Streaming giant Netflix released the official trailer for the upcoming sixth and final season of its hit political drama, House of Cards.
As I’ve already reported, we know Kevin Spacey’s “Frank Underwood” is killed off in the new season.
In this new trailer, we get a sense of how Robin Wright’s “Claire Underwood,” who became the first female president of the United States at the end of last season, will handle those around her.
“I’m not going to be told what to do anymore,” she tells one former ally, “not by you or any man.”
Oscar-nominees Diane Lane & Greg Kinnear will play “Annette & Bill Shepherd,” siblings who are apparently behind-the-scenes power players in Washington politics.
Its hard to tell if Lane is Claire’s new ally or foe. At one point, she shares with Claire that she slept with now-dead Frank Underwood years before.
They say timing is everything, so you’ll note the streaming service plans to drop the entire final season on November 2, just four days before the midterm elections.
Emrhys Cooper directs and stars in the short film, Trophy Boy, set for release later this month.
The film also features Gerald McCullouch of the Bear City movie trilogy and the award-winning web series, Hustling.
In the film, Cooper plays ‘James,’ who after living as a social media ‘celebrity’ finds out the hard way what real life is like. The official synopsis:
TROPHY BOY is your classic “riches-to-rags” story. It depicts the downward spiral of James – a spoiled, influencer and narcissist, who, based on his social media accounts, appears to have it all.
But, just before his 30th birthday, his much older boyfriend, on whom he was financially dependent, breaks up with him. James now must face reality with no work experience and no idea where to start.
With his sex-addicted best buddy by his side, James takes a crash course in living and sets out to prove that he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.
He ultimately ends up alienating himself further from reality and comes face-to-face with the bitter fact that if he doesn’t learn to live as an adult in the real world, he’ll never be more than a washed-up, unwanted accessory.
Critics have raved about the classic riches-to-rags story about a young social media “influencer” and self-proclaimed ‘trophy boy’ who gets dumped by his wealthy, older boyfriend/benefactor.
“With impeccable dialogue delivery, amazing body language and performance, he (Cooper) consumes the screen every time he faces the camera…The climax is a pure masterpiece in terms of both, acting and story. The dark, haunting depth attained in performance and narration makes ‘Trophy Boy’ worth a watch!”” – Indie Shorts Mag, September 14, 2018
Anthony Johnston, Emrhys Cooper, Gerald McCullouch
After making the rounds on the film festival circuit (Cannes Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, California Independent Film Festival), the 13-minute short is scheduled to have screenings and a premiere event in New York City this month.
The short will be available on Vimeo on October 22. Watch the teaser below.
Out singer/songwriter Tom Goss is one of the most popular artists of the modern indie gay recording landscape, and for good reason.
Since his 2009 debut album, Back To Love, Goss has developed a loyal fan base who have come to know him through his wide-ranging, intimately-personal songs and music videos.
From the serious tenor of his acclaimed cover of the Dusty Springfield classic, “Son of a Preacher Man,” to his fun-filled, rollicking romp in “Bears,” Goss has consistently given fans music they can relate to that presents a diverse view of the queer community.
For example, the aforementioned “Bears” music video came out of a desire to share his appreciation for plus-size men.
Goss admits that he didn’t really have much of a sex drive until, at the age of 22, he discovered his attraction for big, beefy bears.
That revelation ultimately led to his 2010 marriage to husband, Mike Briggs.
A post shared by Tom Goss (@tomgossmusic) on Aug 30, 2018 at 8:54am PDT
Released in 2013, the “Bears” music video is an upbeat fantasy romp for Goss that’s earned him a ‘big’ following in the bear community.
But it seems Goss didn’t quite get his message out as articulately as he thought.
“Even after ‘Bears,’ people would constantly ask me if I really had a thing for large men,” says Goss. “I used to get annoyed by the question, but then I started to reflect on it and I came to the conclusion that I hadn’t done an adequate job of describing what is so intoxicating to me about men of size.”
“For this one, I wanted to write something that was more specific and mature,” he explains. “I wanted to be direct, honest and graphic; to really convey the shape, the allure, the seduction of big men.”
The result is Goss’ new music video, “Round in All the Right Places,” released October 12.
The song, written with a nod to the style of 60s doo-wop, is the first single from his upcoming 2019 album, Territories.
(Photo: Nathaniël Siri)
Directed and co-produced by Goss, with additional production and cinematography by Nathaniël Siri, the video for “Round in All the Right Places” features a several friends plus some men he approached online.
“I couldn’t be happier with the visuals, and the beautiful men behind the visuals,” Tom shares. “Yes, I absolutely objectify the men, but I’m careful to do it in a way that is respectful, artistic and focused on that which makes them beautiful and unique.”
“Too often in media, large men are painted as villains or buffoons; the butt of a joke,” says the guitar-toting troubadour. “The goal here was to uplift and empower men of size and embrace their beauty.”
And, for Goss, that body-positive message isn’t limited to just plus-sized men. “Everyone should see the beauty in themselves and love every inch of their bodies.”
Watch “Round in All the Right Places” below and find more info about Goss & his music at his official website here.
In June this year, First Lady Melania Trump’s communications director, Stephanie Grisham, told CNN about the now-infamous “I Really Don’t Care” jacket:
“It’s a jacket. There was no hidden message. After today’s important visit to Texas, I hope the media isn’t going to choose to focus on her wardrobe.”
In an interview tonight, Melania Trump contradicted her own comm director telling Tom Llamas of ABC News she wore the jacket, “For the people and for the left-wing media who are criticizing me. And I want to show them that I don’t care.”
Guess which celebrity promised Neil Patrick Harris they would have sex with him?
Neil Patrick Harris stopped by The View earlier this week to chat on his kids’ upcoming birthdays, National Coming Out Day, and more.
The segment began with Harris sharing pics of his kids and hubby David celebrating Halloween for years with a family-theme when it comes to costume play.
The chat turned to his twins, Harper and Gideon, becoming more and more individual in what they want when it comes to their upcoming 8th birthdays like separate parties.
Smiling at the end of the table, host Whoopi Goldberg said, “I remember you at that age.”
At this point, Harris reminded folks that he made his feature film debut at the age of 15 with Goldberg in a film titled, Clara’s Heart.
According to Harris, Goldberg promised him during the shooting of the movie that she would have sex with him when he reached 25-years-old.
Awkward pause…
“I might’ve!” said Goldberg with a laugh.
“He had many questions as a kid,” explained the Oscar winner. “So I told him, ‘Wait 10 years – I’ll take you through it.’”
“See, in those days, you could actually have some fun like that,” said Goldberg in reference to the Time’s Up movement. “You can’t do that now.”
Taking the edge off of what could have been an awkward moment, Harris quipped,”Hey, I was not offended – I’m looking forward to it.”
The moment comes at the 2:40 mark below.
When the subject moved to National Coming Out Day, Harris emphasized, “It’s such an individual thing.”
“I guess I applaud the fact that there’s a day people can use as a conversation starter, if they’re not sure how to broach the conversation,” the 45-year-old actor continued. “But, I wouldn’t want to put any undue pressure on someone for needing to choose a specific day to come out.”
A jack of all trades, Harris also proudly shared that the second installment in his Magic Misfits children’s book series is currently number one on the New York Times Best-Sellers List.
For years, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has been the target of rumors alleging the 63-year-old bachelor is secretly gay.
TMZ caught up to the Republican lawmaker at Reagan National Airport on today and asked about a recent tweet from comedian Chelsea Handler that suggested he is gay.
Handler’s tweet read, “If you’re wondering why Republicans took a sick day today, it’s probably because it’s #NationalComingOutDay. Looking at you @LindseyGrahamSC.”
Graham was neither amused nor fazed by the question.
“It’s a free country, you can say what you want to say, I don’t care,” Graham told TMZ. “I don’t think much about what she says at all. If she wants to live her life that way. It’s up to her.”
“To the extent that it matters, I’m not gay,” he quickly added. “Belittling people is not as funny as it used to be – and that’s a good thing.”
I’m not aware that being called gay is “belittling people,” but I think that comment says more about Graham than anything else.
This isn’t the first time the talk show host has gone after Graham on the gay rumor. Back in January, she was taken to task for a vulgar tweet suggesting compromising video exists of the senator.
GOP candidate for governor in Pennsylvania Scott Wagner
And they say civility is dead. I guess ‘they’ would be right.
Republican governor candidate Scott Wagner recently dropped a campaign ad wherein he threatens to “stomp all over” Democratic incumbent Gov. Tom Wolf’s “face with golf spikes.”
“Well, Governor Wolf, let me tell you what, between now and Nov. 6, you better put a catcher’s mask on your face, because I’m going to stomp all over your face with golf spikes. Because I’m going to win this for the state of Pennsylvania. And we’re throwing you out of office. Because I’m sick and tired of your negative ads. Governor Wolf, I am bound and determined, I am going to vote you out of office.”
Watch below.
Full video of GOP candidate Scott Wagner threatening Gov. Tom Wolf: “You better put a catcher’s mask on your face because I’m going to stomp all over your face with golf spikes.” pic.twitter.com/Whh6TdsOXz
I mean, isn’t a Republican threatening to stomp someone with golf spikes a little on the nose
“I shall then have my valet thrash you soundly”— VeryHiddenGeniusHat (@Popehat) October 12, 2018
Golf spikes…really? The only thing more elitist would be to threaten democrats with a polo mallet.— Shaun Hurst 🚁👨🏿🔧👨🏿🏫 (@kokujin_2000) October 13, 2018
Democratic senatorial candidate Rep. Beto O’Rourke has raised more than three times the amount of incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz for the upcoming midterm elections.
U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, raised $38.1 million for his U.S. Senate campaign in the third quarter, a new record for the largest fundraising quarter ever in a U.S. Senate race, according to his campaign.
The haul more than tripled Republican incumbent Ted Cruz’s fundraising for the past three months, which Cruz has said was over $12 million. O’Rourke has consistently raised more than Cruz in the race, but this is the widest gap yet.
The $38.1 million is by far the largest amount raised in a quarter by a Senate candidate, surpassing Republican Rick Lazio’s record of $22 million in 2000 for his bid against Democrat Hillary Clinton in New York.
Cruz currently averages a 7 point lead in the polls according to RealClearPolitics.
And according to the most recent Texas Senate Quinnipiac poll, Cruz leads O’Rourke, 54%-45%.
Plus, Cruz’s favorability is +8 (52-44) while O’Rourke has a divided 45%-47% (-2) favorability rating.
Although, I see RCP doesn’t list this new poll from Reuters/IPSOS that shows O’Rourke leading by 2 points.
• The above graphic is dedicated to any and everyone considering National Coming Out Day… #comeoutcomeoutwhereveryouare
• Activists are warning people with HIV and other chronic illnesses to check small print when getting a new health insurance policy. Some insurers are refusing to allow co-payment assistance coupons from drug manufacturers from counting towards annual deductibles.
• Observing the 20 anniversary since Matthew Shepard was kidnapped and beaten then left to die on a cold Wyoming night tied to a fence, his parents have announced his remains will be interred at the Washington National Cathedral later this month.
• The 750,000 citizens of North Dakota, where Democrat Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is struggling in the polls, could very well decide for the country who controls the Senate after midterm elections.
• UK recording artist (and Randy Report favorite) Calum Scott offers his own coming out story for National Coming Out Day.
Scott recounts a painful part of his young adult life – processing the complex emotions of being a gay teen and letting the world around him aware of his sexual orientation. Friends abandoned him early on, and it hurt. But in the poignant profile, he says he found the courage to be honest about himself through music.
