Category: Life

Posted on

Memorial Day 2021

A field of US flags in a military cemetery

A field of US flags in a military cemetery Taking a moment to remember why we celebrate this day as a nation. It’s not “National BBQ Day,” you know. Think of those we’ve lost who stood up for, and made possible, our freedoms and liberty here in the U.S. A few facts about Memorial Day: • Originally known as Decoration Day, the observance began in the years following the Civil War honoring those who fell during that conflict. • During World War I, the tradition expanded into a day of remembering all men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. • In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be held on the last Monday in May. The law went into effect in 1971. • Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. • Memorial Day typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. • Memorial Day has a different focus than Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who perished while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. • The average age of fallen U.S. soldiers is 26½. The New York Times reports that Arlington National Cemetery is running out of room and may need to consider new rules that may turn away eligible soldiers.

Posted on

Furry Goodness: Brians And Crop Tops And Bears – Oh My!

PA state Rep. Brian Sims and Bear

PA state Rep. Brian Sims and Bear
PA state Rep. Brian Sims and Bear (via Instagram)
What could be better for ‘Furry Friday’ than a bear in a crop top? Out Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims recently reversed his opinion about pets in clothes when he posted a pic on Instagram of his adorbs doggo Temper wearing a t-shirt from his campaign store. “I WAS WRONG: I recently expressed misgivings about pets in clothes, and I was wrong,” admitted bearded Brian. “Clearly Bears in crop tops are the Moment!” He added the hashtag #Sims4Pa along with a link to his online store as the 42-year-old lawmaker is running for Lieutenant Governor of the Keystone state. To be honest, both ‘bears’ in the photo are pretty cute. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPar-GKBglF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link I’ve been a fan of Sims for a long time because, basically, what’s not to like? He became the first out lawmaker elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012, and he’s been loud and proud about LGBTQ issues as well as the BLM movement and women’s equality. Plus, he’s not shy about expressing himself whether it’s regarding coronavirus recklessness by his colleagues, flipping the bird at former Vice President Mike Pence, or boldly discussing his use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Head over to his official campaign site for more info about Sims. And while you’re there check out his campaign merch where you can find Bear’s pink & white crop top or this ‘I Believe in Trans Excellence’ t-shirt: And then there’s Temper, who’s a regular feature (hashtag #BearAttack) on his Instagram. Here’s just a sample of the furry goodness. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xEj-QhIaJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B86ObNUBEkG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNN8LpBM_E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJhZqJhmQ9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAc38M1hSqc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B-KgRrLBxAE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CCGntSIhVoU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CLdFjDdhJ82/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CHleSTAhN7P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Posted on

The Randy Report Honored Among ’20 Best Entertainment Podcasts Of 2021′

Photo of a podcasting studio

The Randy Report podcast delivers the week's top stories in a quick, convenient podcast - 'the 60 Minutes of gay news - only shorter' I received a totally unexpected surprise in my email today informing me my podcast, The Randy Report, was named one of the 20 Best Entertainment Podcasts of 2021 by Welp Magazine. How cool is that??? Not only is it flattering for the podcast to be acknowledged, but The Randy Report was recognized alongside major podcasts in entertainment reporting including Entertainment Tonight! I mean…. seriously. I really, really appreciate the inclusion in the list more than I can say. The podcast began as an extension of this here blog thingy. During the early days of The Randy Report blog, I co-hosted an online radio show called The Candi & Randy Show. It was something I’d never thought about doing, but the host, Candi Fox, asked me to join her after I’d done an interview and it was a lot of fun. I eventually had to step away because my plate was getting waaaay full between blogging and writing for other outlets. But I missed the vocal part of sharing LGBTQ news. So a couple of years later, I launched the podcast. Photo of a podcasting studio If you are a regular listener, you may have noticed that, unlike most podcasts, I have no advertising on the show. I set out to offer a succinct LGBTQ news magazine that would be convenient to listeners, and I didn’t want the clutter of ads. Fortunately, I’ve been able to do that for more than 200 episodes. And every episode sees continued audience growth which really makes my gay heart leap up. While we’re on the topic, I’ll add I was very proud when Metrosource included me in its “15 LGBTQ Podcasts To Keep You In The Know.” That, too, was super-cool. Thanks to all of you listeners who join me for what I like to call “the 60 Minutes of gay news…only shorter.” If you don’t already, check out some episodes – a mix of celebrity interviews and weekly news round-ups – everywhere you get your podcasts including iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud and Spotify.

Posted on

Take The Plunge: Zac Efron & Brother Dylan Bungee Jump Shirtless

Zac Efron and brother Dylan bungee jump shirtless in Australia
Zac Efron and brother Dylan share their shirtless bungee jump in Australia
Zac Efron and brother Dylan share their shirtless bungee jump (screen captures)

The idea of bungee jumping has always seemed like both a supreme adrenaline rush and scary AF at the same time.

But what if taking that ride meant being in the middle of an Efron brothers sandwich?

Where do I sign up?

Zac Efron and equally hunky bro Dylan, currently down under in Australia, shared a couple of GoPro videos capturing their shirtless duo BJ (bungee jump) for Brothers Day, and its definitely worth the watching.

You may ask, “Why are they shirtless?” Answer: who cares?

As actress Jessica Alba says in the comments, “So many abs – so little time…” https://www.instagram.com/p/CPRBh9CJxb4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CPRFA5kB4cN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Posted on

A Prince Called Bear

Our youngest dachshund Bear

Our youngest dachshund Bear
Our little prince Bear when he was a pup
It was one year ago today that 16-year-old baby Bear, the youngest of our dachshund dynasty passed away. As he was born last of the three puppies (in Michael’s hands), we always thought of him as our little prince. But in his last seven months, being the lone dog of the house, he flourished and grew confident as the alpha of the house. Even on his last day, when the vets came into the house to assist with his crossing the rainbow bridge, he stood up and barked ferociously defending us from what he perceived as a threat. Our prince had become a knight. I couldn’t let the day go by without acknowledging how much we miss him, his dad and mom – Bruno and Sabrina, and siblings Tyler and Bandit. Since their passing, we have blessed with the amazing wonder beagle Snoopy. And now, mom and pup chihuahuas Scarlett and Brody. Please know I’m not sad – but happy that Bear and his brood happened to us. Boundless joy that stretched over two decades. Here’s one of my favorite videos of the Bear. #DogsRule https://www.instagram.com/p/CPOuBqNDJhU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I took this photo of Bear looking out the front door just days before his passing
Michael with Bear
Me with baby Bear getting some water during the puppy days
The dogs help Michael take a break from work
Me with all five doxies
Bruno being daddy with the puppies as Sabrina looks on

Posted on

Petr Hollesch, Dan Tai, Max Emerson & More – InstaHunk Round-Up

Petr Hollesch, Dan Tai, Chaun Williams, Max Emerson, Anthony Varrecchia and more are included in this weekend edition of InstaHunk Round-Up

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPOd-oRlJDp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Sharing some of my favorite eye-candy Instagram posts from the week including Petr Hollesch, Francesc Gascó, Max Emerson, and more. First up, Dan Tai (above) really misses walks on the beach. Continue reading “Petr Hollesch, Dan Tai, Max Emerson & More – InstaHunk Round-Up”

Posted on

Adult Performer Alex Riley Dead At 22

Alex Riley dead at 22
Alex Riley dead at 22
Alex Riley (image via Instagram)

Award-winning adult entertainment performer Alex Riley has reportedly died at the age of 22.

Riley was honored with the Best Newcomer trophy at the 2020 GayVN Awards as well as a Best Newcomer nomination at the 2020 Str8UpGayPorn Awards.

He worked exclusively for Helix Studios since 2019, but prior to that had appeared in scenes for NextDoor, FraternityX, Men and more.

No cause of death has been shared publicly.

His longtime boyfriend, Jacob Hansen, shared the news on Twitter this morning writing, “To all of Alex’s friends and fans…on Monday I got a phone call from Alex’s best friend that Alex passed away early Sunday Morning. Rest in peace babe you will always be part of me no matter where my life takes me.”

A statement released by Helix Studios read, “We are heartbroken over the loss of Alex Riley, one of the most vibrant and talented young performers we’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Please respect his family’s privacy during this devastatingly difficult time. We love you, rest in peace Alex.”

Riley’s last social media post was a tweet on May 7 where he extolled his love for his brother and mom.

“I just talked to my brother on the phone, I’ll do anything in the WORLD for him,” wrote the 22-year-old. “Whether I can or not, I’m doing it. Damn…y’all have brothers? I love mine more than I could literally love anyone besides my mom. Hell.”

Rest in peace Alex Riley.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJclvTwHTRg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CHEHycCn4WK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B80DN1THNe-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B7m85MaHNX-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Posted on

Mother’s Day 2021

L-R Bishop Carlye Hughes, me and Jackie Hughes
Regular readers of The Randy Report know there are a few posts that I share annually. I originally wrote this in 2015.

Happy Mother’s Day wishes to all those fabulous, wonderful mothers who teach and nurture us all. When I was young, people felt sad for me because my mother passed away at a young age.  But the universe had another (maybe better?) plan for me. Because so many women were sent my way to teach, support and love on me to bring me to here.  I think wisdom greater than mine knew it would all be more than ok. This Mother’s Day is my first without Jackie Hughes, who I called “Mother” for over 30 years. She passed last summer and nothing will ever be the same. But what she gave me, and shaped in me, lives on. I loved the smile in Mother’s voice. When she said my name it was musical and lilting. “Rannn-dy.” She made me feel like I belonged. She was the center of the Hughes family. And we all knew it.

Mother speaking at Carlye’s wedding reception after my toast
Memory:  Mother was an expert shopper. EXPERT. She knew how to befriend all the ladies at Neiman Marcus so they would hide items she wanted until they went on serious sale. Double markdowns. Triple markdowns. Then she’d buy. And hide the dresses in the back of the closet for months. When she’d finally wear them, Coach (Father Hughes is the winningest high school basketball coach in the history of the U.S.) might compliment her, asking if that was new. Mother would reply – in perfect ‘Texan’ – “This? I’ve had it for months. But, thank you.” Always followed by a warm, secret smile. I didn’t share Mother’s passing here on The Randy Report when it happened. I kept thinking I would, but I never felt any language worthy of Mother’s memory come to me. I did come across these two quotes that feel right. So, thank you to all the mothers out there – the women who make up more of us than we’ll ever understand. “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” — Maya Angelou “But there’s a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begin.” ― Mitch Albom, For One More Day

My birth mother, Joyce Ann Slovacek, back in 1958. You can see it, right…?