Category: Uncategorized

Posted on

Funny: Stephen Colbert Asks Paul Ryan About GOP Prez Nomination Over & Over Again

In his first ever Late Show appearance, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan shows a lighthearted side as he allowed himself to be questioned over and over again by host Stephen Colbert about the prospects of his accepting the Republican presidential nomination at a contested convention this summer.

“Yes or no—would you accept the nomination?” Colbert asked Ryan, who was sitting behind a massive desk and in front of an American flag, in a satellite feed from Washington.

“No, Stephen,” Ryan replied. “I have said I do not want, nor would I accept, the Republican nomination.”

“Got it,” Colbert said. “So—you’re considering the nomination?”

“No, I’m not.”

“OK. I’ll give you some time to mull this one over.” Long pause as Colbert licked the tip of his pen and pretended to scribble something. “How about now?”

“Still no.”

“So that’s a maybe?”

“No, it’s a no.”

“Like a ‘no no’? Or a ‘No, I don’t want to be speaker of the House, but I’ll accept it if you give it to me’ no?

“It’s a no no.”

“And two no nos make a yes?”

Posted on

New York Presidential Primary: Hillary Clinton & Donald Trump Win Big

According to the Associated Press, it is now mathematically impossible for Sen. Ted Cruz or Gov. John Kasich to get to 1,237 delegates before the Republican convention this summer. Their only path to the nomination is to block Donald Trump and force a contested convention.

Stay tuned.

Posted on

Poll: North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Takes A Hit After HB2

A new poll shows HB2, North Carolina’s anti-LGBT legislation, is definitely taking a toll on Gov. Pat McCrory’s reelection chances.

His challenger, Attorney General Roy Cooper, has gained even more ground since McCrory signed the legislation into law.

The new Elon University poll puts Cooper at a 6 point advantage – 48% to 42% – over McCrory.

Additionally, McCrory’s approval numbers – 37% approval to 49% disapproval – are at their lowest since Elon started polling.

Cooper’s approval digits look much better at 43% approval, 27% disapprove.

Posted on

Fourth Circuit Court Of Appeals Rules Title IX Protects Transgender People Against Discrimination

A 2-1 ruling from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the Department of Education’s interpretation of Title IX of the Education Amendments which bans sex discrimination.

The Obama administration has pushed for years that, under this existing law, transgender discrimination is sex discrimination, and thereby covered under Title IX.

Chris Geidner of Buzzfeed writes:

The Gloucester County School Board, however, passed a policy that restricts students to restrooms reflecting their “biological gender.” The transgender student who was targeted by the policy, Gavin Grimm, brought this lawsuit in federal court, seeking an injunction against enforcement of the board’s policy.

The appeals court had heard the arguments in January, and Tuesday’s ruling is the first such ruling on the Obama administration’s policy — which it also has advanced regarding the sex discrimination ban under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Among the states included in the 4th Circuit is North Carolina, which recently passed a law limiting restroom use in government facilities — including schools and universities — to that which corresponds with a person’s “biological sex.” The ACLU, which is backing Grimm’s suit, also has brought suit against the North Carolina law.

The appeals court first held that the language of regulations implementing Title IX were ambiguous as to transgender restroom use and then finding that the department’s interpretation of those regulations — allowing transgender students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity — was a legitimate interpretation.

“We conclude that the Department’s interpretation of its own regulation … as it relates to restroom access by transgender individuals, is entitled to … deference and is to be accorded controlling weight in this case,” Judge Henry Floyd wrote for the court.

The appeals court did not, however, grant the preliminary injunction Grimm is seeking, instead sending the case back to the district court to reconsider his request.

Did I mention that North Carolina is in the 4th Circuit? Did I mention that federal law trumps state laws?

UPDATE – North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory got the memo. Check his response below:

Posted on

Belinda Carlisle To Mississippi Governor: You Are Making Life Hell On Earth For Your LGBT Citizens

Belinda Carlisle stands up for LGBT Mississippians

Via press release: Pop star Belinda Carlisle, of “The GoGo’s” fame, is calling on Governor Phil Bryant to repeal the recently-passed HB 1523, which attacks lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Mississippians by permitting businesses, individuals, and social service agencies to freely discriminate based on personal religious beliefs.

Governor Bryant, I am scheduled to perform in your great state this Saturday, however given the very recent anti-LGBTQ attacks that your administration has leveled against some of your own citizens I very nearly cancelled my appearance. After discussion with various LGBTQ groups, however, I’ve decided to go forward with the show in order to say a few things to those who live in the Magnolia State — and I want to start off by addressing you directly.

As the very proud mother of a gay child I can’t imagine anything less Christian than using the law as a weapon against others. Because of my career as a performer and the privilege that has brought to our family, my son will be all right, but the pain you’re causing LGBTQ Mississippians is devastating, especially the transgender folks and LGBTQ people of color who will be most directly impacted by these attacks. Brave organizers like Kaylee — a black transgender Mississippian — and Brandiilyne — a lesbian pastor in Mississippi — are just two of the people who will be directly impacted by hateful bills like these. Their bravery in organizing against these attacks is stunning.

Nearly 30 years ago, I released a song titled “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” I was proud of the message of that song then and I continue to be proud of it today. Unfortunately, Governor Bryant, you and those around you are making life hell on earth for many Mississippians.

So I’ll go forward with my show on Saturday and I’ll use it as an opportunity to speak the truth about the bravery of people like Kaylee and Brandiilyne and so many others across your state who are resilient and loving and brave. Finally, it is my call, as a mother, that you bring a little bit of heaven to Mississippi by repealing HB1523. – Belinda Carlisle

(h/t JMG)

Posted on

Funny Truth: Weird Things Gay Couples Do – Public Vs. Private

Public – salad dressing on the side. Private – pepperoni pizza

Buzzfeed’s waaaay cute gay couple is back with their latest installment of “Weird Things Gay Couples Do.”

This time – what they do in public versus the private. As the clip description reads: “A gentleman in the streets who at home hogs the sheets.”

Hubby Michael and I are guilty of several of these LOL

Public: complicated cocktail. Private: Bottled beer versus canned
Posted on

Wrong & Strong: Ball Boy Face-Plants Into Stadium Wall At Barcelona Open

Tough day at the office for this ball boy at the Barcelona Open yesterday.

After catching two balls, he sped back to his position with a bit too much gusto, face-planting into the stadium wall.

In theater, I like to call this being “wrong and strong.” If you’re going to “oops,” do it with conviction.

Check the kid out, though. He smiles and shrugs it off like a pro.

Posted on

Michael Strahan To Leave “Live!” To Join “Good Morning America”

Michael Strahan has been drafted for full-time duties by the folks over at Good Morning America, after a four year run at Live! With Kelly and Michael.

Via Variety:

Strahan, who has become a near-ubiquitous TV presence with his stints as a commentator for Fox Sports’ football coverage, the host of a new kid-award franchise on Nickelodeon, and, in recent years, an energizing force on the Disney-syndicated morning program “Live! With Kelly and Michael,” will join ABC’s “Good Morning America” on a full-time basis starting in September, ABC said Tuesday morning. He will retain his duties as a football analyst for Fox.

“Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on ‘GMA,’ he’s proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop culture icons and newsmakers,” said James Goldston, president of ABC News, in a memo to staff sent this morning. “He will end a four year run as Kelly Ripa’s co-host on ‘Live!,’ where he has honed his skills as an interviewer with genuine warmth and a quick wit. At ‘GMA,’ he’ll now have even more opportunities to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower people.

Posted on

Audience To DWTS’ Nyle DiMarco: We Get To Love You

I continue my rare sojourn with Dancing with the Stars this season due to the gorgeous and uplifting Nyle DiMarco.

His Viennese Waltz, set to “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle, with his new partner for “switch-up” night, Sharna Burgess, was clearly the highlight of last night’s show.

From the judges:

Carrie Ann Inaba, who was brought to tears. “You take my breath away, and I’m not alone I can tell. At first I thought at the beginning of this competition you were at a disadvantage [because you’re deaf] but when I watch you perform I realize that you’re at an advantage because you’ve been telling stories with your whole body and communicating with your body your whole life. You were born to dance.”

Len Goodman: “That was like a total eclipse. It doesn’t turn up often, but when it does it’s fantastic.”

Serious kudos to Sharna for her emotionally charged choreography; plus, the stunning lighting and stage fog made for a heavenly visual.

Also in the audience last night was Tyra Banks, who’s show – America’s Next Top Model – discovered DiMarco.

Speaking to his relationship with the supermodel: “Tyra and I have a deep connection and I think we both know it. I think Tyra really saw me grow. I went into America’s Next Top Model and I was an amateur, I didn’t even know what modeling was. By the end when I won and now Tyra coming here to see me dance, I think, ’Wow! So much has changed for me!’”

There was an odd mix-up in the judges scores at the end of it all, but the point really is that Nyle is inspiring millions.