Surprise! Scott Brown undecided on DADT

And now the fun begins. Usually being a senator from Massachusetts means that you are automatically in favor of things like repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." But if you're a Republican replacing Ted Kennedy, things aren't so cut and dry.

Senator-elect Scott Brown told Barbara Walters that he hasn't made up his mind yet. He's going to consult military leaders first! Way to go, Scottie!

Beyonce on the Grammy red carpet

Here is Beyonce in her arrival dress at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. She entered the evening with the most nominations -- 10. She won the first award of the live telecast for song of the year ("Single Ladies").

More later...

Lady Gaga on the Grammy red carpet

Here's a shot of Lady Gaga arriving for tonight's Grammy Awards. She is set to open the show with Elton John. More later...

Democrats under Scott Brown's spell

"Saturday Night Live" had a very funny segment last night poking fun at the hunky Scott Brown, the senator-elect from Massachusetts. And an added bonus: sexy Jon Hamm plays Brown. What's not to like about this?

DADT repeal process could take years

I was not overly thrilled when President Obama announced during his State of the Union address that he would be working to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year. My apathy is not because I don't favor a repeal, but rather I've grown so tired of the president's broken promises and glorified lip-service.

As commander-in-chief of the military, President Obama could end the implementation of DADT with an executive order. It would take just seconds for him to sign the order. Instead, the president has decided to drag his feet and "work with military leaders and Congress" to repeal the policy. The Associated Press reported today that this repeal process could take years. Years!

Why in hell would it take years to repeal a half-baked policy that was implemented in mere weeks in 1993?

Queer people have waited long enough to serve openly in the United States military. It's just plain unacceptable that any repeal process drag on for years.

Why won't the president show leadership and end DADT now? He's spineless. President Obama simply refuses to take any bold move based on principle, even when those bold moves would be popular; most Americans are now in favor of repealing DADT.

The time for smoke and mirrors has passed! The time for foot-dragging is over! Enough with the excuses! With a Democratic president, big Democratic majorities in the Congress and public support, there is simply no reason not to end DADT now. Not years from now. The president's lack of leadership on this issue is yet another disappointment.

The wonder of Johnny Weir

Figure skater Johnny Weir will be competing for the United States in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. He's been making headlines for his flamboyant costumes and personality. Salon has a great profile of him here. Check out this exhibition performance.

How can such a dull ad cause so much trouble?

Don't you just love a good publicity stunt that actually works? Gay dating site ManCrunch has to be loving all the free press and attention it's getting this week. Admit it! Had you ever heard of ManCrunch before this week? I sure as hell had not. But that all changed when the company submitted an ad to CBS and asked that it be run during the Superbowl on February 7.

This after that other controversial ad featuring Tim Tebow was accepted.

CBS says it is reviewing the ad, but warns that it currently has no more slots available for commericals. Though that itself is in dispute after a Pop Tarts ad was cleared after ManCrunch asked for a slot. Either way, ManCrunch wins because, as the old saying goes, "there is no such thing as bad publicity."

As is usually the case with blow-ups such as these, the drama surrounding the ad is actually better than the ad itself. See for yourself.

Watch ManCrunch Super Bowl Ad in Sexy | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

UPDATE 1/29/10: CBS has rejected the ad saying it does not meet the network's "broadcast standards for Superbowl Sunday."

A guilty pleasure returns to Logo

RuPaul's greatest invention, "RuPaul's Drag Race," is about to return to a television near you. It's like "Project Runway" and "America's Next Top Model" all rolled into one! Though drag queens never actually need an excuse to be bitchy, this competition really brings it out. The second season begins February 1 on Logo.

Watch Gay Video & Lesbian Movies

Obama mentions ending DADT...finally

During the campaign, Senator Obama talked a lot about repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." During his term, President Obama has been completely silent on the matter until now. In his State of the Union address, Obama vowed to work to end DADT this year. This is great news since the administration could have repealed DADT months ago. Could the endless foot-dragging actually be coming to an end? Let's hope.



UPDATE 1/28/10: The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on DADT next week. Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) says he does not believe that there are enough votes in the Senate to pass a repeal.

Yum

Well he's no Mark Whalberg, but he'll do for the moment. Daren Kagasoff, best known from "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," strips down to his Calvins for a spread in Vman Magazine.

Men are pigs...and gay men are piggy too

Joy Behar has been taking some lumps around the blogosphere today for comments she made this morning on "The View." She stumbled upon a topic that I have been thinking about recently. Watch this clip and then read my comments afterward.



Though she did not make her point as articulately as she could have and though she seems to generalize a lot, clearly Joy has a point.

Both straight and gay couples have open relationships. But most people would agree that gay male couples are more likely to have an open relationship. I've always thought of this concept simply as "men are pigs."

Men think about sex all the time and want sex all the time. For any number of reasons, men are more physical overall and definitely more expressive sexually. When two men come together, as in gay relationships, you have that dynamic times two. But when straight couples are involved, there is only one male involved in the dynamic. To Joy's point, women temper what would otherwise be an uber-sexual dynamic. As with anything else, this is how it works usually; it's not to say that all straight relationships work that way.

I believe that gay men are even more sexual than straight men. It's how we are wired. And we open up our relationships for any number of reasons...we don't believe in monogamy; he like threesomes; we like having new and exciting partners; boredom...the list goes on and on. But for every open gay relationship, there is a closed gay relationship that is rich and intimate.

It was wrong of Joy to leap to such grand assertions that our relationships are not as valuable as straight ones because we tend to be more open sexually. But her underlying point is well-taken, and most gay men know that's true.

Madonna's Hope for Haiti performance

Madonna performed her classic "Like A Prayer" during the "Hope for Haiti" telethon on Friday night. It has been widely reported that Madonna has also donated more than $250,000 to relief efforts.

(A quick aside: While Madonna was singing, I was literally at a fundraiser for Haiti relief here in D.C. How ironic? The event I attended raised more than $10,000.) You can donate here.

Here's the clip of Madonna's performance.

Congratulations Betty White!

Living legend Betty White was honored with the Life Achievement Award at last night's Screen Actors Guild Awards. She brought excitement and laughter to an otherwise dull ceremony. She also received two standing ovations. I love this woman.

Countdown to the Oscars: Bullock v. Streep

Based on the preliminary awards, there won't be many surprises in the acting categories at the upcoming Academy Awards. Jeff Bridges (lead actor), Mo'Nique (supporting actress) and Christoph Waltz (supporting actor) look like locks to pick up Oscars.

The one exception might be best actress. The race is on between Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side" and Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia." Though Bullock did win the Screen Actors Guild Award last night, she tied with Streep at the Film Critics Association Awards. And both won Golden Globes. Though Bullock has to be considered the favorite after winning the SAG, it's not definite. Just last year, Streep lost her Oscar after winning the SAG two weeks prior. (SAG wins are powerful because actors makeup the largest voting bloc of the Academy.)

Nominations for the 82nd annual Academy Awards will be announced February 2; the ceremony is March 7.

Jon Stewart calls out Olbermann

It's not every day that Keith Olbermann apologizes for his rants, so this is worth noting. For the record, Jon Stewart is totally on point.

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

A new ally...Cindy McCain!

In further proof that not all Republicans are evil, Cindy McCain, wife of Sen. John McCain, is featured in an ad supporting marriage equality. Welcome to the battlefield Mrs. McCain -- we're pleased to have your support. You rock! Full story.

Democratic Disaster

Republican Scott Brown (pictured) is now the senator-elect for the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Brown defeated state attorney general Martha Coakley, who many believes ran an awful campaign. He will replace liberal icon Edward M. Kennedy in the United States Senate. It is the first time since the 1970s that Massachusetts has elected a Republican to the Senate.

Brown's election is a clear repudiation of President Obama and the Democratic Party. Just 15 months ago, President Obama won Massachusetts by 26 points, yet he was unable to move his party to back Coakley during a campaign visit on Sunday.

Since President Obama's inauguration, the Republicans has taken over this seat and the governor's seat in New Jersey. They also won an open governor's seat in Virginia. All three states were won by Obama.

By any measure this represents a political disaster for the Democrats. Unless the party shapes up quickly, an implosion in November's midterms is likely.

Though Brown is a Republican, and he doesn't seem to be gay-friendly, there are two bright spots surrounding his victory. First off, the election of Scott Brown will make it more difficult for Democrats to pass that awful health care bill. It deserves to fail.

And secondly, I can only hope that Ted Kennedy is turning in his grave now that a Republican has won his seat. It's just desserts for he and his family turning their back's on the Clintons during the 2008 primary. At long last, karma has arrived...and I'm loving it!

Oh Jeremy

File this under small world.

Porn star Jay Armstrong is making news in the queer blogosphere because one of his college professors claims that his career in porn makes him unfit for a law degree. According to Armstrong, he is nearing the completion of work that would give him a second graduate degree in law. Get the dirty details here (NSFW).

Funny thing, I knew Armstrong by his real name -- Jeremy Williams. He and I were classmates at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. In fact, Jeremy and I lived near each other in the same dorm and ate meals together in the same crummy cafeteria!

Jeremy, who used to have an affinity for "straight" boys, always talked about getting into porn. It is refreshing to see that his dreams came true. Though not the smartest guy you will ever meet, Jeremy has a rocking body and a nice big cock. (He's known as a power bottom in the porn world.)

Having gone to UL, I can tell you that the school is public, but quite conservative. I was not surprised to find out that some professor would threaten a student with such petty things. But being from a small town and going to a small college, it's quite funny that I knew and socialized with a known porn star who is now crotch-deep in scandal. That's life.

Bill Clinton & George W. Bush join forces to help Haiti

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

Too many things, part VIII

Spike TV has a new show called "Blue Mountain State," a comedy about a sports team. It is THE MOST homoerotic show to hit cable since "Nip/Tuck." But don't take my word for it, just watch this promo for the new series. OMG.

Soccer balls & underwear

Soccer stud Cristiano Ronaldo's first few shots as the featured model for Armani underwear have been released. I think the pictures are overly brushed. Let's hope the next batch is better. Ronaldo was named a model for Armani last October.

Olsen & Boies talk to Maddow about Prop. 8 case

As Proposition 8 went on trial this week in California there has been lots of talk in the media about same-sex marriage. Openly-gay Rachel Maddow interviewed the lawyers arguing our case in this landmark legal battle.

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

The latest on Conan and Jay...courtesy of Dave!

Just in case you have not been paying attention, there is a huge fiasco going on over at NBC late night. David Letterman explains...

The Negro Dialect Sideshow

I called for Harry Reid's head months ago, so you can imagine my glee in watching his latest misfortune.

The ongoing debate about Reid's comments produced this hilarious side show today. Every few weeks the Rev. Al Sharpton and Ann Coulter go at each other on TV and their exchanges are always entertaining. (I've featured a few of them on this blog previously.)

Secretly I think Al and Ann are actually fond of each other when the cameras aren't rolling, but when on-camera, it's all about one-upping each other. Usually Al gets the best of her, but Ann clearly won this round. Too funny.

Joseph Ratzinger really hates us

The bitter old man known as Pope Benedict XVI is after the queers again. Because we pursue equality under the law, Joseph Ratzinger says that gays present "an attack" on humanity. According to pontiff, "freedom cannot be absolute."

Pope Benedict, 82, has apparently decided that the best way to represent God on Earth is to promote hate.

Just last year the pope tried to discourage people from using condoms as a means to prevent HIV. An now as opposed to preaching tolerance and hope, he appeals to the lowest denominator in people by validating their judgment and fear.

I don't expect the pope to agree with me on much, but I do expect him to bring us together and forge community among all people. This man is a joke. Thank God I'm not Catholic.

How convenient! Harold Ford now supports marriage equality

Amazing! Now that Harold Ford is considering a challenge to U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), he's suddenly come to the conclusion that he favors same-sex marriage.

Ford came out for marriage equality this morning during an interview on "Today."

Driven by Sen. Gillibrand's perceived weaknesses, Ford is threatening to challenge her in a Democratic primary this year. While Gillibrand has long been a champion of our rights, Ford only became one when he decided to run for the U.S. Senate in a deep-blue state. Harold Ford is pathetic.

Perry v. Schwarzenegger

For as long as I can remember, I've felt that the U.S. Supreme Court would eventually be forced to settle our nation's ongoing fight over same-sex marriage. True to form, the high court has sought to avoid taking any cases involving same-sex marriage, opting instead to let it remain a states' issue. However, that long-held position by the Supreme Court is no longer viable.

Beginning today, U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker will hear arguments in a federal trial challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8. Regardless of the outcome in this district trial, both sides agree that the decision will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which would then be forced to decide the issue of same-sex marriage once and for all. The case is Perry v. Schwarzenegger.

Based on the current make up of the Supreme Court, I believe the justices would side with us. I have no doubts that Justices Stevens, Ginsberg, Breyer and Sotomayor would side with us. I also feel confident that Justice Kennedy, always the kingmaker, would become the fifth and decisive vote for our side. It was Justice Kennedy who wrote the decision overturning Bowers v. Hardwick in Lawrence v. Texas.

It will be fascinating to watch this all play out. The long, final road to marriage equality begins today.

Pro-life Harold Ford threathening to challenge Sen. Gillibrand in NY

For reasons known only to him, former Democratic Congressman Harold Ford Jr. is considering a primary challenge to sitting Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Ford is hiring staffers even though Majority Leader Harry Reid is encouraging people to stay away from him.

Ford lost a U.S. Senate race in 2006 in Tennessee, while Gillibrand replaced Hillary Clinton when she was confirmed as secretary of state. Sen. Gillibrand had been representing upstate New York in the U.S. House of Representatives when she was appointed by Gov. David Paterson.

By all appearances Gillibrand has done a great job as a senator, but her average poll numbers have given potential opponents thoughts about challenging her. She has been excellent on our issues; she has been leading to charge to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the Senate.

By his own admission, Ford is a "moderate" Democrat, but truthfully speaking, he is quite conservative. There is little doubt that gay New Yorkers are better off being represented by Gillibrand than they would be by Ford. Women might be better off with Gillibrand too. Check out this ad released today by NARAL.

Sherri reads from 'Sex'

This is funny as hell. Sherri Shepherd reads from Madonna's infamous "Sex" book. Sherri and Madonna are among my favorite entertainers, which makes this clip extra special.

Recreating Flight 1549

It's been a year since the "Miracle on the Hudson," but a new online video shows exactly how US Air Flight 1549 made its crash landing in the Hudson River. You can also hear the communication between air traffic controllers and heroic Captain Charles "Sully" Sullenberger. Everybody survived. This is truly amazing.

Too many things, part VII

And to think, I've spent all that money on Fleet enemas!

Suspicious Joan

The living legend Joan Rivers (aka Joan Rosenberg) had a few issues at the airport in Costa Rica...she was denied boarding because of a mix-up as to who she was. Can you imagine how much of a scene Joan Rivers caused in this airport? Grab some popcorn and watch!

Obama stonewalling CSPAN over health care bill

CSPAN has asked the White House for permission to televise the upcoming negotiations of the health care reform bill, better known as the conference process between the House and Senate bills. CSPAN's chief executive, Brian Lamb, sent a letter to President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid asking for access.

The White House is stalling. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs claimed to not have seen the letter. Perhaps he doesn't read POLITICO, which is where I read the letter.

The president has acted shamefully throughout this entire health care fiasco. And now he is going back on his pledge to allow this process to be on television. But I would never ask you to take my word for it, let's hear it from the president's own mouth:

Banned!

Our favorite foul-mouth comedienne, Kathy Griffin, has been banned from CNN. While co-hosting a New Year's Eve special last week with silver fox Anderson Cooper, Griffin dropped the "f-bomb" on live TV. Of course this isn't surprising since Kathy did the exact same thing last New Year's Eve on CNN! The burning question is why in the hell the network brought her back? What do they say about doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result? Hmmm...



UPDATE 1/5/10: CNN is denying published reports that Griffin was banned from its air. The network issued a statement saying that no decisions have been made regarding next year's NYE show. This is quite strange. Are we left to believe that CNN has no problem with someone saying "fuck" year after year on live TV?

Time running out in New Jersey...

Though 2009 was a banner year for marriage equality, 2010 does not look to be off to the best of starts. The clock is ticking and time is running out to pass a marriage equality law in New Jersey.

Outgoing Governor Jon Corzine is in favor of same-sex marriage, but incoming governor, Republican Chris Christie (pictured), is against it. Christie says he will veto the bill if it is passed during his term.

This means the state legislature has until Jan. 19 to pass a bill while Corzine is still in office. But The New York Times is reporting that odds don't look good. The General Assembly Judiciary Committee met today but did not take up the marriage bill. The state Senate stalled on the bill two weeks ago.

Pro-marriage allies have not lost all hope; even today, they hosted a rally in New Jersey hoping to build momentum. But it looks as though this bill died when Corzine lost his re-election to fatty, uh, I mean, Christie.

UPDATE 1/5/10: The New Jersey Senate has scheduled a vote on the same-sex marriage bill for Thursday, Jan. 7.

photo op

One of the advantages of living in Washington is the rare occasion to visit some of the biggest sites in the world. My former roommate, who works for the government, was able to secure a tour of the West Wing for me and some friends this past weekend. Though tours of the White House East Wing are given to the public every day, West Wing tours are much more rare. And most of the stuff people actually would want to see (i.e. the Oval Office, Rose Garden, Cabinet Room, Press Room) are in and around the West Wing.

We were not allowed to take pictures in most of the West Wing, but we did snaps a few shots just outside a door on the north side. You can see the presidential seal above our heads. Pictures were also allowed in the press briefing room. The picture of me alone was taken as I took a seat in Helen Thomas' chair in the briefing room. Thomas, who currently works for Hearst Newspapers, has covered every president since JFK. And though all news organizations have their names on their chairs, Thomas is one of the few journalists with her name (not her organization) engraved on her chair in the briefing room. Her chair, earned through seniority and excellent reporting, is located in the center of the front row. You rock, Ms. Thomas!

Perfect timing from the Vanity Fair editors

Wow. Talk about stories that just keep on giving. Tiger Woods, the golf god who has been knee-deep in sexual scandal for weeks, appears shirtless on the cover of February's Vanity Fair. And even more photos appear inside the magazine.

The shots were taken before Tiger's sex life became common knowledge, but this won't help his ongoing image crisis. The last thing someone involved in a sex scandal needs is sexy photos of themselves plastered all over a glossy!

(A quick aside: It's not hard to see how all those women wanted to get poked by Tiger; the man is hot. And he has a cute butt too! Too bad I'm not some dense blond slut...Tiger seems to have an affinity for them.)

Read the article (and see the photos) over at VF.

So tastefully done...

ABC's "One Life To Live" this week became the first daytime soap opera to show a gay love scene. Though this scene is tame compared to some straight ones I've seen, it's historic nonetheless.