News 9/11/10

(For no good reason: Here's a Rhinoceros!)

• People react to Judge's ruling striking down Don't Ask Don't Tell. But not the President.

• The Democrats hold the House, the Senate and the Presidency and repeal of DADT is favored by at least 75% of the public, including a majority of Republicans; and we now have a federal judge ruling that the ban is unconstitutional. But the Dems aren't sure they can pass such "controversial" legislation.

• It's Saturday and a little cloudy in Portland. I need to buy a new pair of jeans today and maybe some shoes. I may even have time to bake some bittersweet chocolate brownies with walnuts. I think it's going to be a good day.

News 9/01/10

(AP Photo of Lisa Murkowski by Rob Stapleton.)

• President Obama urges Americans to shift focus from two disastrous wars we've inherited and focus instead on the disastrous economy we've inherited.

• After a brutal self-assessment, Tony Blair has decided that all of his decisions were correct and that he's an extremely smart, handsome guy.

• Julia Gillard makes deal with Australian Green party, forms ruling coalition. Reality of climate change now on the table. Marriage equality still "too controversial" to discuss.

• Oddly-named Pacific Justice Institute sues to force Governor, AG to defend Prop 8. I think it is slowly dawning on the "defenders of traditional marriage" that they're totally screwed. Also, they're a bunch of assholes.

• Texas appeals court rules that legally married gay couple cannot get a divorce in Texas in keeping with that state's long tradition of ignoring due process and equal protection. Congratulations Lone Star State!

• Lisa Murkowski concedes Alaskan GOP primary to Teabagger Joe Miller. Sarah Palin deeply amused.

News 8/31/10

(Sweet and suckable: Fabulous photo of hard candy by Adam Zivner.)

• Iraq is now a sovereign nation as US combat mission comes to an end. Sort of.

• Focus on the Family clings to their God-given right to bully and harass sexual minority youth in schools. What a bunch of dicks.

• The Tasmanian Parliament has joined the ever growing list of governments that recognize valid gay marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Ted Olsen, Dick Cheney, Ken Mehlman, Stacey McCain, Laura Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger and the American Bar Association: Who else is to the left of President Obama on this issue? HEY DEMOCRATS, ARE YOU EVEN PAYING ATTENTION?

News 8/30/10

(Allen Ginsberg and Peter Orlovski at the Frankfurt Airport in 1978. Photo by Herbert Rusche.)

• Gay Florida Governor Charlie Crist believes a "live and let live attitude" calls for the constitutional banning of gay marriage. This is what happens when closeted scumbags "speak from the heart" and seek power at any cost.

• indiemcemopants over at Firedoglake has written a marvelous open letter to President Obama, asking him to end his opposition to marriage equality. It's not just about money, but $$$ seems to get people's attention. Here's an example. Best case scenario: without access to social security, health care, employment protections & etc... being gay costs us an extra $41,196 over a life time. Worst case: $467,562. This according to the New York Times.

• A second day of eruptions for Mt. Sinabung sends 30,000 Indonesians fleeing. Sinabung hasn't blown its top since 1600.

• Hurricane Earl gaining strength as it ponders a visit to the US Eastern seaboard.

News 8/23/10

("What's so special about the cheese makers?"

"I can't hear a thing. C'mon, let's go to the stoning.")

• Richard Just, Executive Editor of the New Republic has written an excellent opinion piece about Obama's contradictory and disgraceful stance on Marriage Equality. He "is already leading on gay marriage; he is just leading in the wrong direction." (Via ABC News.)

• Archbishop Timothy Dolan wants you to know that some hate crimes make "God sad" while other hate crimes are just fine. (The Catholic Church is always good for a chuckle.)

• Protesters of Muslim community center: "Religious tolerance is all about tolerating the many different ways we have of worshiping Jesus Christ." Fear and hatred of Muslims is still a popular pass time.

• Australians try to figure out who will form new government. Financial markets wobble amidst uncertainty.

• Quarter of a million Chinese evacuated from area near border with North Korea as Yalu river swells past the friendly stage.

• Thirty-three Chilean miners trapped for seventeen days are alive and well. May be out by Christmas. (What are they doing to keep from going crazy down there?)

News 8/18/10

(Today in Fabulous: Eartha Kitt. "My smile is brilliant, my glance is tender. But I'm noted most for my unspoiled gender." Hat tip to Lil Larry.)

• Obama visits Ohio, explains why everything doesn't suck as bad as you think it does.

• FOX News donates big wad of cash to GOP Governors Assn. Dems annoyed for obvious reasons. (What the F did you expect from FOX News?)

• Richard Socarides has written a nice piece about Obama's contradictory stance on Marriage Equality. (Let me say one more time: I only vote for people who support full marriage equality. That includes you Mr. President.)

• In related news: Imperial County's appeal to intervene in the Prop8 case has been bundled in with everything else in the Ninth Circuit Appeal of Judge Walker's ruling. (At least I think it has. I'm not a lawyer, but that's what it looks like to me.)

• Hey Target! Up yours and the horse you rode in on. Cordially, The Queers.

News 8/01/10

(Today in orange turtlenecks and fabulous hair: Official White House portrait of Betty Ford. Thank you 1974, you've made my day.)

• Chelsea Clinton's marriage to Marc Mezvinsky recognized by Federal Government. That must be nice. Gown by Vera Wang.

• President Obama's accomplishments are "not bad," but he recognizes the country still has a long way to go.

• Things get hot on the International Space Station as astronauts attempt to fix their coolant system.

• You can still go to jail for being gay in 75 countries, survey reveals. A mere seven nations execute us. Isn't progress wonderful?

• Have you walked down the street holding hands with someone of the same sex today?

News 7/14/10

(Today in shoes: The Oxford. Photo courtesy of A Suitable Wardrobe.)

• God damned federal appeals panel strikes down f*cking FCC ban on foul language.

• Bristol Palin and Levi Johnson announce their plans to belly up to the hitchin' post.  Aren't straight people adorable?

• Ahead of mid - term elections, Democrats suggest Obama criticize the GOP, rather than "Washington culture," in light of grumpy public. (The Democrats ARE Washington culture you see.)

• Tea Partiers "traumatized" by NAACP condemnation of Tea Party racism and bigotry.

• Self - righteous, hate - filled gasbag indignant that due process and equal protection apply to gays. I won't link to Maggie Gallagher's whiny, scuzzy essay. If you really want to read the thing go to "Human Events" online and search under her name. You'll be sorry.

News 7/10/10

(Ladies and gentlemen, I offer you "The Waffle." photo by cipher.)

• Obama administration still deciding whether to appeal DOMA ruling. I would be surprised if they didn't appeal.

• Nutty Teabaggers have their knickers in a twist about the Massachusetts DOMA ruling. They support getting the federal government out of the marriage business, but Gay Marriage gives a lot of them the willies.

• BP Still puttering away at their environmental disaster thingy.

• President Obama makes it easier for veterans to file for Post Traumatic Stress assistance.

• Dr. John Sentamu thinks Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams's wishy-washy waffling on gay and women's rights is the neatest thing since sliced bread.

PS everyone: If you see weird, anti-gay advertisements on this blog, just remember: it would be a terrible thing if you clicked the link and freeped their polls.

PPS to Anita Bryant: Ha ha.

News 6/23/10

(Today in Sweet, sweet happiness: Alfred Eisenstaedt's famous photograph which originally appeared in Life Magazine. Is it wrong of me to love her sensible shoes?)

• General McChrystal (who's mouth is faster than his brain) meets his boss today about whether he's fired or not.

• Judicial watch informs us (via wapo) U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman, who halted the moratorium on offshore drilling, is heavily invested in the Gulf oil industry.

• Edith Shain (The nurse in Eisenstaedt's famous picture) has died in Los Angeles at age 91. BBC News quotes her description of VJ Day in New York: "And this guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other." Bon Voyage Edith...

• McDonald's "creepy and predatory" Happy Meals under attack by watchdog group. McDonald's vows to start selling "adorable cigarettes" to children instead. Just kidding.

• President Obama touts small but significant progress on gay rights at White House Reception. The Family Equality Council is grateful, but points out we still have a long way to go.

• Only three more days to go! You've all been wonderful. Go vote again for The Flaming Chef (Jason Zenobia). Not once, not twice, but once every 24 hours until and including the 25th. I owe you all a drink when this is over.

Check out some new features here at The Flaming Chef. Yes, over there in the side bar, near the top! Now you can check out all the RECIPES, and TRUE STORIES with a minimum of fuss. Isn't that handy? Special thanks to Maripoza (now I really owe you a tiara!).

News 6/17/10

(Adriaen Brouwer's 1631 painting: "Unpleasant Duties" Unangenehme Vaterpflichten.)

Today in laughable stupidity:


In closing arguments in the Prop 8 trial yesterday Mr. Cooper Esq. demanded that gay marriage be banned because it breaks the holy bond between "sex and diapers."


Tell that to David Vitter.


Do these people know how ridiculous they are?

The LA Times, and the SF Chronicle have some good summaries of closing arguments out this morning.


In other news:

• As we approach the 41st anniversary of the events that led to the start of the modern gay rights movement, the NYT reviews Kate Davis and David Heilbroner's new film "Stonewall Uprising." David Carter's book on Stonewall, upon which the film is based, was spectacular by the way. It made my pulse race and my blood boil and I consider it a must-read. Go to your local, independent bookstore and buy a copy today. Go now!

• Terrible: Flash floods in France kill at least 20.

• Following the President's Tuesday address to the nation, the White House tries to assert itself on climate bill. Is it just me, or is it that every time Obama speaks up, someone has to claim that the the President isn't backing away from his commitments?

• Go vote for The Flaming Chef (Jason Zenobia) over at Freedom to Marry's blog contest. Not once, not twice, but once every 24 hours until and including the 25th. (I've set my phone to ring at 1:35 every day to remind me.)

News 6/14/10

(Today in hair: George III. What, what?)

President Obama describes the transformative nature of the BP spill as "(shaping) how we think about the environment and energy for many years to come." Obama will address the nation on the evening of Tuesday the 15th as concerns continue about BP's dedication to paying for cleanup and damages.

Israel has decided: There will be an official inquiry into the Gaza Flotilla raid.

David Boies describes case against marriage equality as complete crap. (I'm paraphrasing, but that's the gist of it.) Closing arguments will proceed this Wednesday.

Orrin Hatch is a putz.

Jimmy Dean shuffles off this mortal coil at 81. "Taste that country goodness."

News 6/12/10

(Today in Hair: Snakes.)

President Obama urges lawmakers to approve spending which will avert cutting fees paid to doctors who treat medicare patients.

Flash floods in Arkansas kill at least 17 and leave dozens missing.


Judge Walker sets out a list of questions for Prop 8 closing arguments.

Against all scientific reason the ban on Gay blood will stand for now.

Icelandic parliament unanimously votes for Marriage Equality.

Morning News 6/08/10

(An ass.)

He Said "Ass"! (Via JoeMyGod) The President explained on CNN that he traveled to Florida long before the talking heads were paying attention to the spill, to determine "whose ass to kick." Gay Florida Governor Charlie Christ validates Obama's feelings.

Primaries In Several States Today. Republicans vying for California Governorship face a tough dynamic. Appeal to the GOP base in the primary by championing Arizona's anti-immigrant law; but then what to do about all those latino voters they need in the general election? Gosh darn it, bigotry is expensive. I'm talkin' to you, Mr. Poizner.

India Enraged. 24 years (wtf) after Bhopal an Indian court issues slap on the wrist to 8 Union Carbide Execs. Incandescent fury on the sub-continent.

Tension In Anglican Communion. Archbishop of Canterbury displeased with ordination of Mary Glasspool.

Morning News 6/05/10

 (Everyone loves a monkey astronaut.)

Tuscon Police officer Martin Escobar challenges Arizona's new law against brown people who don't talk good English. Escobar explains the law "seriously impede(s)" his ability to patrol Tuscon's gritty south side.

Israeli forces board the Rachel Corrie, bound for Gaza. This time it's a kinder, gentler boarding.

BP's well cap helps just a teeny bit as Obama  mobilzes 1,900 ships and 20,000 people to deal with the disaster.

Another celibate, self-hating Catholic bigot against marriage equality. This one is a celibate lesbian who makes the unsubstantiated claim: "...I really like being gay..." Excuse me NYT? but that claim is ridiculous. (Hat tip to Dr. Snickerdoodle.) (Oh, and Ms. Tushnet: screw you.)

"Homophobia is so gay." Mr. Blow, also at the NYT discusses changing attitudes towards gays. Seems we're not as icky as we used to be.

Morning News 5/31/10

(For no good reason, here's the 13th President of the United States: Millard Fillmore.)

"Be careful Mr. President. I think he's drunk." Netanyahu cancels visit with Obama after White House criticizes attack on Palestinian sympathizers.

Praise the Lord! Pakistan and Facebook are friends again. So much for Everybody Quit Facebook Day.

Steak! It's Memorial Day and we're having steak tonight. Tell me about your food plans for today. BBQ? Beer? Crunchy, salty snack foods? Talk to me...

Holy Hetero-Patriarchy! Batgirl has always been a kick-ass kinda gal. This Public Service Announcement is from the 1960's and it's simply dripping with Girl Power! And we're still fighting for equal pay:



(Originally uploaded to youtube by dreadscott33)

Morning News 5/25/10

See There, Now Nobody Is Happy. WH mad at BP mad at critics mad at BP mad at WH. Or something like that. ...and still the oil gushes into the gulf.

How Nice. Obama to meet with GOP for lunch today. The Washington Post quotes an Obama aid: "They'll be nice."

It's A Deal... Maybe. Language to hammer out DADT repeal might make it into defense spending bill.

Phew! More than half the People in American today consider me "morally acceptable." Only 42% want to throw me in jail. I wish I had an international coffee to celebrate this moment.

DOMA Challeng In Federal Court Tomorrow. Head over to JMG for coverage.

(Picture of two surprised (Dutch?) women by Stefan Doering)

Morning News 5/22/10

(Meatloaf, gratin potatoes and avocado/tomato salad for dinner last night. Dr. Snickerdoodle mixed some extra-strong cocktails, so The Flaming Chef is a bit hungover this morning. Keep it down will you?)

Happy Birthday Harvey! Milk would have been 80 years old today.


He handled Exxon Valdez so well, we thought we'd give him another shot. William Riley (among others) to investigate BP disaster.

Ronald Reagan is God. Phyllis Schlafly and Joseph McCarthy are merely demi-gods. Texas board votes to protect school children from reality.

He opens his mouth to switch feet. Rand Paul describes Obama Administration as "un-American."

Marc Acito Commemorates Eliza Doolittle Day on NPR. Head over there and give it a listen. Then sit down and compose a grammatically accurate sentence.

Evening News 5/13/10

Aaargh! Laura Bush is to the left of President Obama on Marriage Equality. I haven't been ragging on the Commander in Chief much lately, so let me just say I am getting increasingly pissed off.

Am not! George "Lift my Luggage" Rekers is still totally not gay.

"Cram it! Update: Aaron Sorkin comes to the defense of Newsweek by explaining that being a white, heterosexual male is a "blank slate" and anything else is a "distraction." Really, Mr. Sorkin?

God Save the Queen, ...a few pounds. New UK government cuts its own pay.

(Today's 19th Century whiskers are brought to you by Emperor Wilhelm II of Prussia. This photo is from Russell and Sons and was taken in 1890.)

(Confidential to Dr. Snickerdoodle: "Excuse me! Excuse me!)

Morning News 5/03/10

Rolling in her grave. Palm Beach Florida school board moves to protect queers.

Justice delayed. Further irritation at the Obama administration kicking the DADT can down the road.

How considerate. Conservatives promise to consider full gay marriage. (UK Conservatives, that is.)

Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Joe Mosca is fourth openly gay mayor in Los Angeles county. (It's practically Pasadena, people!)

"Absolutely." CEO promises BP will pay for Gulf clean-up.

(Weird picture of walking dead, bigot-for-a-living Anita Bryant from my archives. Not sure where I scooped up this gem.)