Author: Randy Slovacek

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A Day at the Beach – Claire’s Place Foundation & Joe Manganiello

Come Join Joe Manganiello and Chad Lowe for “A Day at the Beach with Claire’s Place Foundation” Featuring Jeff Blair Fitness

Plus Live Music and Lots of Fun for the Entire Family! Come enjoy some fun in the sun for a great cause:
* Scheduled Celebrity Appearances
* Lionheart Fitness Kids sporting activities for all ages from
10am to Noon
* You can enjoy a fun group workout with Jeff Blair Fitness for teens and adults at 10:30am
* Live Music by Adam Darling, Franchot Tone and Adam Topol

If you make a donation of $50.00 or more, Claire’s Place Foundation will send you a signed copy of Joe Manganiello on the cover of Muscle and Fitness Magazine!

Claire’s Place Foundation is a fully recognized 501c3 aimed at supporting families living with cystic fibrosis. Visit the website to learn more about specific programs and subscribe to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

Click here for event details.

Donate $50 and get an autographed copy of Muscle & Fitness with Joe on the cover
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Southern Poverty Law Center sues VA on behalf of female soldier

From the Southern Poverty Law Center: Tracey Cooper-Harris served her country for 12 years in the U.S. Army. She received more than two dozen medals and commendations. She was honorably discharged in 2003. In 2010, Cooper-Harris was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a disabling disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system. The Department of Veterans Affairs denied Cooper-Harris’ request for benefits for her partner, even though their same-sex marriage was recognized by California.

The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of Cooper-Harris and her partner, charging that the Department of Veterans Affairs discriminated against them by denying these benefits but granting them to spouses in heterosexual marriages. It also charges the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional because it bans federal agencies from recognizing such same-sex marriages, denying these couples benefits available to couples in heterosexual marriages

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Unemployment claims continue to drop

The general trend on initial unemployment claims over the last few months has been largely encouraging, though there have been setbacks. Last week, for example, was a step in the wrong direction.

This week’s report, however, was a little more heartening.

U.S. jobless claims dropped by 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 367,000 in the week ended Jan. 28, the Labor Department said Thursday. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had estimated claims would drop to 370,000.

When jobless claims fall below the 400,000 threshold, it’s considered evidence of an improving jobs landscape. When the number drops below 370,000, it suggests jobs are actually being created rather quickly.

And with that, here’s the chart, showing weekly, initial unemployment claims going back to the beginning of 2007. The higher the number, the more jobs being lost.

For anyone who thinks the stimulus package had no effect – as Repubs like to claim – the arrow shows the point at which President Obama’s Recovery Act began spending money.

I see unemployment claims going down once President Obama’s policies went into effect, how about you?

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Marriage equality passes in Washington state senate 28-21

Tonight, Wednesday February 1, 2012, marriage equality passed in Washington state’s Senate by a vote of 28-21.  Three more votes than necessary.

The bill goes to the House where it is expected to pass.

Gov. Gregoire introduced the bill and has made clear she will sign it when it comes to her desk.

Lacey All, Chair of Washington United for Marriage, said in a statement, “We thank Majority Leader Brown, Sen. Murray and the bipartisan coalition of senators who stood with us today in the name of equality. The overwhelming support we’re seeing from businesses, labor, faith communities and people all across the state is a testament to the momentum of this movement and sensibilities of Washingtonians. Volunteers from every part of the state have contributed thousands of hours of their time to make today possible, and we thank them for their commitment to this issue.”

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Amazon.com supports marriage equality

My personal favorite place to shop – Amazon.com – has issued a statement of support for marriage equality in Washington state:

“Amazon is joining other Pacific Northwest companies, including Microsoft, Starbucks and Nike, in support of Washington state’s marriage equality bills,” Amazon said in a statement released by spokeswoman Mary Osako. “The spirit of these bills is consistent with our longstanding employment practices.”

Six other prominent Washington state based companies – Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Microsoft, Nike, RealNetworks, and Vulcan – have come out in favor of the pending legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.

The Washington state senate may vote on the legislation tonight.

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Letters to my brother – from Tyler Clementi’s older brother

Tyler (left) and James Clementi / Photo courtesy James Clementi

James Clementi – Tyler Clementi’s older brother – has shared with OUT.com a series of letters he wrote after Tyler committed suicide last year. The letters are touching and heartfelt and beautiful. They are James’ attempt to reclaims his memory from the headlines and pays tribute to his abbreviated life.

Here’s just an excerpt:

Pipsqueak – You were one noisy kid. I remember walking inside and the most beautiful sounds of Tchaikovsky and Mozart would waft through every room. And I hated it.

Remember how I used to bang on your door and scream at you to stop being so loud? It was so unfair that I had to listen to your noise all the time — why couldn’t you just pick up a quieter hobby!? I would refuse to attend your recitals and concerts because I had to listen to you play all the damn time at home. Wow, do I regret that.

It is so quiet now. You were really talented; it was a gift. I’m not sure I ever told you that… maybe you didn’t care. It’s not like you needed my validation; I know nothing about classical music and you knew you were the shit when it came to that damn violin. I just feel really bad for not telling you how awesome you are, how much I respect your skills and dedication. I regret not listening to every note with open ears, not going to more concerts. Fuck you for making me feel bad; it’s not fair that you did that to me. But I would tell you now if I could, I really miss the noise!

I really recommend you read them. Tyler’s early death became a catalyst for today’s anti-bullying campaigns. The letters remind us Tyler was real, human and most importantly – gone too soon.