Saturday, October 26, 2013

Actress Marcia Wallace Dies At Age 70

Actress Marcia Wallace has died at the age of 70. Wallace gained fame as the secretary Carol on The Bob Newhart Show and voiced the Simpsons character Edna Krabappel.
"I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace," said Simpsons executive producer Al Jean in a statement. "She was beloved by all at The Simpsons and we intend to retire her irreplaceable character." The actress' popularity spanned generations. She appeared on The Merv Griffin Show over 75 times, and earned fame playing Carol Kester, the clever, sarcastic secretary on The Bob Newhart Show. She later nabbed an Emmy nomination for a turn on Murphy Brown as 'Secretary 66' in 1994. Wallace won an Emmy for voicing Bart Simpson's dry teacher on the Fox animated series. As THR notes, the 1992 Simpsons episode for which she won found Ms. Krabappel giving Bart a month of detention. He exacted revenge by responding to her newspaper singles ad. Wallace would go on to star in 177 episodes of The Simpsons, her character's iconic "Ha!" a familiar echo.



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Joe The Plumber Vs Rep. Alan Grayson

(Via Talking Points Memo)

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Air Force Academy Makes "So Help Me God" Portion Of Oath Optional

The Air Force Times reports:
The Air Force Academy on Friday announced that it will now be optional for cadets to recite “so help me God” at the end of its honor oath. The academy made the change in response to a complaint from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which advocates for the separation of church and state in the military. “Here at the academy, we work to build a culture of dignity and respect, and that respect includes the ability of our cadets, airmen and civilian airmen to freely practice and exercise their religious preference — or not,” academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson said. “So, in the spirit of respect, cadets may or may not choose to finish the honor oath with ‘so help me God.’ ”
The MMRF has vowed to file a lawsuit demanding that religious language be dropped entirely. Matt Barber is super upset, you guys.

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Chain Link Jesus

The Jeebz has revealed himself yet again, this time on a chain link fence in Pennsylvania.
David McFadden hopes it becomes a draw, that pilgrims will flock to the 300 block of Hill Street to witness the leafy embodiment of Christ. "It's God letting us know his presence is here in York," said McFadden, 53, a Catholic and a Mason. "I hope people come down and see it and visit it and come away with the same feeling." Not everybody sees it. Kelly Caron has seen people stopping and taking photos of the vine while she walks dogs for Morgan's Paws Pet Day Care Center on Hill Street. She's not sure she gets it. "Looks like a vine to me," she said.

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Cindy McCain Signs ENDA Petition

After being collared by an HRC staffer in an Arizona outlet of Staples, Cindy McCain signed a petition that asks her husband to endorse ENDA. The Washington Post reports:
Call it a bold canvassing move that paid off: An organizer for the Human Rights Campaign asked Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) wife Cindy to sign a postcard Thursday urging the senator to back legislation barring workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. She signed it. The senator has never supported the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which passed a Senate committee in July and could come to the floor for a vote soon. A bipartisan coalition has dispatched field organizers in seven states across the country to mobilize constituents on behalf of the bill, and HRC has collected "tens of thousands of postcards" as part of the effort, according to HRC spokesman Michael Cole-Schwartz.
When asked about the petition signing, a spokesman for Sen. McCain had a noncommittal response: "Senator McCain enjoys and appreciates having discussions on the important issues of the day with all the members of his family, and he respects their views."

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TAIWAN: Thousands March For Marriage

Tens of thousands marched in Taipei's gay pride parade today in support of a marriage equality bill under consideration by the Taiwanese legislature. Via Reuters:
Taiwan's legislature on Friday began a review of a gay marriage bill, which has the support of 53 percent of the public, according to a recent opinion poll, though acceptance of a gay family member remains low. "Chinese families are still very traditional," said Jennifer Lu of the counselling group Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association and one of the hosts on the centre stage. "People still emphasise having an heir and passing on the family name." On a cool autumn day, the 11th annual parade was marked by colourful costumes, plenty of exposed skin, musical performances and vendors lining the route to and from the city hall. Spokeswoman Meico Tsai praised the liberal attitudes that have put Taiwan far ahead of its neighbours in terms of tolerance of gays. "Compared to other Asian countries, we're more open, but we still have a long way to go," she said. Sexual-orientation education is a part of the primary school curriculum and LGBT individuals enjoy legal protection from hiring discrimination and other forms of prejudice. "Korea is much more conservative," said South Korean national Carmen Yoon, a first-time attendee. "I hope Taiwan will legalise gay marriage and we can follow their example."
The marriage bill is sponsored by the opposition Democratic Progressive Party and is before the legislature's judiciary committee.

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ILLINOIS: Activists To Picket Gay State Rep Over Marriage Equality Bill

Via press release:
With Illinois's equal marriage rights bill running out of time in the current fall veto session, gay activists will picket the lead sponsor of the bill, gay Representative Greg Harris as the veto session reaches its half-way point. The main demand: a party-line vote in favor of the bill by the Democratic Caucus, which holds a super-majority in Illinois's House of Representatives. The protest, sponsored by the Chicago-based Gay Liberation Network (GLN), will be at 2 PM, Saturday, October 26 in front of Harris's district office, 1967 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago. GLN has been unique in publicly targeting the Democratic caucus, and especially House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), for the failure of the bill, SB10, during the spring session and its uncertain fate in the current session.
RELATED: In a separate action, a petition drive has been launched which demands that Harris call the vote.

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Meet The New Head Of NARTH

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Friday, October 25, 2013

Gawker Identifies Boyfriend Of Closeted Fox News Anchor Shepard Smith

That Fox News anchor Shepard Smith is gay is fairly widely known, even though he has never publicly acknowledged it. He's even appeared in Out Magazine's annual ranking of the most powerful gays in America. But after a gossip column earlier this week reported that Smith had blown up at a downtown Manhattan cocktail waitress while on a night out with his boyfriend, Gawker went looking for the identity of said paramour. Smith, it turns out, is keeping it in-house.
Shepard Smith, the endlessly endearing (and easily angered) Fox News anchor, has likened the right-wing channel to a “family,” with president Roger Ailes as its domineering father. Which makes it only slightly awkward that in early 2012, the 49-year-old anchor started courting an attractive young production assistant who worked under him on Fox Report With Shepard Smith. Now they are a couple.  Gawker has learned that Smith is dating a 26-year-old Penn State grad and Fox Business producer named Giovanni “Gio” Graziano. According to multiple sources with knowledge of their relationship, the couple met sometime after Graziano started working at Fox Report in October 2011 as a production assistant. He’s the man with whom Smith frequents Bathtub Gin.  “Yes, that’s Shepard’s boyfriend,” Katya Minskova, the Bathtub Gin waitress Smith berated in March, confirmed to Gawker when shown a photo of Graziano. Another source who had seen them together at the Chelsea speakeasy confirmed Graziano’s identity as well. Both sources say they saw Graziano and Smith together at the bar on multiple occasions, and that they appeared to be romantically involved.
Graziano has not responded to numerous requests for comment.  A number of Gawker commenters are questioning why the site is "harassing" him.

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The Original Teabagger

Kathy Bates' American Horror Story character has just been dug up after being buried alive for 180 years. She's immortal, y'all. And here's her reaction to seeing President Obama on television. I've been waiting for a good quality clip, but this one from JMG reader Drew will do. You absolutely must wait for the final line. Spoiler alert if you haven't seen Wednesday's episode.

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MARYLAND: Anti-Gay State Rep Gets Light Sentence For Two DUI Convictions

You may recall that last year, after he drunkenly crashed his boat, injuring six people (including children), Maryland state Rep. Don Dwyer blamed his alcoholism on being upset about the passage of gay marriage. And he went out and got yet another DUI, this time in his car. You'd think that the sentence for two DUIs would be more than 60 days, but you'd be wrong.
Del. Don Dwyer Jr. of Anne Arundel County was sentenced Friday to 60 days in jail — to be served on weekends — on charges of drinking and boating and drunken driving in separate incidents. In issuing the sentence Judge Emory Plitt, a retired Harford County judge who was brought in to hear Dwyer's cases in Anne Arundel Circuit Court, admonished the delegate, saying public servants must be held to a high standard for their actions. "We hold ourselves out to the public as their representatives," Plitt said. The judge said he had no doubt about Dwyer's guilt in both cases. "He was driving both times. He was drinking both times. Let's just face the facts," Plitt said. Plitt sentenced Dwyer, 55, to one year in jail, with all but 30 days suspended, for operating a boat under the influence. He also sentenced him to another 30 days for a charge of driving a vehicle while impaired, a charge Dwyer pleaded guilty to Friday morning.
Sixty days is a "higher standard"?

RELATED: In 2011 Dwyer sat next to Maggie Gallagher during Maryland's marriage equality hearings, telling the committee that any state delegate that testified in favor of the bill should be "arrested for perjury" because saying that gay people deserve equality "is a lie and they know it." During the hearings Dwyer presented documents from the SPLC-certified hate group, MassResistance, claiming that gay activists want to introduce sadomasochism to grade school children. Dwyer also recorded an anti-gay robocall for NOM.

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Today's Lie From Fox News

Source.

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HAWAII: NOM Launches Anti-Gay Marriage Campaign, Pretends To Be Hawaiian

Oh brother. Watch this and be amazed as the entirely Catholic NOM plays Hawaiian music, talks about "our people," and uses the Hawaiian word for children, "keiki."

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Sociology Group Files Amicus Brief Against Marriage Bans In Nevada & Hawaii

From their website:
The American Sociological Association (ASA) filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today supporting efforts to overturn gay marriage bans in Nevada and Hawaii and highlighting the overwhelming body of social science research that confirms “children fare just as well” when same-sex or heterosexual parents raise them. The Ninth Circuit is scheduled to hear lawsuits challenging the bans in the coming months.

“The supporters of gay marriage bans in these cases offer no facts to support the contention that Nevada and Hawaii possess an important or rational basis for their respective state laws against marriage for same-sex couples,” said ASA Executive Officer Sally T. Hillsman. The amicus brief is part of the ASA’s ongoing effort to ensure that U.S. courts considering lawsuits to legalize gay marriage understand that social science research shows parents’ sexual orientation has no bearing on their children’s well-being.
They go on to slam Mark Regnerus.
“The Regnerus papers and other sources gay marriage opponents often rely on provide no basis for their arguments because this research does not directly examine the well-being of children raised by same-sex parents,” Hillsman said. “These analyses therefore do not undermine the consensus from the social science research and do not establish a legitimate basis for gay marriage bans in Nevada, Hawaii, or anywhere else.”
Suh-NAP.

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Major Quake Strikes Near Fukushima

Story developing...

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SOHN - Lessons

His last single, The Wheel, made my top ten for 2012.

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Sarah Palin To CNN's Piers Morgan:
Sorry I Can't Be On Your Show, But I'm Busy Shooting Bears In The Head

From her Facebook page: "Oh dear Piers, thank you so much for all your invitations to appear on your shambolic show, including the adoring message you sent. But is it still any wonder why I've politely responded that I'm too busy doing, um, er... pretty much anything to accept the invite? (At least I didn't tell you to 'get stuffed'.) And to all our British friends: we ask, what did your friends across the pond ever do to you to deserve your Piers?"
OK, who was it that taught Caribou Barbie the word "shambolic"?

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Frothy Mix: Satan Runs The Film Industry

"This is a tough business, this is something that we’re stepping out, and the Devil for a long, long time has had this, these screens, for his playground and he isn’t going to give it up easily. And so I ask for your prayers for me, for our company, for TBN, for everybody involved in The Christmas Candle. And I just want to thank you in advance for your help in making this a successful venture going forward." - Christian studio head Rick Santorum, promoting his latest movie.

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NEW ORLEANS: Scam Artist Busted After Bilking Gay Businesses And Charities

There's so much to this bizarre story that I hardly know which bits to excerpt. Here's a starter:
He frequented French Quarter gay bars and claimed to be a tycoon with an investment firm headquartered in Switzerland. He would introduce himself to the city, he promised, with a grand, glittering party he called “Indulge,” scheduled for the night of Oct. 24 at the Eiffel Society on St. Charles Avenue. There would be red carpets and seductive costumes; photographers and bottle service. VIP tickets went on sale for $125. People took note of the mysterious out-of-towner, with opulent plans and a backstory that seemed too good to be true, with his age and his origins obscured by thick makeup and plastic surgery. Some found him alluring. Others thought him absurd. But they got tickets in droves to his masquerade ball — until his past caught up with him, just in time for the gala. His real name is Michael Manos. In New Orleans, he went by his 15th alias: Michael Morgan. The media, years ago, dubbed him “the glam scammer.”
The entire story is really fascinating. (Tipped by JMG reader Chris) 

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Headline Of The Day

Sample comment on Free Republic: "And the last argument that the ‘slippery slope’ theory was wrong just collapsed." Details.

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Coach Dave: Fighting Against Anti-Gay Bullying Is Anti-Christian Bullying

In his full clip, Daubenmire complains about his clips being edited out of context to "make me look like an idiot." He's doubtlessly referring to Right Wing Watch, who often posts excerpts from his YouTube channel.

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Baylor Replaces "Homosexual Acts" With "Deviate Sexual" In Student Conduct Code

In 2011, Baylor University, a private Baptist school in Texas, offered a course titled Homosexuality As A Gateway Drug.  And now there's this.
The Student Senate passed the Sexual Misconduct Code Non-Discrimination Act, a proposal to reword Baylor’s Sexual Misconduct Code, in the Student Senate meeting Thursday. The act proposed to remove the phrase “homosexual acts” from the code and replace it with the phrase “non-marital consensual deviate sexual intercourse.” The most recent version of the Sexual Misconduct Code was established on Jan. 15, 2007. It reads, “In all disciplinary procedures, Baylor University will seek to be redemptive in the lives of the individuals involved and to witness to the high moral standards of the Christian faith. Baylor will be guided by the understanding that sexuality is a gift from the creator God and that the purposes of this gift include (1) the procreation of human life and (2) the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in self-giving love. These purposed are to be achieved through heterosexual relationships within marriage. Missuses of God’s gift will be understood to include but not limit to, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, incest, adultery, fornication, and homosexual acts.”
Gay-friendly students at the school are spinning this change as an advance, since the code no longer explicitly condemns homosexual acts.
Sophomore Jailyn Parnell said the proposal does not claim students or Baylor agrees with the homosexual lifestyle. “It is not saying that Baylor is OK with homosexuality, or that students will all of a sudden be more welcoming,” Parnell said. “It is saying that we are not going to pinpoint homosexuals. It is saying that homosexual acts are wrong but heterosexual acts committed outside of marriage are also wrong. It is making it more equal.” San Antonio senior Grant Senter said rewording the phrase “homosexual acts” will make homosexuals on campus feel more loved by the Baylor community.
Do you feel more loved?

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Banksy Stripped From NYC Titty Bar

After costumed strippers posed with Banksy's latest installation, a metal-cutting torch was used to strip the image from the garage door of Larry Flynt's Huster Club in Manhattan. Gothamist reports:
The piece, which went up early yesterday morning and drew crowds all day, seems destined for a framed place of honor inside the strip club. That's right, soon enough on 51st street you'll be able to slip singles into a g-string as you admire the craftsmanship of the world's most famous street artist. Plenty of Hustler's "entertainers" were keen to get a photo with the piece before its imminent removal, and at least four of them flaunted their magnificently manufactured breasts and smiles next to the tag. One stripper actually put her hands on the piece itself, immediately sparking a roar of condemnation from the crowd. "Lighten up," she snapped back. "It's gonna look like shit in a week."
Many more photos are at the link.

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VIDEO: At The Illinois Hate Rally

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KANSAS: Christian Couple Stiffs Gay Waiter, Leave Note Calling Him "Fag"

From WTVM in Kansas:
A 20-year-old waiter provided exemplary service at an Overland Park Italian restaurant, but his anti-gay customers refused to tip him because of his sexual orientation. As word has spread through social media, other customers are coming in to offer words of encouragement and tip the young server extra. The man works at the Carrabba's Italian Grill near 107th Street and Metcalf Avenue. His mother also works as a hostess and she was very upset by what was written on the back of the check earlier this week after he waited on a couple.

"Thank you for your service, it was excellent. That being said, we cannot in good conscience tip you, for your homosexual lifestyle is an affront to GOD. (Homosexual slur) do not share in the wealth of GOD, and you will not share in ours," the customer wrote. "We hope you will see the tip your (homosexual slur) choices made you lose out on, and plan accordingly. It is never too late for GOD's love, but none shall be spared for (homosexual slur). May GOD have mercy on you." The server and his mother declined to answer questions on camera, referring questions to restaurant management.
So they called him a "fag" in the same sentence in which they declared God's love for everybody. (Via Towleroad)

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FRC's Prayer Of The Day: Please Destroy Those That Embrace Gay Marriage

From the Family Research Council Prayer Team:
May God help the pastors and churches in New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois and New Mexico, to stand and do what only they can to withstand and stop the evil of "legalized" same-sex marriage. May God give them eyes to see that there can be no religious freedom in a society where homosexual license is honored above God and religious liberty. May they be given wisdom and strength to prevail over everything that God calls abomination, promising to destroy those who embrace it (Lev 18:22; 20:13; Eze 3:17-21; Mt 19:4-6; Gal 5:1; Eph 5:31-31).
A little late for New Jersey, eh? Missed it by thismuch, Jesus.

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Simon's Cat - Scary Legs

I'm addicted to Simon's Cat.

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Google Auto-Complete

Inspired by a similar campaign about women's rights, the United Nation's human rights office has launched an ad campaign which notes the most common suggestions when Google searches are made on LGBT-related topics. More results are at the link.

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City Of Night Turns 50

John Rechy's landmark novel, City Of Night, was published 50 years ago this week.  From the Los Angeles Times:
The book is a landmark not only of gay literature -- it tells the story of a street hustler as he moves through the shadow world of the 1950s -- but also of American literature. “City of Night” was not the first overtly gay-themed book (Radclyffe Hall’s “The Well of Loneliness” appeared in 1928, and in 1956, Allen Ginsberg published his long poem “Howl,” followed, three years later, by William S. Burroughs with “Naked Lunch”) but it may be the most unapologetic, a searing screed of life on the edge. “Later I would think of America as one vast City of Night,” Rechy writes in the novel’s opening sentence, “stretching gaudily from Times Square to Hollywood Boulevard -- jukebox-winking, rock-n-roll-moaning: America at night fusing its darkcities into the unmistakable shape of loneliness.”
Years ago I mentioned here that City Of Night remains my favorite novel of all time. Since I first read it decades ago in college, I've gifted it to friends dozens of times. (I still hate the ending.) You might also enjoy Rechy's Numbers and The Sexual Outlaw.

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CROATIA: Parliament Approves Public Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Croatia's parliament has approved a public referendum on a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.  The vote will take place on December 1st. Via Buzzfeed:
The commission voted 10-3 to hold a referendum on whether to constitutionally define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Croatia currently has minimal partnership protections in the form of “cohabitation agreements.” The decision comes at an awkward moment for the Balkan country. Croatia officially joined the European Union on July 1, and its LGBTI rights record came under close scrutiny in the lead-up. It was required to adopt a law banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation as a condition of EU membership.
Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Uzra Zeya reacted: "As a matter of policy, the U.S. government does not advocate for or against same-sex marriage in other countries." The public vote, which is being sponsored by a group called In the Name of the Family, is not binding on the Croatian parliament, who has the power to veto the amendment.

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Tired Old Queen at the Movies #120

Clip recap:
THE BLUE DAHLIA (1946) In their third noir together, the romantic team of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake unravel a murder mystery in George Marshall's "The Blue Dahlia" (1946). Raymond Chandler's only original screenplay is set in LA near the end of the war. Ladd plays a returning veteran, with a faithless wife, who's murdered, leaving him to try and beat the rap. Helping Ladd along the way is Veronica Lake who is short, sultry and wise. He also get's sterling support from William Bendix, as a buddy suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, Howard De Silva as a sleazy nightclub owner and gorgeous Doris Dowling as his trampy, murdered spouse. The action is fast, the atmosphere murky, the dialogue snappy and the ending a surprise. "The Blue Dahlia" is quintessential film noir to brighten the dark days of Autumn.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Cindy Jacobs: My 6 Year-Old Son Prayed Away The Assassination Of Reagan


PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Cindy Jacobs prays away her own tumor. God tells Cindy Jacobs that he's going to punish America for gay marriage. Cindy Jacobs prays away a terrorist sleeper cell. Cindy Jacobs prays away mental illness (but only in others). Cindy Jacobs prays away a car crash that would have killed David Barton. Cindy Jacobs' daughter prays away a tornado. Cindy Jacobs prays away the global recession. God sends Cindy Jacobs magical spaghetti.  Cindy Jacobs prays away Hurricane Sandy. (It totally didn't hit Nebraska.) Cindy Jacobs reveals that God killed thousands of birds because of the repeal of DADT.

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Newspaper Correction Of The Day

Here's the guy that the WaPo called "thickset."

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Mark Regnerus Is In Hawaii

At the invitation of GOP state reps, discredited anti-gay researcher Mark Regnerus will testify before the Hawaii House Information Briefing Panel today. The panel is meeting to plan for Monday's special legislative session. I'll try to find video afterwards. (Tipped by JMG reader Str8 Grandmother)

UPDATE: The hearing was actually yesterday. I missed the date buried at the bottom of the page.

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Beefcake Fire Island Fashion Show

Not safe if you've got nosy neighbors in the next cube.

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Freep This Wisconsin Poll

The haters are trying to repeal Wisconsin's domestic partners registry because it's "too close to marriage." The state Supreme Court heard opening arguments in the case yesterday.
Attorney Austin Nimocks, representing a group of citizens that challenged the law, told the justices the domestic partner registry follows the blueprint of marriage. Nimocks said the registry has restrictions on how old someone must be to enter into a domestic partner relationship and how closely related they are, while also prohibiting them from entering into another domestic partner relationship or a marriage. "This case is not about benefits," Nimocks said. "This case is rather about chapter 770 mimicking marriage's blueprint in the Wisconsin code, a blueprint which does not rise or fall on the extension of any particular benefit." During Wednesday's oral arguments, Justice Michael Gableman pressed both attorneys on the language supporters of the anti-gay marriage amendment used during the legislative debate and the run up to the 2006 referendum.
Nimocks works for the pedophile-friendly anti-gay group, the Alliance Defense Fund. Go freep today's poll in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Try the main page on the lower right. (Tipped by JMG reader Jim)

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Optimism For New Mexico Marriage

Via the Sante Fe New Mexican:
“I think the die was cast before we came in here,” State Sen. Bill Sharer, R-Farmington, told a reporter during a break at the hearing. Sharer is part of a group of current and former Republican lawmakers who have filed lawsuits trying to stop county clerks around the state from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. But, he added, “whatever happens here [in the Supreme Court] won’t be the last word. It’s not over until the people have spoken.”

Santa Fe couple Rose Griego and Kim Kiel — who are plaintiffs in the case before the high court Wednesday — both expressed optimism after the hearing. “I’m super excited,” Griego said. “It’s historic, and I’m so happy that this is going to help a lot of people.” Kiel agreed. “I feel really good that the outcome will be positive.” Griego and Kiel got married in Santa Fe in August after a judge ordered County Clerk Geraldine Salazar to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

During the hearing, Supreme Court justices questioned lawyers on both sides on points of law. Arizona attorney James Campbell, who represented the GOP legislators, seemed to get peppered with the most questions. At one point, Justice Richard Bosson asked Campbell point blank, “Why shouldn’t you be able to marry who you choose?” Campbell argued that the government has a compelling interest in marriage because it encourages “procreative relationships.” Bosson countered that in state marriage laws, “there’s not word one about encouraging procreation.”
RELATED: Campbell works for the anti-gay Alliance Defending Freedom. Earlier this year another ADF attorney was found guilty on eight felony counts of producing child pornography. Starring her daughter.  She was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

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NOM: It's A Hawaii Emergency! Again!

"This past Monday, NOM launched a major statewide television advertisement campaign designed to educate and mobilize marriage supporters throughout the islands. We're also phoning tens of thousands of marriage supporters in Hawaii to urge them to contact their state representatives. We've had to virtually empty our coffers to take these steps, but we are determined to do everything possible to prevail. It's called leadership. And it's working. Thousands of constituents have contacted their legislators to demand the right to decide the marriage issue, just as voters in nearly three dozen other states have done. Will we be successful in Hawaii, one of the most Democratic states in the country? We'll see. But one thing is for sure — surrender always fails. So that's the contrast. In New Jersey, the courts attempt to impose their skewed views of marriage and a governor surrenders the fight, even while claiming to still be on our side. His surrender eliminates any chance of prevailing. But in states like Illinois, Pennsylvania and Hawaii, people of principle exert leadership, refusing to buckle to political pressure — and achieve remarkable success. We believe in leadership, and we believe in you. Please help us continue to fight for what is good and right — the truth of God's design of marriage." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, from today's money beg.

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Golden Showers For Christian Missionary

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Facebook Graphic Of The Day

Source.

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At Yesterday's Illinois Hate Rally

Porno Pete was among the speakers at yesterday's hate rally in the Illinois capitol, which was staged by the SPLC-certified hate group, the Illinois Family Institute. Also speaking yesterday was "ex-gay" nutter Linda Jernigan, who you may recall recently declared that all gay people are drunks and drugs addicts because that's the only way we could possibly endure all that disgusting sodomy. Hit the first link for many more sickeningly fascinating photos by Kate Sosin at the Windy City Times.

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LIVE VIDEO: House Holds Investigative Hearing Into Obamacare Website Fiasco

On the firing line are the administrators and executives of the companies paid hundreds of millions of dollars to create and operate the site. Click below for the live video.

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Australian PM Tony Abbott To Glower From Audience At Lesbian Sister's Wedding

From Australia's Daily Telegraph:
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he will "do the right thing" and attend his gay sister's wedding but could never support the marriage. And his sister Christine Forster's engagement to partner Virginia Edwards will not dim his Government's fight against the country's first same-sex marriage laws in the ACT. "If there's a ceremony of some kind, yes, I will be there with a present," the Prime Minister told 3AW of his sister's upcoming nuptials. "I'll do the right thing." But while wishing the couple well, he revealed he saw no way he could ever change his mind and support same-sex marriage. "I am a traditionalist on this," he said. "From time immemorial in every culture that's been known, marriage, or that kind of solemnised relationship, has been between a man and a woman."
Abbott's administration is challenging the marriage equality bill which passed last week in the Australian Capital Territory, their version of Washington DC.

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Saturday In Jersey City

From the Newark Star-Ledger:
Wrapping up a historical week for same-sex couples in New Jersey, Jersey City's Pint Bar will be hosting a "Big Gay Wedding Reception" on Saturday at 5 p.m. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop conducted eight marriages at 12:01 a.m. and other couples have been married across the county Monday, the first day that same-sex couples could legally wed in the state. The reception, co-hosted by Gayborhood, which bills itself as Jersey City's largest non-political gay social group, will extend the celebration at 34 Wayne St. Anyone who has been married, will be married or simply supports marriage equality is invited to attend. Pint owner Wolf Sterling said the bar has a long history of supporting the gay community by hosting and sponsoring events.
I'll be there since about half of my social circle has fled Manhattan for Jersey City over the last few years. Pint's owner is a former Sister of Perpetual Indulgence!

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A New Jersey Love Story

Celebration from Lambda Legal.

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The Greatest Album Of All Time?

According to Britain's New Music Express, The Smith's 1986 album, The Queen Is Dead, is the greatest of all time.
In his number one best-selling book Autobiography, Morrissey attacks the NME and accuses the influential magazine of conspiring to "get" him. But it seems that any grudge once held by the alternative music publication's staff has long since passed, as they've named The Smiths' 1986 album The Queen Is Dead as the greatest in history. In the pages of its latest issue, which contains a full rundown of "The 500 greatest albums of all time", the NME claimed that the record is just as relevant today as it was 27 years ago. "There's a perverse national pride to be gleaned from the knowledge that Britain was just as broken in 1986 as it is in 2013," it said. "No album is made in a vacuum, but The Queen Is Dead is one of the select few that seems to transcend its influences and synthesise them into something singular and new." The album beat The Beatles' Revolver, which came second, and third-placed Hunky Dory by David Bowie.
The Queen Is Dead would be somewhere in my own top twenty as it contains four of my five favorite Smiths tracks. The NME's full list of 500 is here, but annoyingly you have to click through each one. Their methodology is here.

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Kathleen Kane Vs Daryl Metcalfe

"The citizens of this great Commonwealth should be revolted that a politician such as Rep. Metcalfe is attempting to thwart an independent Attorney General from doing her job by using such a measure. I have never been afraid of or backed down from bullies. In fact, bullies strengthen my resolve to protect those who need it the most – the people of Pennsylvania. I will never be deterred by selfish rants of those who want Pennsylvania to belong to the few. We thrive on the principles of government for the people, by the people. I will continue to be the Attorney General you elected me to be." - Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who is the target of an impeachment campaign by crackpot state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe because she refused to defend the state against a marriage lawsuit.

RELATED: After the DOMA ruling in June, Metcalfe used a parliamentary procedure to thwart openly gay state Rep. Brian Sims from speaking about the win on the chamber floor. Metcalfe has introduced constitutional bans on same-sex marriage for the last three years.

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Boy George - This Is What I Do

Boy George today posted his coming album, This Is What I Do, in full on YouTube.  The album opens with the truly lovely first single, King Of Everything.

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McAuliffe Leads By Seven In New VA Poll

Via the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Democrat Terry McAuliffe leads Republican Ken Cuccinelli 46 percent to 39 percent among likely Virginia voters while 10 percent back third-party candidate Robert C. Sarvis, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, less than two weeks before the election. Though 47 percent of the voters say the federal government shutdown hurt the defense-heavy state “a great deal,” the poll’s analysis indicates that it did not appear to affect the governor’s race. McAuliffe leads 92 percent to 3 percent among Democrats, with 2 percent for Sarvis, while Cuccinelli leads 81 percent to 6 percent among Republicans, with 11 percent for Sarvis, according to Wednesday’s poll. Independent voters split 39-39 percent, with 14 percent for Sarvis.
Right wing sites continue to bemoan the spoiler role being played by Libertarian candidate Sarvis. Without Sarvis in the race, Cuccinelli would likely be leading.

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Tweet Of The Day - Patrick Stewart

For those unaware, those statues are part of George Segal's Gay Liberation monument in Christopher Park, which is in Sheridan Square in the West Village. Stewart had a scene with the statues in the 1995 movie, Jeffrey.

(Via Towleroad)

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Open Thread Thursday

Will you be dressing up for Halloween this year? Also tell us about your favorite costumes from years past.

RELATED: NYC's famed Village Halloween Parade (above) will be back this year, in part thanks to a generous donation from the grand marshal Kelly Ripa. The event nearly went under after being canceled last year due to Frankenstorm Sandy. Organizers reportedly expect 50,000 participants, two million attendees, and a worldwide television audience in the tens of millions.

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PETA: Attack Of The Pigeons

Please don't shoo away disgusting, disease-carrying flying rats just because they shit all over everything. You wouldn't like it if they did that to you.

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HomoQuotable - Thomas Roberts

"I consulted with the [Human Rights Campaign] and with GLAAD. I wanted to find out their take on what they thought about this decision by me. They are two organizations that I have done a great deal of work with and that have not only had my personal support but professional support. So a lot of counsel, a lot of advice, went into this. Certainly great LGBT activists, who are mentors of mine — I reached out to them as well. So, I am a little dismayed at some of the reaction that people have had, that have wanted to try to attack my personal and professional belief for what I'm standing up for, but I respect their right to do that. But I wish they would have a little more faith in me." - MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, speaking to the Advocate about the reaction to the news that he will host Miss Universe in Moscow.

Read the full interview.

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UC Pepper Spray Cop Awarded $38K

John Pike, the former University of California Davis cop who earned worldwide infamy for casually pepper-spraying peaceful seated protesters, has been awarded $38,000 for the mental anguish he "suffered" after the incident.
The claim "resolves all claims of psychiatric injury specific or due to continuous trauma from applicant's employment at UC Davis." The incident that resulted in the $38,055 settlement happened Nov. 18, 2011, on the UC Davis quad during a demonstration opposing tuition increases. On the widely circulated video, Pike is seen dousing protesters for about 15 seconds with orange pepper spray. Pike was suspended with pay afterward. According to a database of state worker salaries, he earned $119,067 in 2011, the last year for which figures are available. More than 17,000 angry or threatening e-mails, 10,000 text messages and hundreds of letters were sent to Pike after the video went viral, according to the police union. Pike repeatedly changed his phone number and e-mail address and lived in various locations. He left the campus police force in July 2012.
Pike's payout is more than that paid to each of his dozens of victims.

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Anti-Gay? Liberty Counsel Has Your Back!

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Perkins Continues Lies About ENDA

"If it passed, wedding photographers, cake makers, and bed and breakfast owners wouldn't be the only ones punished for disagreeing with same-sex 'marriage' or homosexuality. Every business owner, regardless of their personal or moral beliefs, would be forced to make employment decisions solely on the basis of a person's sexual preferences. What employees do in their bedrooms would suddenly become the most important consideration in their boss's hiring, firing, or promotion decisions. Although Democrats call it an anti-discrimination measure, ENDA actually encourages discrimination -- against men and women who oppose cross-dressing or blatant homosexuality on the job. If anyone needs workplace protections these days, it's Bible-believing Christians. Under ENDA, their nightmares will only intensify." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via email.

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One Million Moms Vs Dracula

Via email from One Million Moms:
Dear Joe, Warning! NBC's "Dracula" season premiere is set to air this Friday, October 25 at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT with a TV-14 rating. The gory series will air on weekends when children and teens potentially stay up later. As another program to warp the minds of our youth, it will likely give children nightmares. NBC website describes the series with words like sex, style, mystery and adventure. The preview included several brief clips of sex scenes - one including a woman in lingerie with her dress hiked up and legs spread with Dracula between them. This program is entirely too graphic in too many ways. Previews of this program also included: terrifying screams, a rotted corpse, death, murder, woman burned alive while tied to a stake, spirits, satanic elements, tons of blood (mostly on Dracula's face and victim's necks) and other gore.
Part of their complaint campaign: "Inform NBC that you will no longer watch the network at all in order to avoid seeing the graphic previews for this dark show. Let NBC know also that you are prepared to join thousands of other voices in urging advertisers to place it on their 'do not advertise' list, consider pulling all ads from the NBC network in protest."

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

REPORT: Obamacare Sign Up Deadline To Be Delayed By Up To Six Weeks

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Paging Bill Donohue

"This sinfully funny costume includes classic black priest robe with attached collar and jock strap with inflatable prosthetic, giving a new meaning to 'please rise.'"

UPDATE: And right on cue, Bill Donohue.
The priest costume shows the clergyman in black cassock with an erection. The nun costume shows her in full habit and pregnant. Anyone who wants to buy a costume with a rabbi or imam sporting an erection is out of luck—there are none available. There are also no vulgar Jewish or Muslim women costumes available. Just ones for nuns. The most prominent store selling the offensive priest and nun costumes is Spirit Halloween; they have stores throughout the nation and have a big online following. The store even says of the priest-with-an-erection garb, “Pair this mens [sic] costume with the Pregnant Nun for some really twisted fun.” Contact the illiterates at: GuestServices@spirithalloween.com

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GERMANY: Pope Francis Expels Bishop Over Opulent $43M Residence Complex

I told you about this guy two weeks ago. Now he's been expelled by Pope Francis.
The Vatican stressed that Francis took the decision based on "objective" information, suggesting that the Vatican wasn't being swayed by the popular outcry. Francis has also made it clear he expects his bishops to live simply, setting as an example his own humble lifestyle. Tebartz-van Elst met with Francis on Monday. Germany's main lay Catholic group, the Central Committee of German Catholics, praised the decision. "Pope Francis' decision offers the chance of a first step toward a new beginning in the Limburg diocese, because the situation had become an increasing burden for the faithful there and in all of Germany," said Alois Glueck, the group's head. The German government refused to comment on the matter. Franz-Josef Bode, bishop of Osnabrueck, said the pope had made a "smart" decision which gives all concerned time to review the situation calmly. But in comments to the German newspaper Die Welt, he cast doubt on Tebartz-van Elst ever returning to Limburg. "There is a fundamental crisis of confidence in Limburg. The situation there is a mess," Bode was quoted as saying.
Der Spiegel reported on the mansion:
The complex boasts dedicated rooms for reliquaries, a sauna, a fireplace, a wine cellar, gemstone detailing, statues of holy figures and a heatable roof that can protect the bishop's private chapel from snow and ice. The magnificent estate can only be seen from outside from a nearby balcony. But the woman with access to the balcony seems intimidated when asked about it. Certain "gentlemen," she says, have strictly forbidden her to allow interested visitors access to the balcony.
(Tipped by JMG reader Paul)

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HAWAII: After Next Week's Legislative Session, Marriages Could Begin Nov. 18th

Via the Associated Press:
Hawaii could begin issuing licenses and performing ceremonies for gay couples on Nov. 18 if a bill passes during special session next week. A Senate draft of the bill to be considered starting Monday says couples would be able to obtain licenses and be married the same day. The draft posted Tuesday presents gay marriage as an equal rights issue, rather than a marriage issue. It changes sections in state law relating to marriage, marriage benefits and divorce. The Legislature has begun accepting testimony on the bill, which will be introduced Monday and immediately referred to the Judiciary Committee.
The special session comes at the order of Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

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Press Release Of The Day

From the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau:
It’s not the size of the city that matters, with Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Wilton Manors beating worldwide competition to be named “Gayborhood of the Year” in the 2013 ManAboutWorld Editors’ Choice Awards. At the same time, the destination was recently cited to be the city with the highest concentration of same-sex couple households by the U.S. Census, edging out traditional frontrunner San Francisco and recent newcomer Seattle.  In the beating heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the vibrant community of Wilton Manors, known as “Island City” due to the winding waterways that flow through the city, was praised by ManAboutWorld as a “triumph over assimilation.” Wilton Manors continues to evolve and features the largest Pride Center and a soon to open World Aids Museum and Educational Center, the only museum dedicated to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
"Triumph over assimilation." That's an...interesting way to put it. The press release goes to list a couple of dozen gay bars and restaurants in Wilton Manors.

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Quote Of The Day - Sheldon Adelson

"You pick up your cell phone and you call somewhere in Nebraska and you say, ‘OK let it go.’ So there’s an atomic weapon, goes over, ballistic missiles, the middle of the desert, that doesn’t hurt a soul. Maybe a couple of rattlesnakes, and scorpions, or whatever. And then you say, ‘See! The next one is in the middle of Tehran.'" - Billionaire GOP money man Sheldon Adelson, explaining his diplomacy strategy for Iran to Yeshiva University students.

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