Posts

Posted on

Super Tuesday Round-Up: Biden’s Big Night

L-R Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders
It was quite the night for former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign roared through Super Tuesday. Biden handily won throughout the South (Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia), scored a big come-from-behind win in Texas, and scored surprise victories in Minnesota and Massachusetts. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) claimed victory in his home state of Vermont, as well as Utah, Colorado and, most probably the delegate-rich state of California. At this time, Maine and California haven’t been officially called yet although the NY Times estimates Biden to pick up Maine and Sanders to come out on top in California. As I reported earlier, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg spent nearly half a billion dollars in ads across the Super Tuesday primaries and only won in American Samoa. He dropped out of the race this morning and endorsed Biden. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), briefly the front-runner last fall, didn’t win a single state.
(graphic via NY Times)
According to an NBC News exit poll, LGBTQ voters “made up a disproportionately high 9 percent of the electorate in the Super Tuesday contests.” The survey also showed that 42 percent of those LGBTQ voters cast their ballot for Sanders, and 22 percent supported Warren. Biden garnered 19 percent of the LGBTQ vote, and Bloomberg picked up 6 percent. Even though former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg dropped out of the race on Sunday night, he still received 6 percent of the queer vote due to early voting in several states. Scrolling through Twitter last night, the Sanders supporters were clearly angry at the results characterizing the night as being ‘taken away’ from their guy. Axios‘ Alexi McCammond reported hearing “sneers and anger about ‘the establishment'” at the Sanders rally in Vermont. Next up are the contests in Michigan, Washington State, Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho, and North Dakota on March 10. This is the current delegate count as of this morning according to the New York Times. This will change over the next few days as several states don’t have all their ballots in. For instance, in California mail-in ballots only had to be postmarked by March 3. So, they won’t be counted for a couple of days.
(via NY Times)

Posted on

Bloomberg Drops Out After Disastrous Super Tuesday

Mike Bloomberg (screen capture)
From Axios:

Michael Bloomberg, who spent hundreds of millions of dollars to self-fund his 2020 presidential run, announced Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign after a poor performance on Super Tuesday and will endorse Joe Biden.

What he’s saying: “I’ve always believed that defeating Donald Trump starts with uniting behind the candidate with the best shot to do it. After yesterday’s vote, it is clear that candidate is my friend and a great American, Joe Biden,” Bloomberg said in a statement.

“I’ve known Joe for a very long time. I know his decency, his honesty, and his commitment to the issues that are so important to our country – including gun safety, health care, climate change, and good jobs.”

American Samoa was Bloomberg’s only win of the night.

Posted on

News Round-Up: March 3, 2020

Some news items you might have missed: • Super Tuesday: Fourteen states are holding primaries or caucusing for the Democratic presidential candidate today, so make sure you get out and vote! Interesting factoid: CBS News reports early exit polling shows slightly more voters in Super Tuesday states want a return to Obama’s policies rather than more liberal policies. • The Advocate: Donald Trump’s Justice Department is weighing in on the side of a Kentucky photographer who doesn’t want to provide services to same-sex weddings, continuing its history under the Trump administration of supporting discrimination. Chelsey Nelson, a photographer in Louisville, filed a preemptive lawsuit in federal court against the city challenging its LGBTQ-inclusive Fairness Ordinance. Note – has never been asked to photograph a same-sex couple’s wedding. • NowThis News: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed a bill Monday banning conversion therapy for minors. According to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit that tracks LGBTQ+ legislation, Virginia will become the 20th state — and the first in the South — to ban the controversial therapy for minors. • The Verge: Apple has tentatively agreed to a $500 million settlement after admitting to slowing down older phones. It covers people who bought any product in the iPhone 6 and 7 lineup — which Apple secretly throttled to conserve battery life. By default, Apple will offer $25 to any current or former owner of a covered iPhone. Named class members will receive $1,500 or $3,500. • NewNowNext: Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a number of new amendments to the country’s Constitution, including one that would define marriage as between “a man and a woman.” Last month, he said same-sex marriage will not be permitted in the country as long as he is president. • KHOU: After Pete Buttigieg announced he was ending his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, Joe Biden told reporters he would definitely approach the former mayor of South Bend to take a role in his administration.

Posted on

Michael Henry Shines A Light On The Use Of GHB In Gay Culture

Michael Fariss in “G” (screen capture)
Michael Henry is back with another lighthearted yet pointed message about how some behaviors in gay culture can be dangerous. Chatting in the park about the upcoming ‘Zebra Meat Disco party,’ Michael Fariss shares that he’s heading home to make his “special cocktail” with GHB. Yeah, that would be the date rape drug. Michael Henry and Chris Renfro are understandably confused. “So you’re micro-dosing the date rape drug to feel peak buzz?” asks Chris. After listing the many dangers involved in using the drug – including a one-drop threshold between bliss and incapacitation – Fariss admits he has “G-ed out” in the past. “I was in a paralyzed-like state, I shook, I had heart palpitations, and I was completely incoherent. My friend said I projectile vomited and fell through a skylight,” says Fariss. “BUT – before that, I was horny as hell.” Eventually, Fariss flips the script on Henry and Renfro pointing out that alcohol can lead to becoming incapacitated as well. Watch the clip below to see all the great points raised. Props to Michael Henry for continuing to use humor to bring up important questions facing the LGBTQ community. By the way, there are already hundreds of comments on the YouTube page in less than a day. Many share their own stories of folks slipping GHB into their drinks and waking up on someone’s front lawn or in the hospital. Click here to view the comments for yourself. Things that make you go hmm…

Posted on

Guess What Disgraced Former Congressman Got Handsy At Carnaval?

Aaron Schock gets a bit handsy with gay circuit party promoter Eliad Cohen
L-R Aaron Schock & Eliad Cohen (photo via Rob Shuter)
The city of Rio de Janeiro was full of LGBTQ travelers from all over the world last week for the annual Carnaval celebrations. The event, known for sexy costumes, rowdy fun and beautiful people everywhere you look. The siren call of Carnaval even drew disgraced, totally-not-gay former Congressman Aaron Schock down to the sun and fun along with other well-known gays. Naughty But Nice gossip guy Rob Shuter shared a few pics of Schock getting cozy with woofy Israeli actor and circuit party promoter Eliad Cohen at the plush Fasano Hotel. In the above photo, Schock gives Cohen a hand with sunscreen, and below took a few snaps of Cohen relaxing at the rooftop pool of the Fasano.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Disgraced former Congressman Aaron Schock Getting Cozy With Out Israel Actor Eliad Cohen

A post shared by Naughty Gossip (@thenaughtygossip) on

Here’s more of Cohen and Schock taking in the sun and fun together. As you can see, Schock took the time to ‘Like’ many of Cohen’s pics.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Life sucks 😛🥥🇧🇷

A post shared by Eliad Cohen (@eliad_cohen) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Bom dia Rio 🇧🇷

A post shared by Aaron Schock (@aaronschock) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Toasted 🥥☀️

A post shared by Aaron Schock (@aaronschock) on

Now, to be clear, I don’t have a problem with anyone living their best life. But – Schock still has an issue with the gay community for the anti-LGBTQ political positions and votes he cast while in Congress including voting against the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and opposing same-sex marriage. The only reason that came to an end was when criminal charges were brought against him for using campaign funds for re-decorating his Congressional office a la Downton Abbey, taking expensive trips on the taxpayer’s dime and buying pricey gifts. The charges were eventually dropped in an agreement which includes Schock repaying $68,000 to his congressional campaign fund and $42,000 to the IRS in exchange for dropping all felony charges against him. Since then, he’s been seen kissing guys at Coachella with his hands down their pants, tipping go-go boys in Mexico, frolicking on the beach with a wanna-be ‘Insta-Influencer,’ and even had his selfie pics and video leaked to the internet. The community still feels if he wants to be embraced, he still needs to address his political past when he took aim at the LGBTQ community. When Schock attended an evening last September at a popular West Hollywood bar, drag queen Jonnie Reinhart spoke to him about his anti-gay past. At the time, he told Reinhart he was working on “putting out a statement.” Well, how long does it take to draft that statement? It’s five months later, gurl, tick-tock. It is curious that Cohen, a gay celebrity in the dance party world due to his celebrated Papa Party events, wouldn’t know (or care?) about Schock’s less-than-loving treatment of the community. As Rob Shuter asked in his report, “What message is Cohen sending to his 1.3 million gay followers by embracing someone like Schock who has yet to apologize for his anti-gay past?”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Let the sun shine Rio ☀️🇧🇷

A post shared by Eliad Cohen (@eliad_cohen) on

Posted on

Satire: Randy Rainbow Finds Wisdom In Lloyd Webber ‘Any Dem Will Do’

Randy Rainbow (screen capture)
As we head into Super Tuesday, political satirist Randy Rainbow looks to the wisdom of the Lloyd Webber canon to help us find our way past the gaffes, blunders, missteps and exits among the Democratic candidates. In a mash-up of “Any Dream Will Do” and “Coat of Many Colors” from the hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rainbow underscores the one definitive truth for Democrats this election cycle: “Any Dem Will Do.” As usual, Rainbow’s wordsmithing is on point and clever. “How will I choose / It’s like the lotto / But here’s my motto / Any Dem will do” Start your day with a bit of Randy. (Hey, I like the sound of that…)

Posted on

Chris Matthews Abruptly Retires From ‘Hardball’

Chris Matthews (screen capture)
Color me stunned. For years I have watched MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews. It comes on at 4pm in my time zone, and that times out well with my work schedule and I can catch up on news I might have missed. I like Chris, although he’s gotten a bit flint-ier in recent years, but he’s smart, experienced, and I liked the pace of the show. As I tuned in today, Chris announced at the top of the show he was retiring. Like, now. He spoke for about two minutes, told his audience he will miss them but after a conversation with network heads, he decided to retire today. He spoke of his love of politics, apologized for any comments he has made about women, and then he abruptly left. Cut to commercial. He seemed to reference the report by writer Laura Bassett who penned an essay last week accusing Matthew of flirting with her in 2016. Bassett wrote that before an appearance on Hardball she was in the makeup chair next to him when he allegedly said, “Why haven’t I fallen in love with you yet?” After the commercial break, Steve Kornacki was on camera looking stunned and said “we have to fill the hour.” Stunning moment in television.

Posted on

Officer Benson Churgai Makes History In The City Of Brotherly Love

Benson Churgai (screen capture)
As the latest class of police recruits gathered at the Police Academy in Philadelphia to pose for their class photo last week, newly-minted police officer Benson Churgai shared a personal secret with his fellow graduates. Addressing his classmates from a prepared speech, Churgai began, “I want to be honest with everyone here. In April 2016, I made a decision that was best for me. I came out as a transgender male.” “I struggled for a long time with who I was,” he continued. “I knew that if I continued to live my life as [a] female, it was not going to work out.” Over the next few minutes, the 24-year-old explained he’d “rather have a discussion with everybody” in an effort to “help prevent feelings of betrayal.” The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Churgai’s class responded with a rousing standing ovation. In coming out to his fellow graduates, he becomes the first transgender recruit to graduate from the Philadelphia Police Academy. Churgai notably graduated as the salutatorian of his class. Before Churgai’s announcement, only a few commanders involved in recruitment and training were aware he was transgender. “I wanted to go through the academy like every other recruit,” Churgai told local ABC News affiliate WPVI. “I didn’t want people to know I was transgender because I didn’t want to be treated differently. I wanted to be held to the same standards as everybody else.” “Sometimes it seems that your hopes and dreams are not possible when you come out as transgender, but it is possible,” added Churgai. “It is possible to be who you want to be and do the career you want to have, it’s possible. Just because your trans it doesn’t mean you can’t.” Philadelphia Police Inspector Verdell Johnson, who supervises the recruits, told the Inquirer Churgai was selected solely “on his ability to pass a rigorous background test and physical training.” Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw told the Inquirer among his department’s top priorities is to “ensure that our ranks are diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the communities we serve.” “I was proud of him,” said fellow classmate Jarrett Ross. “We need more of this in our department. We need people from all different walks of life, people who can relate to different things.” Churgai says it has been his dream to be a police officer his whole life because “you get to people on the best and what could be one of the worst days of their lives.”

(Source: Philadelphia Inquirer)

Posted on

James Lipton, Host of ‘Inside The Actors Studio,’ Passes Away At 93

James Lipton (screen capture)
James Lipton, the longtime host and producer of Inside the Actors Studio, has died at the age of 93 from bladder cancer. From PEOPLE:

In 1994, he created Inside the Actors Studio and served as the host and executive producer from its inception until he stepped down in September 2018 after nearly 25 years. The show was one of cable’s longest-running series. He had also served as the Dean Emeritus of the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in New York City for several years.

Before launching Inside the Actors Studio, Lipton worked as an actor, appearing in TV shows throughout the 1950s including You Are There and Guiding Light. He most recently made an appearance on several episodes of Arrested Development as Warden Stefan Gentles.

Inside the Actors Studio focused on in-depth interviews with famous actors and actresses about their craft and careers. Lipton interviewed over 200 guests on the show, which began with Paul Newman who served as the Actors Studio president at the time.

I loved the show, and Lipton was perfection in drawing out experiences and wisdom from star actors at the top of their game. Each episode was its own ‘master class’ in acting. Rest in peace, James Lipton.

Posted on

Report: Pete Buttigieg To Endorse Joe Biden For President

L-R Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg
Reuters is reporting that former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg plans to endorse former Vice President Joe Biden today for president. This comes a day after Buttigieg ended his historic campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Sen. Amy Klobuchar also announced she is ending her campaign as well and is reportedly traveling to Texas to campaign with and endorse Biden tonight.