD

Uber-sexy Joe Manganiello recently spoke to Access Hollywood about the upcoming season of True Blood:

“My character’s taken over the wolf pack, so as an alpha, and a pack of dogs, you gotta regulate, you gotta set it straight with everybody so there’s some violence. It’ll be fun,” Joe told Access Hollywood.

New Jersey: Mayor Cory Booker helps rescue freezing dog

Reporter Toni Yates of WABC-TV was reporting on a story in Newark, NJ when noticed a dog freezing outside in the brutal cold.  Hours later, she passed by and saw the dog again.  This time she took to the Twitter universe and the Mayor saying “Make pet owners get their dogs out of the cold.”

Soon, Mayor Cory Booker was on location taking matters into his own hands:

“This is brutal weather. This dog is shaking really bad and you just can’t leave your dogs out here on a day like this and go away and expect them to be OK,” the mayor told WABC.  “Hypothermia on any animal including a human animal will set in pretty quickly. So this is very sad. You can just feel the dog shaking pretty badly.”

Booker picked up the dog and put it into the back of a police car.

“If you’d crank up that heat, I’d appreciate it,” he told the police officer.

Booker, 43, called the dog’s owner and told them it was unacceptable to leave the dog outside in the freezing weather, WABC reported.

The owners said they were in Queens, N.Y., and did not know that Cha Cha had gotten outside. They said it was an accident and thanked the mayor for saving the dog, a new mother.

Mayor Cory Booker - not a mayor to hope others do the right thing.

Hero, here folks. Hero.

(source)

Quick science video: Which came first - the chicken or the egg?

I love the folks at AsapSCIENCE. Their short, quick videos always entertain and educate me. I love learning something in just a few minutes.

Watch the video - you might be surprised at the answer :)

Tony Perkins: Women can't handle combat

"In another triumph of political correctness over common sense, the Pentagon is lifting its ban on women in combat and direct combat units.

"Senior officials leaked the news yesterday during the House's Benghazi hearings, making the timing even more suspect. If Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was hoping to distract the country from Hillary Clinton's Libyan testimony, he succeeded.

"According to leaders, even Congress wasn't warned. Much like the plan to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the risks of this integration (physical stamina and injury, emotional stress, sexual assault, pregnancy, adultery, unit readiness, family breakdown) seem secondary to the administration's liberal agenda.

"How much national security is our President willing to forgo to promote this kind of progressive feminism?" - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

Trailer: Climbing With Pride

This is a trailer for a 60 minute documentary exploring the largest LGBT rock climbing convention in the world.

Like rock climbing? Visit their Facebook page.

Poland legislature says "no" to civil unions

The Polish parliament today narrowly rejected legislation that would grant some relationship rights to same-sex couples.

The lower house of parliament rejected three bills that would have legalized civil unions, including narrowly defeating one proposed by a member of the ruling Civic Platform that would have given limited rights to unmarried partners, including ability to inherit property.

The motion to prevent the Civic Platform bill from going to committees for further work was backed by 228 deputies, with 211 against.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke out in favor of the reform, but 46 members of his own party, including Justice Minister Jaroslaw Gowin, sided with the conservative opposition and voted against all three bills on their first reading.

"You can't question the existence of such people (living in homosexual partnerships) and you can't argue against the people who decide to live in such way," Tusk told the parliament before the votes.

Opponents to the legislation say that recognizing gay relationships "would do nothing" to address Poland's dwindling population. And so, for that reason, even limited rights are denied.

Wyoming: House committee to consider marriage equality

The National Center for Lesbian Rights sends us this press release:

Three bills—marriage equality, domestic partnership, and non-discrimination—have just been introduced, and the first committee votes are only days away.

At noon on Monday, January 28, the House Corporations Committee will hear testimony on the marriage equality and domestic partnership bills. If one or both pass committee, they will proceed to a vote by the entire House of Representatives a few days later.

On Wednesday, Jan 30, at 8 a.m., the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on the non-discrimination bill.

The votes will be extremely close and we need you, your friends, and your family to help secure a historic victory.

Wyoming, I should note, is The Equality State.

Click here to contact your Wyoming legislators.

Rhode Island: House passes marriage equality bill 51-19

On to the state Senate!
Rhode Islanders - call your state Senators. Information on how to do so HERE.
 Forward.

Tweet of the day: Christian is the new black

Just, wow.  I don't have anything more than that.  Wow.

(h/t JMG)

New Mexico: GOP lawmaker introduces bill to charge rape victims with "tampering with evidence"

Just when you thought proposed laws couldn't get wackier...

JMG points out that New Mexico state GOP Rep. Cathrynn Brown has introduced a bill that would charge the victims of rape with a felony for "tampering with evidence" if they get an abortion should their rape result in pregnancy.

“Tampering with evidence shall include procuring or facilitating an abortion, or compelling or coercing another to obtain an abortion, of a fetus that is the result of criminal sexual penetration or incest with the intent to destroy evidence of the crime," the bill says. Third-degree felonies in New Mexico carry a sentence of up to three years in prison.

Pat Davis of ProgressNow New Mexico, a progressive nonprofit opposing the bill, called it "blatantly unconstitutional" on Thursday. “The bill turns victims of rape and incest into felons and forces them to become incubators of evidence for the state,” he said. “According to Republican philosophy, victims who are ‘legitimately raped’ will now have to carry the fetus to term in order to prove their case.“

As both chambers of the New Mexico legislature has Democratic majorities, the bill is expected to fail.

Rhode Island: House to vote on marriage equality today

After passing in the bill in the House Judiciary committee yesterday, a vote by the full House is scheduled for 4PM today.

Gay marriage legislation has been introduced every year in the General Assembly since 1997, but Thursday's vote will mark the first time the issue has received a vote in either the House or Senate. The bill has 42 sponsors in the 75-member House — an indication of just how easily it could pass. The bill's longtime sponsor, Rep. Art Handy, D-Cranston, said he's seen a widespread change of opinion on gay marriage and that even some previously staunch opponents in the legislature may give the bill a second thought when the roll is called.

The vote in the state Senate is expected to be much closer. Stay tuned.

Colorado passes civil unions in first committee vote

Colorado's Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Colorado Civil Union Act after hours of testimony.

From KDVR:

ColoradoThe first vote came late Wednesday afternoon — and it came as no surprise to anyone — when the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-to-2 on party lines to send Senate Bill 11 on to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Bringing down the gavel on the vote was Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Adams County, elected in November, who had sat on the other side of the room the past two years and testified twice about how the bill’s legal protections would help support his partner and their son.

“It’s a very different year, a very exciting year,” Ulibarri told FOX31 Denver prior to the hearing. “We have folks here who are willing to stand up for committed couples and there will be a very different result this year.”

The bill was introduced in the Senate by openly gay Senators Pat Steadman and Lucia Guzman.

Defense Secretary lifts ban on women in combat

Opening thousands of front line positions, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the ban on women in combat, the AP reports:


"The groundbreaking move recommended by the Joint Chiefs of Staff overturns a 1994 rule banning women from being assigned to smaller ground combat units.

"Panetta’s decision gives the military services until January 2016 to seek special exceptions if they believe any positions must remain closed to women."

Military service leaders say requirements to participate in combat units will not be lowered.  Those women who want to apply for those available positions will still need to pass any current physical and mental requirements.

Dutch men experience simulated birth contractions

This was actually kind of funny but fascinating to watch. Over 4 million views in a week.

These guys, with the help of electric stimulation, experience simulated birth contractions. They start out laughing, and then it gets pretty tough. One guy has to use laughing gas at one point to get through.

Click over to the YouTube page and hit the closed captions (CC) to read the translation.

(via BoyCulture)

The People vs. Winter

From the YouTube description: Ice-induced pavement pile-up's, out of control vehicles, winter wipeouts and a smattering of death defiers.

Nobody was hurt in the making of this video apart from the people who were hurt.

(via Towleroad)

Flash mob dances at Vancouver hockey game for anti-bullying

In British Columbia, the Vancouver Giants and over 1,800 students teamed up for promote upcoming Pink Shirt Day on February 27, which has a message to fight bullying.

From The Province:

Various videos of the anti-bullying flash mob that stole the show at the Vancouver Giants' game Sunday are popping up on YouTube.

Just over 1,800 students, all in pink shirts, were part of a dance number in the north end upper deck to One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful.

Giants vice-president of business development Dale Saip said it involved schools from "five or six districts," and Sunday was the first time that the entire group was together.

"It was an amazing amount of work and an amazing production and a tribute to the people who put that together," he said. "We're happy to accommodate and it works well with our message of anti-bullying."

Marriage equality bill for England introduced in House of Commons

Marriage equality bill for England and Wales introduced in the House of Commons:

The government’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill for England and Wales has officially been introduced in the House of Commons by Culture Secretary Maria Miller. A full debate by MPs and a vote on the proposals will take place on 5 February, with the bill due to be published ahead of that tomorrow.

Following a government consultation, Mrs Miller first outlined the plans to MPs in December. All religious organisations, including the Church of England and Church in Wales, will be legally barred from marrying same-sex couples unless they choose to opt in.

The Equality Act 2010 is to be amended to ensure that no discrimination claim could be brought against religious organisations or an individual minister for refusing to marry gay couples (or allowing their premises to be used for this purpose.

NJ High school senior comes out to his class, standing ovation

Jacob Rudolph, a high school senior in Parsippany, New Jersey, comes out to his entire class at their awards ceremony (Class Clown, Most Likely to Succeed, etc.).

Says Jacob in the clip, as he accepted the award for "Best Actor":

"Sure I've been in a few plays and musicals, but more importantly, I've been acting every single day of my life. You see, I've been acting as someone I'm not. Most of you see me every day. You see me acting the part of 'straight' Jacob, when I am in fact LGBT (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender).

"Unlike millions of other LGBT teens who have had to act every day to avoid verbal harassment and physical violence, I'm not going to do it anymore. It's time to end the hate in our society and accept the people for who they are regardless of their sex, race, orientation, or whatever else may be holding back love and friendship. So take me leave me or move me out of the way. Because I am what I am, and that's how I'm going to act from now on."

Cue the standing ovation.

Forward, kids.

(from Towleroad)

AMC's "Mad Men" returns April 7

AMC has announced that it's hit series "Mad Men" will return for it's sixth season on April 7 with a two hour season premiere.  The episode is reportedly written by series creator Matthew Weiner.

Asked about the looming end of the series, Weiner had this to say to EW: “With the shadow of the show ending — and with the world in the state that it’s in, which is far more important than the show – the writers and the actors and I have been able to get into a groove about a season that may be accidentally relevant just because it was in our minds. We’ve been taking advantage of the 26 episodes we have left to do all the things that we’ve wanted to do, and so far I think that the audience is in for quite a ride.”

Mark your calendars kids!

Dance like no one is watching

Posted by my friend Nadia Romanov on Facebook.

First clip of Manti Te'o interview with Katie Couric released

The first clip of Katie Couric's interview with Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o was released today.

I want to know more about this Ronaiah Tuiasosopo and why he won't answer questions. I'm starting to believe, from the little we've seen, that Manti was deceived.

And for the record, while we don't know for sure, I do find it plausible Manti was deceived and then embarrassed at being gullible or naive enough to buy into the story.

While many of us may think "hey, he's a famous college football player, why would be buy into some online romance?," we don't really know Manti Te'o well enough to understand his personal, private perspective of himself and his dating experience.

Just my two cents. We'll all been fooled at some point. And we've all been a little embarrassed at some point. This is still a young guy on a national stage.

I'm cutting the guy some slack.

Bryan Fischer segues from the Inaugural to attacking gays "right to sodomy"

I give you Bryan Fischer of the virulently anti-gay American Family Association.

I love that Fischer brings up the fact that sodomy was outlawed for 200 years. Slavery was legal for hundreds of years, but we finally stopped that. Women couldn't vote for hundreds of years - that wrong was righted. Do I really need to explain again how society evolves?

What happens in the bedroom of two consenting adults is a matter of privacy. And the Supreme Court has ruled on the right of privacy. And it's a pretty common sense issue at that.

In case you ever wonder why I write and post so much about marriage equality and equal rights, here's what the LGBT community deals with every day of our lives.

Many people may not be aware that this kind of propaganda happens every single day in the world.

So, if you ever wonder why I'm so adamant about equality for all, watch this video and realize that this is what gays and lesbians have to cope with all the time.

(via RightWingWatch)

Sec. of State Hillary Clinton has had enough of Sen. Ron Johnson

Hillary Clinton decides she has had enough of Sen. Ron Johnson during a line of questioning from Republican Senator Ron Johnson during hearings about the Benghazi attack.

Sen. Johnson seems to believe there was something sinister and deliberate behind the original, early intelligence reports about the attack and what we learned a few weeks later.

Said Johnson: "Again, we were misled there was supposedly protests and something spraying out of that, assault spraying out of that. That was easily ascertained that was not the fact and the american people could have known that within days and didn’t know that."

Clinton responds: "With all due respect, the fact is we had four dead Americans! Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night decided to go kill some Americans?! What difference at this point does it make?! It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again."

Prop 8 proponents file opening brief with SCOTUS

The anti-gay proponents of Proposition 8 have filed their opening brief with the Supreme Court.

Buzzfeed's Chris Geidner reports:

Arguing that the case brought by same-sex couples seeking to marry was unlike past gay rights cases where the court struck down anti-gay restrictions and also unlike Loving v. Virginia, in which the court struck down bans on interracial marriage, the proponents of Proposition 8 argue that there is no historic reason "for invalidating marriage as it has existed in California for virtually all of its history, as it was universally understood throughout this Nation (and the world) until just the last decade, and as it continues to be defined in the overwhelming majority of States and Nations."

SCOTUS is scheduled to hear oral arguments on March 26.