News 9/15/10

(Mr. T. and Nancy Reagan share a tender moment at the White House.

God I miss the 80's.)

• Christine O'Donnell who opposes gays and masturbation defeated Mike Castle in the Delaware GOP Senate primary. National Republican Senatorial Committee not interested in funding her general election fight against Democrat Chris Coons.

• Someone else who hates gays and masturbation, Pappa Ratzi XVI, visits the UK amid great annoyance over his international pedophilia ring. Via the Telegraph UK: “Saying sorry is easy, offensive and inadequate, what he needs to do is make amends.” 

• Senator Reid schedules vote on Defense Authorization Bill, assures everyone he doesn't take his marching orders from Lady Gaga.

• Billy Lucas's tragic suicide provides backdrop for discussion of how pervasive and destructive anti-gay bullying remains in schools.

• Sam Roberts over at the New York Times talks about increasing acceptance of gay families in American society. Inexplicably, Roberts quotes totally discredited, incompetent hatenozzle, David Blankenhorn.

News 9/14/10

("Good Penguin! Mommy's got a herring for you."

I grabbed this photo over at FFFFOUND! a great place to hunt for weird things. Check it out.)

• "Dude, you have no Koran." Amarillo skateboarder dude saves the Holy Koran from burning.

• Acting Governor of California does not file an appeal in the Prop 8 case as deadline passes.

• American hiker released from Iranian jail.

• Primary races in a bunch of places today.

• Castro set to fire half of all Cuban government employees and make the private sector less restrictive.

• US Federal Government takes incremental step towards extending some benefits to gay federal employees. This is a good thing and I'm very glad to see it. However, this represents only a fraction of the rights heterosexual families enjoy.

• Harry Reid schedules Senate vote on Defense Authorization Bill which contains language allowing consideration of possible repeal of DADT "some day." (Via Joe My God)

News 9/13/10

(Is my lipstick even?)

• Lady Gaga does some DADT related fierce advocacy at the MTV Music awards, wins eight of fifteen categories. Imagine what the President could do if he used his spotlight to highlight injustice? (Via Joe My God.)

• Meanwhile, ABC News wonders "if" DADT should be repealed, cites Obama's duty to defend existing law rather than his duty to defend the Constitution.

• NBC News Online has a summary sketch of upcoming races and primaries, including an interesting warning to Delaware Republican Mike Castle. The Tea Party is out for his blood.

• Bishop of Antwerp does not announce a new investigation into massive child sex abuse by priests. Belgian government taking the matter seriously, much to the chagrin of Pope Asshole XVI.

• Also, Pope Asshole XVI has gone out of his way to condemn equality for gays ahead of his visit to the UK. The man who enables pedophiles on a massive scale is simply furious that marriage rights for gays "cause confusion" about society's values. Wow. What an asshole.

• Gay Florida Governor Charlie Crist changes his tune on Gay rights. Now he supports ENDA, DADT repeal, UAFA, Civil Unions. He's still a scuzzy little closet case. (Via AmericaBlog Gay)

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 9/10/10

(Earl Warren. Nice robe and nice ruling on that "separate but equal" thing.)

• Federal Judge rules Don't Ask Don't Tell unconstitutional violation of the rights of gay and lesbian service members. Obama's justice department continues to defend this disgusting and inexcusable stain on the ideals of equality and human dignity.

• GetEqual plans protest for Speaker Pelosi's appearance at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. Nancy won't do anything about ENDA until Don't Ask Don't Tell is taken care of, which leaves the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Uniting American Families Act and repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act way off on some future agenda that we all need to sit around and wait patiently for.

• Candace Chellew Hodge over at Religion Dispatches criticizes recently-out, phobe-for-pay Ken Mehlman who suggested that gays should share the republican value of hating Muslims. Right on Candace. Kenny may not be a professional homophobe any more, but it looks like hate for a living is a hard habit to break. As I said back when Kenny first came out: "No thanks."

• The Holy Month of Ramadan is coming to an end as that idiot pastor from Florida decides not to stage a mass burning of the Holy Q'uran. Unfortunately the hatewads from Westboro Baptist Church have offered to leap in and burn a big stack sacred books, just to make sure that the fires of hatred and anger stay stoked. It's what Jesus would have wanted.

News 9/09/10

(An Orangutan laughing. Photo by Malene Thyssen.)

Regarding the Pacific Justice Institute's attempt to force CA state officials to appeal judge Walker's decision overturning Prop 8:

• The California Supreme Court asked the Governator and AG to explain their positions in the matter:

• California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to California Supreme Court: "Nothing in the California constitution...imposes a mandatory duty...to appeal decisions of any court, let alone a federal court."

• California Attorney General Jerry Brown to California Supreme Court: "I am not a potted plant." Brown went on to explain that part of his oath of office is to defend the US Constitution and that his refusal to defend an unconstitutional law honors that oath. (Are you listening President Obama?)

• The California Supremes have refused to order Schwarzy and Brownie to defend Prop 8.

Suck on that Pacific Justice Institute.

•  GetEqual to protest Nancy Pelosi's refusal to schedule a vote on the Employment Non Discrimination Act. What are the Democrats waiting for?

• ...And it looks like we might be out of luck on passing the Defense Authorization Bill which includes the Don't Ask Don't Tell "compromise."

News 7/25/10

(Today in breakfast: The Ulster Fry)

• Harry Reid and Dan Choi share a manhug onstage at the Netroots Nation conference in Vegas. Reid promised recently discharged Choi that DADT repeal will pass. Unless we'd rather have ENDA.

• (Via Towleroad) All forward motion on gay rights depends on how well the Democrats do in the mid--terms.  How uneasy I feel.

• That's enough news for this morning. What are you having for breakfast? Bloody Marys, mimosas? Eggs, waffles, fruit? Something porky?  It's Sunday and the world still rolls merrily along.

News 7/23/10

(Your daily nerd: John Glenn. PS Nerds Rule!)

• Dan Choi fired from military under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. You remember DADT, Bill Clinton's wonderful legislative compromise/victory for gay rights?

• Environmental protection effort defeated because the Democrats only have a 59 seat majority. If only the Democrats had real power, they could do what they promised.

• President calls Shirley Sherrod on the phone, which is just like an apology so now, everyone's happy.

• Westboro Baptist church counter protested by Comic-Con nerds bearing signs explaining "Superman loves Fags," and "God hates Jedi." (Via JoeMyGod)

News 7/19/10

 (Today for no good reason: Dancing Cowboys of unknown origin.)

• Tea Party Express guy turns out to be a racist dimwit. National Tea Party representative "correctly identifies" racist "satire" as "clearly offensive."

• John Marcotte cleared to gather signatures for his California ballot measure banning divorce. I am really excited for all those "sanctity of marriage" folks to throw their support behind his noble efforts.

• BP's victory over leaking well may be in jeopardy. Something to do with seepage.

• Don't Ask, Don't Tell announced 17 years ago today. Thanks a lot Bill Clinton! Oh yeah, and for DOMA too! Towleroad has posted some original TV coverage.

News 7/13/10

(Today in tight-fitting: Actress Bianca Lyons shows of the new (1902) corset. My two cents: Curvy women rule!)

• BP testing new, tighter-fitting cap on their disastrously gushing oil well.

• US law guy vows to continue pursuit of Roman Polanski.

• Log Cabin Republicans sue the government over Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

• To receive breaking news on Judge Walker's imminent Prop 8 ruling, send a text message to 69866 with the single word "equal." The American Foundation for Equal Rights will send you a text as soon as Walker rules. (Hat tip to Dr. Snickerdoodle.)

• Inappropriately named "National Organization for Marriage" crapping its drawers over DOMA loss in Massachusetts. Maggie Gallagher searching for work at Burger King.

News 7/11/10

("I just had to wear a tight uniform and make eyes at Anne Francis. I was pretty thin back then," said Leslie Nielson of his role in the 1956 technicolor, cinemascope, sci-fi goodie Forbidden Planet. ...and don't call me Shirley!)

• The Federal suit fighting Arizona's new law against brown people who don't talk good English is based on the fact that states have no jurisdiction over immigration. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder chatted about that and other vital things on telly yesterday.

• "Yer fired." CNN cans senior middle east editor after she tweets praise for one of the founders of Hezbollah.

• Opposition lobs a few (figurative) hand grenades at Elena Kagan as her confirmation vote looms.

• Why didn't they just ask: "How do you feel about c*cksucking soldiers sharing your dorm?" SLDN reacts strongly to DADT troop survey seemingly designed to "stoke the fires of homophobia."

• I guess we'll have to get those "other mice" to make Cinderella's dress. Scientists create lesbian mice for some reason. (Hat tip to Dr. Snickerdoodle.)

• Super, happy birthday wishes to Schep, I mean Jim. Hug and a kiss for you - and don't call me Shirley!

News 7/08/10

(Today in hats: The Derby. Paul Strand's photograph is from 1916. Possibly my favorite kind of hat.)

• Arizona activists protest against that state's icky new law against brown people who don't talk good English. They want to forgive lawmakers and enforcers. Isn't that nice?

• In California, Barbara Boxer tied with Carly Fiorina in senate race.

• SLDN urging LGBTQs not to fill out survey regarding military's gay ban for fear of outing vulnerable service members.

• Federal Administrative Judge tells lesbian she's SOL regarding her discrimination suit. That's right everyone, it's still legal to harass and fire the queers.

• We seem to be having a heatwave here in Portland. What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

News 6/30/10

(Another nifty picture from God knows where.)

Wisconsin Supreme Court upholds gay marriage ban. This challenge, based on whether the ban effects two points of law simultaneously has been attempted before and has never worked.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court did not uphold the ban on equal protection or due process grounds.

Deep Cover Russian spy story begins to unravel in court. I smell a book deal and a movie. I'd say "made for TV" but, I don't know if people still do that sort of thing.

"Atta Girl!" In her Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, Elena Kagan comes out forcefully against Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Violent oppression of gay rights in Eastern Europe reminds us of the justness of the freedoms we seek.

Morning News 5/29/10

Dinner with Kevilu last night. Thai food. We talked about movies for hours. We both hated "Pulp Fiction" and we don't care who knows it.

SUPER FANTASTIC GOOD NEWS! Malawian President Mutharika pardons couple sentenced to 14 years hard labor for holding engagement ceremony.

Puppet Grief. Avenue Q marks the passing of Sir Gary Coleman.

"Yes. Maybe. Well... No." The success of BP's top kill effort now not so certain.

DADT: Still In Effect. Wapo informs us that Gates reassures everyone "current law, policies and regulations remain in place" as Pentagon continues review and input from military personnel is sought. GOP plans campaign against equality as we gear up to mid-terms.

Volcanoes Are Dangerous. Thousands flee erupting Volcanoes in Guatemala and Ecuador. This link will take you to a BBC News video, including footage of a reporter who was killed moments after filming a segment.

"Could You Turn The Music Down Dmitri?" Russian activists outwit Moscow police, stage gay rights protest after "cat-and-mouse" with cops.

(Photo of Pad Ki Mao by Eliot from Castro Valley, California.)

Morning News 5/28/10

The Krusty Brand Seal Of Approval: "It's Not Just Good, It's Good Enough!" DADT compromise passes Senate Armed Services Committee and House. Step in the right direction, but firings continue and the White House shows it is behind the curve on this matter.

"Torture" Is Such An Ugly Word. Zimbabwe gay rights activists freed after six days in police custody.

They're So Cute When They Do That. Recently outed California republican state senator may be turning into a human being.

What Should We Cram In There? Obama heads to Gulf as BP tries to halt gusher. There's a Facebook page where you can vote to plug the oil leak with BP executives. (Hat tip to Gorey Girl.)

(Miss Understood 3 by David Shankbone)

DADT Update

Multiple news services report that the Senate Armed Services Committee has voted to end the morally unacceptable, bigoted, crappy legislation known as Don't Ask Don't Tell.

We still have to wait for the house vote and for the Pentagon to delay everything by scratching its big, stupid, homophobic skull.

I am not clear on the details of the comprise hammered out over the last few days, and I'm not entirely happy with it, but this is an important step in the right direction.

Yay.

(Photo of pink champagne bubbles by Gaeten Lee.)

Morning News 5/26/10

(Achilles and Patroclus: Undermining military readiness, or a couple of bad-ass soldiers?)

Hey Democrats! Don't F This Up. WaPo favors the DADT compromise even though it's not ideal. NYT refers to "unnecessary hand-wringing and delay" over implementation. What the hell is there to "study" people? Should we study whether racial segregation is acceptable policy or not? Give me a minute, I'm "studying" it. I know these things "take time," but there is overwhelming public support to lift the ban and my people are being destroyed by this policy RIGHT NOW - TODAY.

Grrr...

"Young Gun" Loses. Raul Labrador beats Palin-endorsed Vaughn Ward in Idaho GOP upset.

"Thank You, You're All Fired." Rand Paul plans major staff shake-up in wake of his stupid, racist blurtings.

Duh. Study reveals wasting time online playing video games is a waste of time.  I wonder how much time they wasted studying that?

"Well, The Truth Is We're Lying." Huffpo has a nice summary of how the religious right systematically distorts research on LGBTQ's in order to justify their b*llshit.

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)

Afternoon News Update 5/18/10

Oy Vey! Teabagger defeats Republican in Kentucky.

Oy Gevalt! Family Values/Homophobe/Jackass Republican Rep. resigns 'cause he was diddling a staffer.

Ooh! Groovy space pix of Mt. St. Helens before, during and after the eruption.

Oh! Vote expected next week on DADT.

Oh? Prop 8 Judge Vaughn Walker enjoys a Martini in the Castro with a handsome companion.

(I don't know where these acrobats came from.)

Morning News 5/01/10

Happy May Day everyone!

Clean up your mess. Pressure mounts for BP to take a more active role in Gulf oil spill clean-up. Critics of the British company have suggested a lawsuit may be in the works.

Nah. Gates and Mullen make it clear in letter to congress that they don't want DADT repealed until after their sucky, BS, one-year study.

I'm getting kind of turned on. The NYT suggests that both the Democrats and the Republicans would be after Gay Florida Governor Charlie Crist's hot bod if he won the senate seat he covets.

We're so happy you're so happy, just as long as you stay happy... Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has great hopes for upcoming UK election.

(Picture of little girl with a skunk from Awkward Family Photos.)