Senate committee to hold DOMA repeal vote in November

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont

From MetroWeekly: Today, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that his committee, which held a hearing on the Respect for Marriage Act earlier this year, will hold a mark-up session and vote on the bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act next month.

In a statement announcing the news, Leahy said, “The march for equality continues, and now is the time to ensure equality for gay and lesbian Americans who are lawfully married.”

Of his plans on the bill, he said, “Next month, I will call up the Respect for Marriage Act for debate and a vote in the Judiciary Committee. The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents thousands of American families from being protected by laws that help secure other American families. This is part of the nation’s continuing fight for civil rights for all Americans.”

Henry Cavill – the new Superman

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Shirtless images of Henry Cavill have arrived for his role as Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.

Cavill’s beard and the clothes he’s clutching certainly seem to match other recent photos. Judging from his tattered pants, it’s likely that Superman survived something that his clothes did not. Check out all the pictures for yourself!

Read more: Superman Goes Shirtless – ComingSoon.net

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It never ends

Sigh.

I’ll start with that.

42 years ago today my birth mother passed away. Of cancer. I never forget the date. Ever.

I refer to my birth mother because I was always aware of the fabulous women she sent to watch over me after she was gone. Truly I was blessed to have the women around me who make me who I am today.

I just heard from a friend that his friend is going into surgery within hours for her cancer.

As the child of a cancer victim, and as a cancer ‘thriver’ myself (two years past my own journey), sometimes it takes a long, heavy sigh to accomodate these moments.

On Facebook there’s a campaign called “I wish Cancer would get Cancer and die”. I couldn’t agree more.

The cancer journey is truly like a bad movie. It’s unreal, surreal, long and incredibly scary. It’s not a funny Seth Rogen movie that has a funny, happy ending.  It’s tough.  I won’t sugar coat it.

I was lucky. I know it every day.

But a lot of people have much more difficult roads to travel with this insidious thing.  I met them in the hospital, I watched their incredible courage.

My mother was one of those people. I was so young I don’t remember much about my birth mother except she fought hard. And was beautiful.

I like to joke I got one of those qualities from her. And it’s not my sexy looks.

While October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month, let’s think about all those who are fighting cancer. Period.

Let’s all think some good thoughts their way.

I’ll end this with my favorite picture I have of my parents.  My mother is gorgeously stylish, and my dad looks like the stud he was.  This was right before her battle began.  This is how I think of her.

Let’s all think of those fighting the good fight in those fabulous times before the fight.  They are still those same people.  They just have a little more on their plates.

I’m on their side. Every day.  I’m up for that. It’s the very least I can do.

No fear.

VIP experience to see screening of “A Few Best Men” starring Olivia Newton-John

Be among the first to see Australians in Film ambassador Olivia Newton-John’s new film A Few Best Men (from the director of Priscilla Queen of the Desert).

Australians in Film is holding an industry fundraising screening in Los Angeles Oct 24th, 2011.

15 VIP tickets to the screening will be the only tickets available to the general public. Olivia will host a champagne pre-reception, exclusively for the 15 VIP ticket holders.  A reception will also follow the film.

This unique experience includes:

*30 minute champagne reception before the screening with star of the film Olivia Newton-John. This reception is exclusive for the 15 VIP ticket holders.

*Signed exclusive 8×10 photo of Olivia and photo opportunity during VIP reception.

*VIP seating for the screening. Olivia and director Stephan Elliott will introduce the film.

*Reception following the screening.

Click here for more information about this “once in a lifetime” experience.

Grace and Gratitude Renewed – Olivia Newton-John

So it was a year ago this month that Olivia Newton-John released her fantastic CD “Grace and Gratitude Renewed” to critical acclaim. On top of everything else she’s done in her career – one of the longest recording charting artists in the history of Billboard Magazine – she debuted at #2 of the New Age Billboard chart which was a completely new chart for her music. And we’re talking a 40+ year music career. I honestly love this CD. As many Randy Report readers know, these songs accompanied me through my own personal cancer journey. The songs, on a daily basis, reminded me to love myself and to think in a broader global view. If you have not discovered this fantastic collection of songs, I invite you to hit the link and take a listen. Don’t let the “new age” label fool you. In a different day, many of these songs could have been radio hits. I hope you take a minute to explore. Whether it’s a peaceful Sunday morning, or quiet evening at home, these songs really help you to center, peace out and reflect. Click here to find more on Grace and Gratitude Renewed on Amazon.com

Randy Phillips wears his new t-shirt to the base gym

With the repeal of DADT, newly “out” airman Randy Phillips wears his “It Gets Better” Project t-shirt to work out at the base gym where he is stationed.

Randy became an internet sensation coming out to his father on video and posting the emotional moment on youtube.com the day DADT was repealed.