A Mind Like No O-thers

Super Bowl Excitement

2012-02-05T11:36:00.003-05:00

3 Years

2012-02-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

Obama 2012

Any other choice is retarded. Yea. That's right, I said retarded!

MDNA Madness

2012-01-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

I knew 2012 would be exciting, but the last few days have been 'Madonna overload.' It's like a wet dream come true!

Here's just some of the fun things that have popped up recently. So exciting! The only thing to top the following information is the tour announcement. I'm expecting that in April! But hopefully sooner!

MDNA New Studio Album For Interscope Records To Be Released March 26th (My birthday!!)

Album cover:

Another photo from the album:

Some of the confirmed tracks from the album are:

1. Give Me All Your Luvin’

2. Turn up the Radio

3. Beautiful Killer

4. Masterpiece

5. Bang Bang

6. Girls Gone Wild

7. Birthday Song

8. Love Spent

Madonna's first single 'Give Me All Your Luvin'' featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. out February 3rd.

Limited Time iTunes Pre-Order of Exclusive MDNA Deluxe Edition Begins Feb. 3rd

American Idol to air exclusive video preview of 'Give Me All Your Luvin' on Thursday, Feb. 2nd on FOX

Here is the official press release from Interscope Records:
Madonna will be releasing her new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" featuring Nicki Minaj & M.I.A. on February 3rd, three days before her highly anticipated Bridgestone Super Bowl halftime performance, it was officially confirmed by Interscope Records.

"Give Me All Your Luvin'" is the first single from Madonna's upcoming album MDNA, her 12th studio album and follow up to 2008's Hard Candy which debuted at No. 1 in 37 countries. The song was written by Madonna, Martin Solveig, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A, composed by Martin Solveig and Michael Tordjman and produced by Madonna and Martin Solveig.

iTunes will offer an exclusive global pre-order of an 18 track Deluxe Edition of MDNA including one exclusive remix from Madonna's new album. The bonus remix will be available from Friday, February 3rd through Monday, February 6th only.
During this time period the album will be available for $9.99 and fans will also receive the digital single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" immediately. This single is also exclusive to iTunes during this limited time. At launch, the offer can be found at www.iTunes.com/Madonna.

The video for "Give Me All Your Luvin'," directed by Megaforce, is football and cheerleader themed - inspired by her upcoming Super Bowl appearance. In an Anerican Idol exclusive, Madonna will world preview the video for her new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'," featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., during IDOL Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The full video for "Give Me All Your Luvin'" will premiere on Madonna's YouTube channel on February 3rd at 9am EST/6am PST.

www.youtube.com/Madonna.

MDNA, recorded in New York and LA, reunites Madonna with former collaborator William Orbit ("Ray of Light") who co-wrote and co-produced several cuts on the new album. Other co producers include Martin Solveig, The Demolition Crew, Marco "Benny" Benassi and Alessandro "Alle" Benassi, Hardy "Indiigo" Muanza, Michael Malih and Madonna.

The Golden Globe Award winning song "Masterpiece" from the Madonna directed Weinstein Company film "W.E." which opens in February is also included on MDNA as well as on W.E. - Music From the Soundtrack which is scheduled to be released on January 31st at digital retailers on Interscope as well. The Compact Disc version of the soundtrack is scheduled to be released exclusively at Amazon.com on February 14th. The score was composed, orchestrated and produced by Abel Korzeniowski.

W./E. Machine

2012-01-31T19:21:00.002-05:00

Madonna has been busy in the press promoting her movie 'W./E.' which opens this Friday (February 3). Last night she was on Jay Leno. Thursday she will be on Anderson. And a few weeks ago, she did the entire ABC spectrum with an interview by Cynthia McFadden, which you can now check out online

Today, the soundtrack to the movie was released on iTunes. The soundtrack includes the Golden Globe winning Best Original Song 'Masterpiece' by Madonna.

Make sure to check it out.

I was recently reading an interview online with Harvey Weinstein and thought I would share a quote I found very interesting about Madonna.

Question: W.E. won best song at the Globes, but critics have been harsh. Your relationship with Madonna goes back to Truth Or Dare. What did you see in the film when you acquired it at Cannes?

Weinstein: Of all the movies this year that have gotten a bad shake from the critics this is the one. And I think it’s Madonna. I think they see the personality behind the film. You have extraordinary performances in the movie. There’s nobody can say Andrea Riseborough isn’t absolutely brilliant and one of our emerging great actresses. And the rest of the cast is great. The setting, the lighting, the costumes, all of which is Madonna’s vision. And the music, the ballsiness to put The Sex Pistols into a period piece. I wanted to take the adventure with her. She did a damn good job and she’s getting a bad shake from people. The great thing about sending out the DVDs is, you get audience reaction, unfiltered and with no critics in front of the movie. People call me all the time and go, wow, I really enjoyed it. So, if it wasn’t Madonna, if it was Joe Smith this movie would be getting three stars and about the director we would be saying wow, this is a talent to watch and a movie you should see. Of course, Madonna’s line is, I don’t want to be Joe Smith.

I am really looking forward to seeing the film. It was one of the previews when I recently saw 'The Artist.' When 'A Film by Madonna' came on the screen, there was some murmur in the sold out theater. The woman sitting next to me said to her husband, "I'm surprised. It actually looks good."

I think Harvey had a point!

2011 Movie UPDATE

2012-01-29T18:53:00.000-05:00

I warned you there would be another update.

WOW. That's pretty much all I can say about The Artist. By far, the BEST movie I have seen from 2011. Simply outstanding, and unless the Academy fucks up (and they have before), it should win for Best Picture. Go see this movie! If you are not thoroughly entertained, you have NO taste. Or your dead.

Only one more of the Best Picture nominees to see! (But I swear there won't be another update today!)
And once again, the list:

1 - The Artist
2 - The Descendants
3 - Moneyball
4 - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
5 - War Horse
6 - The Tree Of Life
7 - The Help
8 - Midnight In Paris
9 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
10- Super 8
11- Bridesmaids
12- Crazy, Stupid, Love
13- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
14- Captain America: The First Avenger
15- X-Men: First Class
16- Insidious
17- Thor
18- Horrible Bosses
19- Drive
20- The Hangover Part 2
21- No Strings Attached
22- Something Borrowed
23- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
24- Green Lantern

And here are the remaining movies from 2011 I still need to see:

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
My Week With Marilyn
W./E.
Hugo
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Contagion
The Ides of March

One Week

2012-01-29T11:44:00.000-05:00

Star Wars Uncut: The Director's Cut

2012-01-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

If you have 2 hours to spare and you are a fan of Star Wars, you may want to check the link below.
It is quite entertaining and humorous. but at the same time totally geeky.

Star Wars Uncut: The Director's Cut

Church Ladies With Typewriters

2012-01-29T11:33:00.000-05:00

Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

--------------------------
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow..

--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered..

--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM . All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'

Thank You Charles Schumer

2012-01-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

I recently received this reply e-mail from Senator Schumer in regards to my contacting his office opposing DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). I just wanted to share the response and point out one thing: ALL Republican Presidential candidates are FOR DOMA. Most Democrats, including Senator Schumer and President Barack Obama, are NOT.

If you are gay, the choice for our next President is very clear. In my opinion, any gay person that votes for any candidate supporting DOMA are clearly misguided, self-loathing douchebags.

Just sayin'.

Dear Oliver:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. I share your support because I believe that all Americans deserve equality before the law, and am an original co-sponsor of S.598, The Respect for Marriage Act of 2011.

After much thought and discussion and observation, it is my considered opinion that government should not prevent individuals who choose to be together from legally codifying their union in marriage. This includes preventing married couples from receiving benefits to which they are entitled. When New York began conferring marriage licenses to same-sex couples this summer, the federal government was not be able to give those married couples the same benefits that straight married couples receive. The Respect for Marriage Act of 2011 would finally extend benefits and recognition to all married couples. For example, the current law forces married same-sex couples to file taxes independently, which means that even though they're married legally in their state the federal government hits them with a heaping tax burden every April 15. The Respect for Marriage Act would establish equality to those legally married in their states and prevent same-sex couples from paying a penalty because they are married. Our constitution is clear that all Americans are entitled to equal protection under the law. It is time that we made this promise a reality for all Americans who wish to marry.

Again, thank you for contacting me on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can ever be of assistance to you on this, or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

Happy MDNA Birthday To Me

2012-01-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

So fucking excited for 2012.

Madonna, Madonna, Madonna.

Below is the official press release from Interscope Records. So much to be excited about...but a Madonna release on my birthday? Fucking EPIC! Day off of work? I think so! The only sad news is that I will actually have to watch an episode of American Idol. Blech. Oh well, I will survive. It's fucking Madonna! Woot! Woot!

MADONNA'S FIRST SINGLE "GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN'" FEATURING NICKI MINAJ & M.I.A. OUT FEB. 3rd

MDNA New Studio Album For Interscope Records To Be Released March 26th

Limited Time iTunes Pre-Order of Exclusive MDNA Deluxe Edition Begins Feb. 3rd

AMERICAN IDOL To Air Exclusive Video Preview of Single on Thursday, Feb. 2nd on FOX

Madonna will be releasing her new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" featuring Nicki Minaj & M.I.A. on February 3rd, three days before her highly anticipated Bridgestone Super Bowl halftime performance, it was officially confirmed by Interscope Records.

"Give Me All Your Luvin'" is the first single from Madonna's upcoming album MDNA, her 12th studio album and follow up to 2008's Hard Candy which debuted at No. 1 in 37 countries. The song was written by Madonna, Martin Solveig, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A, composed by Martin Solveig and Michael Tordjman and produced by Madonna and Martin Solveig.

iTunes will offer an exclusive global pre-order of an 18 track Deluxe Edition of MDNA including one exclusive remix from Madonna's new album. The bonus remix will be available from Friday, February 3rd through Monday, February 6th only.

During this time period the album will be available for $9.99 and fans will also receive the digital single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" immediately. This single is also exclusive to iTunes during this limited time. At launch, the offer can be found at www.iTunes.com/Madonna.

The video for "Give Me All Your Luvin'," directed by Megaforce, is football and cheerleader themed - inspired by her upcoming Super Bowl appearance. In an Anerican Idol exclusive, Madonna will world preview the video for her new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'," featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., during IDOL Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The full video for "Give Me All Your Luvin'" will premiere on Madonna's YouTube channel on February 3rd at 9am EST/6am PST. www.youtube.com/Madonna.

MDNA, recorded in New York and LA, reunites Madonna with former collaborator William Orbit ("Ray of Light") who co-wrote and co-produced several cuts on the new album. Other co producers include Martin Solveig, The Demolition Crew, Marco "Benny" Benassi and Alessandro "Alle" Benassi, Hardy "Indiigo" Muanza, Michael Malih and Madonna.

The Golden Globe Award winning song "Masterpiece" from the Madonna directed Weinstein Company film "W.E." which opens in February is also included on MDNA as well as on W.E. - Music From the Soundtrack which is scheduled to be released on January 31st at digital retailers on Interscope as well. The Compact Disc version of the soundtrack is scheduled to be released exclusively at Amazon.com on February 14th. The score was composed, orchestrated and produced by Abel Korzeniowski.

Madonna is scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Show on January 30th.

2011 Movies UPDATE

2012-01-29T09:40:00.000-05:00

One more movie down, so yet again another update. I was able to see Stephen Spielberg's War Horse last night. You can tell by the ranking what I thought about it. The Oscar nominees (so far) have not disappointed. This has been one of the best nominees list in a long time. There are still 2 more to see. One possibly today. So yes, there may be another UPDATE later. You are thrilled. I can tell.

And now the list:

1 - The Descendants
2 - Moneyball
3 - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
4 - War Horse
5 - The Tree Of Life
6 - The Help
7 - Midnight In Paris
8 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
9 - Super 8
10- Bridesmaids
11- Crazy, Stupid, Love
12- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
13- Captain America: The First Avenger
14- X-Men: First Class
15- Insidious
16- Thor
17- Horrible Bosses
18- Drive
19- The Hangover Part 2
20- No Strings Attached
21- Something Borrowed
22- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
23- Green Lantern

And here are the remaining movies from 2011 I still need to see:

The Artist
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
My Week With Marilyn
W./E.
Hugo
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Contagion
The Ides of March

2011 Movies UPDATE

2012-01-26T23:07:00.003-05:00

Watched a couple more movies, so here is an updated list of 2011 movies I have seen, ranked in the order that I liked them:

1 - The Descendants
2 - Moneyball
3 - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
4 - The Tree Of Life
5 - The Help
6 - Midnight In Paris
7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
8 - Super 8
9 - Bridesmaids
10- Crazy, Stupid, Love
11- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
12- Captain America: The First Avenger
13- X-Men: First Class
14- Insidious
15- Thor
16- Horrible Bosses
17- Drive
18- The Hangover Part 2
19- No Strings Attached
20- Something Borrowed
21- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
22- Green Lantern

And here are the remaining movies from 2011 I still need to see:

The Artist
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
My Week With Marilyn
W./E.
Hugo
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Contagion
War Horse
The Ides of March

Makes Perfect Sense

2012-01-25T21:48:00.001-05:00

My Badge of Honor

2012-01-25T21:46:00.001-05:00

2011 Movies UPDATE

2012-01-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

I just went to see 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' this past weekend. (I will be posting more about the movie soon, but you can tell by my ranking how I felt about it.)
So, here is an updated list of 2011 movies I have seen, ranked in the order that I liked them:

1 - The Descendants
2 - Moneyball
3 - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
4 - The Help
5 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
6 - Super 8
7 - Bridesmaids
8 - Crazy, Stupid, Love
9 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
10- Captain America: The First Avenger
11- X-Men: First Class
12- Insidious
13- Thor
14- Horrible Bosses
15- Drive
16- The Hangover Part 2
17- No Strings Attached
18- Something Borrowed
19- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
20- Green Lantern

And here are the remaining movies from 2011 I still need to see:

The Artist
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
My Week With Marilyn
W./E.
The Tree of Life
Hugo
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Midnight In Paris
Contagion
War Horse
The Ides of March

Concerts UPDATE

2012-01-22T20:42:00.001-05:00

Now that I finally saw Kelly Clarkson in concert this past week, I can also officially add Matt Nathenson to my concert list. (I'm never really sure if I am going to make the opening act.) He only played for about 45 minutes, but was quite good. Funny. Cute. I'll definitely be checking out his music soon.

So, here is the updated concert list. A possible review of Ms. Clarkson may be hitting my blog soon, but until then let me just say...GREAT show. I was very impressed. With both her and Matt.

The Hooters (1985)
Madonna (1987)
Level 42 (1987)
George Michael (1988)
Technotronic (1990)
Madonna (1990)
Bryan Adams (1991)
Madonna (1993)
Janet Jackson (1994)
Christopher Cross (1995)
Alanis Morissette (1996)
Britney Spears (1998)
Taylor Dayne (1998)
Jude (1998)
Deborah Cox (1998)
Madonna (2001)
Gavin DeGraw (2003)
Madonna (2004) 4x's
Jason Mraz (2005)
Alanis Morissette (2005)
Kathy Griffin (2006)
Black Eyed Peas (2006)
Everclear (2006)
Billy Joel (2007)
Scissor Sisters (2007)
Matchbox Twenty (2008)
Alanis Morissette (2008)
Kathy Griffin (2008)
Jennifer Hudson (2008)
Madonna (2008)
Snow Patrol (2009)
U2 (2009)
Kathy Griffin (2010)
Casey Spooner (2010)
Scissor Sisters (2010)
Elton John (2011)
Matt Nathenson (2012)
Kelly Clarkson (2012)

God Must Scare People

2012-01-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

Or maybe people just don't care.
Or, most likely and a little closer to the truth, not that many people read my blog. (And I'm ok with that.)

My monthly polls usually generate some decent numbers, but the current one seems to be at a standstill. Who knew your favorite dessert was worth more votes than a philosophical question about God and death?

Dessert is important.

However, there are still 26 days to vote on this months poll if the spirit so moves you.
Check it out on the right hand side of my blog, A Mind Like No O-thers , and vote.

Born That Way, Or Merely ''Reductive?'' (Let's Ask Miss Ciccone)

2012-01-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

No one speaks the truth better than Liz:

From the Liz Smith blog on http://www.wowowow.com/:

“IT’S REDUCTIVE.”

Those two words, uttered by Madonna, in response to ABC-TV’s Cynthia McFadden’s question about a Lady Gaga song, has “gone viral,” as they say.

Even better, when McFadden, who certainly knows what the word means, asked Madonna to define it, M coyly said, “Look it up!”

Apparently, a lot of people have. Now, I keep hearing the word, generally accompanied with a laugh and a reference to the pop icon. Madonna has taught us much over the years, now she’s revived a word rarely used. (Well, I’ve always said if Madonna hadn’t gone into music, she would have stayed in Michigan and become Miss Ciccone, the stern English teacher.)

It was this benign answer about Gaga that became part of the Elton John/ David Furnish’s attack on Madonna, after she won a Golden Globe for best original song on Sunday night. The song is titled “Masterpiece” from her coming film, “W.E.” (Elton’s effort was “Hello, Hello” from the flop animated movie “Gnomeo and Juliet.”) Aside from ripping Madonna’s song, the pair declared - on Twitter and Facebook - that Madonna’s “attack” on Gaga “shows how desperate she is.”

Goodness, I didn’t get that at all. Madonna has no inclination to trash Gaga. But she is certainly within her rights to imply, gently, that Lady G. has appropriated some aspects of her image, sound and message. Music critics were the first, in fact, to point out the similarities between Gaga’s “Born This Way” and M’s “Express Yourself.”

Elton John, who has been a star since 1970, feels he has earned the right to be perennially cranky and opinionated. Fine. And he does wonderful charity work.

But I think Madonna, who has been a star since 1983, has earned the right to answer a question honestly, from her point of view. Or to accept an award, if she wins one.

Elton has had a bee in his bonnet about Madonna for years. At various times he has criticized her singing, dancing, her right to be a star, even. She has rarely responded.

In this case, however, it is Elton who appears to be “desperate.” Back in the day, Madonna could be ungracious and careless in her remarks, but I never recall her attacking another performer in this manner, or publicly declaring she should have won an award instead of somebody else. (Perhaps she learned her lesson when, in the midst of a wave of positive reviews and publicity for “Evita” - and a Golden Globe win - she said she thought she deserved to be nominated for an Oscar, too. The Academy was not amused.)

The truth is, most of the public has never heard either Elton or Madonna’s song. Why carry on so?

Oh, “reductive?” It means something is the same, only less.

Elton John's Award

2012-01-16T09:28:00.001-05:00

LOVES.

Congratulations Madonna

2012-01-15T21:27:00.002-05:00

Golden Globe WINNER for Best Original Song!

"Masterpiece" from W./E.

Oh...and Elton John, FUCK off! =)

Golden Globes

2012-01-14T21:36:00.001-05:00

Here are the nominations for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards which airs live tomorrow night at 8pm EST on NBC. I highlighted what I think/feel/want the winners to be. When it comes to the Golden Globes, all bets are off. Anything can happen. And that's why I kinda like them.

Even more exciting this year, Madonna will be there presenting the Best Foreign Film category.
She is also a nominee in the Best Original Song category. I hope she is a winner! My eyes will be on her 'globes.'

1.BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

a.THE DESCENDANTS Ad Hominem Enterprises; Fox Searchlight Pictures
b.THE HELP DreamWorks Pictures, Participant Media; Touchstone Pictures
c.HUGO Paramount Pictures presents a GK Films Production; Paramount Pictures
d.THE IDES OF MARCH Columbia Pictures, Cross Creek Pictures, Exclusive Media Group, Crystal City Entertainment; Sony Pictures Releasing
e.MONEYBALL Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing International
f.WAR HORSE DreamWorks Pictures; Touchstone Pictures

2.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

a.GLENN CLOSE ALBERT NOBBS
b.VIOLA DAVIS THE HELP
c.ROONEY MARA THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
d.MERYL STREEP THE IRON LADY
e.TILDA SWINTON WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

3.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

a.GEORGE CLOONEY THE DESCENDANTS
b.LEONARDO DICAPRIO J. EDGAR
c.MICHAEL FASSBENDER SHAME
d.RYAN GOSLING THE IDES OF MARCH
e.BRAD PITT MONEYBALL

4.BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a.50/50 Summit Entertainment and Mandate Pictures; Summit Entertainment
b.THE ARTIST a La Petite Reine – Studio 37 – La Classe Americaine – JD Prod- France3 Cinema – Jouror Production-uFilms coproduction; The Weinstein Company
c.BRIDESMAIDS Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Apatow Productions; Universal Pictures
d.MIDNIGHT IN PARIS A Mediapro, Versatil Cinema & Gravier Production; Sony Pictures Classics
e.MY WEEK WITH MARILYN The Weinstein Company; The Weinstein Company

5.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a.JODIE FOSTER CARNAGE
b.CHARLIZE THERON YOUNG ADULT
c.KRISTEN WIIG BRIDESMAIDS
d.MICHELLE WILLIAMS MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
e.KATE WINSLET CARNAGE

6.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a.JEAN DUJARDIN THE ARTIST
b.BRENDAN GLEESON THE GUARD
c.JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT 50/50
d.RYAN GOSLING CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE.
e.OWEN WILSON MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

7.BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

a.THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN Paramount Pictures/Columbia Pictures/ Hemisphere Capital/Amblin Entertainment/Wingnut Films Production/ Kennedy/Marshall Production A Steven Spielberg Film; Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures
b.ARTHUR CHRISTMAS Columbia Pictures & Sony Pictures Animation, Aardman; Sony Pictures Releasing International
c.CARS 2 Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures
d.PUSS IN BOOTS DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures
e.RANGO Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present A Blind Wink / GK Films Production; Paramount Pictures

8.BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

a.THE FLOWERS OF WAR (CHINA) (Jing Ling Shi San Chai) New Pictures Film Company; Wrekin Hill Entertainment
b.IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY (USA) GK Films; FilmDistrict
c.THE KID WITH A BIKE (BELGIUM) (Le Gamin au Velo) Les Films du Fleuve; Sundance Selects
d.A SEPARATION (IRAN) (Jodaeiye Nader az Simin) Asghar Farhadi; Sony Pictures Classics
e.THE SKIN I LIVE IN (SPAIN) (La piel que habito) El Deseo D.A., S.L.U.; Sony Pictures Classics

9.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

a.BERENICE BEJO THE ARTIST
b.JESSICA CHASTAIN THE HELP
c.JANET MCTEER ALBERT NOBBS
d.OCTAVIA SPENCER THE HELP
e.SHAILENE WOODLEY THE DESCENDANTS

10.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

a.KENNETH BRANAGH MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
b.ALBERT BROOKS DRIVE
c.JONAH HILL MONEYBALL
d.VIGGO MORTENSEN A DANGEROUS METHOD
e.CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER BEGINNERS

11.BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE

a.WOODY ALLEN MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
b.GEORGE CLOONEY THE IDES OF MARCH
c.MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS THE ARTIST
d.ALEXANDER PAYNE THE DESCENDANTS
e.MARTIN SCORSESE HUGO

12.BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE

a.WOODY ALLEN MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
b.GEORGE CLOONEY, HESLOV, BEAU WILLIMON THE IDES OF MARCH
c.MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS THE ARTIST
d.ALEXANDER PAYNE, NAT FAXON, JIM RASH THE DESCENDANTS
e.STAN CHERVIN, STEVEN ZAILLIAN, AARON SORKIN MONEYBALL

13.BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE

a.LUDOVIC BOURCE THE ARTIST
b.ABEL KORZENIOWSKI W.E.
c.TRENT REZNOR, ATTICUS ROSS THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
d.HOWARD SHORE HUGO
e.JOHN WILLIAMS WAR HORSE

14.BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE

a.“HELLO HELLO” — GNOMEO & JULIET Music by: Elton John; Lyrics by: Bernie Taupin
b.“THE KEEPER” — MACHINE GUN PREACHER Music & Lyrics by: Chris Cornell
c.“LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN” — ALBERT NOBBS Music by: Brian Byrne; Lyrics by: Glenn Close
d.“THE LIVING PROOF” — THE HELP Music by: Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas; Lyrics by: Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas
e.“MASTERPIECE” — W.E. Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

15.BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

a.AMERICAN HORROR STORY (FX) Twentieth Century Fox Television
b.BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO) Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, Sikelia Productions and Cold Front Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
c.BOSS (STARZ) Lionsgate Television in association with Grammnet NH Productions, Roya Productions and Old Friends Productions
d.GAME OF THRONES (HBO) Bighead, Littlehead, 360 Television, Grok and Generator Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
e.HOMELAND (SHOWTIME) SHOWTIME Presents, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions, Keshet, Fox 21

16.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

a.CLAIRE DANES HOMELAND
b.MIREILLE ENOS THE KILLING
c.JULIANNA MARGULIES THE GOOD WIFE
d.MADELEINE STOWE REVENGE
e.CALLIE THORNE NECESSARY ROUGHNESS

17.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

a.STEVE BUSCEMI BOARDWALK EMPIRE
b.BRYAN CRANSTON BREAKING BAD
c.KELSEY GRAMMER BOSS
d.JEREMY IRONS THE BORGIAS
e.DAMIAN LEWIS HOMELAND

18.BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a.ENLIGHTENED (HBO) Ripcord Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
b.EPISODES (SHOWTIME) SHOWTIME Presents, Hat Trick Productions, Crane Klarik Productions
c.GLEE (FOX) Ryan Murphy Television in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
d.MODERN FAMILY (ABC) Levitan-Lloyd Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
e.NEW GIRL FOX Chernin Entertainment in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television

19.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a.LAURA DERN ENLIGHTENED
b.ZOOEY DESCHANEL NEW GIRL
c.TINA FEY 30 ROCK
d.LAURA LINNEY THE BIG C
e.AMY POEHLER PARKS AND RECREATION

20.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a.ALEC BALDWIN 30 ROCK
b.DAVID DUCHOVNY CALIFORNICATION
c.JOHNNY GALECKI THE BIG BANG THEORY
d.THOMAS JANE HUNG
e.MATT LEBLANC EPISODES

21.BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a.CINEMA VERITE (HBO) A Pariah Production in association with HBO Films
b.DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE) (PBS) A Carnival/Masterpiece Co-production
c.THE HOUR (BBC AMERICA) Kudos Film and Television/BBC America co-production.
d.MILDRED PIERCE (HBO) A Killer Films/John Wells Production in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and HBO Miniseries
e.TOO BIG TO FAIL (HBO) A Spring Creek and A Deuce Three Production in association with HBO Films

22.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a.ROMOLA GARAI THE HOUR
b.DIANE LANE CINEMA VERITE
c.ELIZABETH MCGOVERN DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)
d.EMILY WATSON APPROPRIATE ADULT
e.KATE WINSLET MILDRED PIERCE

23.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a.HUGH BONNEVILLE DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)
b.IDRIS ELBA LUTHER
c.WILLIAM HURT TOO BIG TO FAIL
d.BILL NIGHY PAGE EIGHT (MASTERPIECE)
e.DOMINIC WEST THE HOUR

24.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a.JESSICA LANGE AMERICAN HORROR STORY
b.KELLY MACDONALD BOARDWALK EMPIRE
c.MAGGIE SMITH DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)
d.SOFIA VERGARA MODERN FAMILY
e.EVAN RACHEL WOOD MILDRED PIERCE

25.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a.PETER DINKLAGE GAME OF THRONES
b.PAUL GIAMATTI TOO BIG TO FAIL
c.GUY PEARCE MILDRED PIERCE
d.TIM ROBBINS CINEMA VERITE
e.ERIC STONESTREET MODERN FAMILY

Poll Results

2012-01-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

The thirteenth poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be??

1- Job
2- Wealth
3- Partner

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Keep Voting

2012-01-11T20:17:00.000-05:00

There are 4 days left to vote on the Monthly Poll.

This month's question:
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

"Job" is currently in the lead.

Disagree? Then look to the right on my blog and vote.
You know you want to!

Thanks to those who have already voted!

M.D.N.A.

2012-01-11T19:52:00.001-05:00

The Madonna 2012 hurricane has officially begun! And I am as giddy as a school girl! (Everyone is shocked, I know!)

She is currently in the UK promoting W./E. and this afternoon she taped The Graham Norton Show looking gorge-ass!

During the interview she let it slip that the name of her new album, releasing in March of this year, is entitled "MDNA." She said she is currently into initials. She was coy about it, but it later appeared on her website, which made it kind of official. Many people have been 'twittering' about it all day, some love it, others hate it, most want to know what it means. Besides the obvious (taking letters from her name) many have speculated everything from Madonna DNA to a MDMA ecstasy drug reference (I even tweeted that Madonna was my ecstasy. I'd take a tab of her any day!) Whatever the title means, it signifies the beginning of another Madonna era. You can catch The Graham Norton Show in the US on Saturday morning on BBC America.

Later in the evening she attented the UK Premiere of W./E. looking like a beautiful, sexy superhero, black lace cape and all! (And I am loving the red gloves!)

Next up, will she be attending the Golden Globes this Sunday? She is nominated afterall. We shall have to wait and see.

Some rumors are saying that radios stations have received her new song "Gimme All Your Luvin" and are set to start playing it on January 15th. However, most reports are sticking with a February 7th release on radio and iTunes, 2 days after she premieres it at the Halftime Show at the Super Bowl. Again, we shall have to wait and see.

Here is the demo that leaked in November. Reports are that the final version is the same lyrically, but musically it is harder beats and bass as well as featuring guest vocals from Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.
I can't wait to hear the official version! So exciting!

More Madonna 2012 updates coming soon...as they happen! Stay tuned!

2011 Movies UPDATE

2012-01-05T22:47:00.001-05:00

Since I just watched Bridesmaids, here is an updated list of the movies I did see in 2011, ranked in the order that I liked them:

1 - The Descendants
2 - Moneyball
3 - The Help
4 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
5 - Super 8
6 - Bridesmaids
7 - Crazy, Stupid, Love
8 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
9 - Captain America: The First Avenger
10 - X-Men: First Class
11- Insidious
12- Thor
13- Horrible Bosses
14- Drive
15- The Hangover Part 2
16- No Strings Attached
17- Something Borrowed
18- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
19- Green Lantern

And here is that list of movies from 2011 I still need to see:

The Artist
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
The Tree of Life
Hugo
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Midnight In Paris
Contagion
War Horse
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
The Ides of March

Concerts UPDATE

2012-01-05T22:33:00.000-05:00

I said in my original Concerts post that I may be adding some shows that I may have missed, and here is the first one.

How could I have forgotten Christopher Cross in 1995?

Here is the updated concert list. In my old age, I may be remembering some more, but hopefully I will only be adding new shows...like Madonna!

The Hooters (1985)
Madonna (1987)
Level 42 (1987)
George Michael (1988)
Technotronic (1990)
Madonna (1990)
Bryan Adams (1991)
Madonna (1993)
Janet Jackson (1994)
Christopher Cross (1995)
Alanis Morissette (1996)
Britney Spears (1998)
Taylor Dayne (1998)
Jude (1998)
Deborah Cox (1998)
Madonna (2001)
Gavin DeGraw (2003)
Madonna (2004) 4x's
Jason Mraz (2005)
Alanis Morissette (2005)
Kathy Griffin (2006)
Black Eyed Peas (2006)
Everclear (2006)
Billy Joel (2007)
Scissor Sisters (2007)
Matchbox Twenty (2008)
Alanis Morissette (2008)
Kathy Griffin (2008)
Jennifer Hudson (2008)
Madonna (2008)
Snow Patrol (2009)
U2 (2009)
Kathy Griffin (2010)
Casey Spooner (2010)
Scissor Sisters (2010)
Elton John (2011)
Kelly Clarkson (2012)

'The Descendants' Ascends

2012-01-02T22:49:00.000-05:00

"What is it that makes the women in my life destroy themselves?"

I just came back from finally seeing "The Descendants" starring George Clooney. It instantly jumped to my favorite movie of 2011. (Keep in mind, I still have a lot more to see - check out that list below - but as of right now, it is far above all others I have seen in 2011.)

"The Descendants," from the director who brought you "Sideways," is a story about life, love, fatherhood, forgiveness and death through the eyes of Matt King, played effortlessly by Mr. Clooney (who should get another Oscar nomination for his performance). His portrayal of a father dealing with loss, confusion and anger is so subtle and heartbreaking at all the right times. Whether it was dealing with his unruly daughters, confronting an unexpected enemy or saying good-bye to a loved one, Clooney takes the viewer with him into every emotion, allowing us to feel his pain, his sorrow, his relief. He did this in the movie "Up in the Air" and he does it again here. And it's all in his eyes.

This movie is definitely a drama, but there are many comedic moments throughout that helps the sometimes depressing atmosphere of the film glide along, allowing the audience to catch their breath. There were many moments that I had tears running down my face and moments I was bawling like a baby. And for anyone that ever had to say good-bye to a loved one, I suggest a box of tissues (or long sleeves.) But there are moments the entire audience was laughing out loud.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone that enjoys an adult, real life drama. Two thumbs up, if you will. It is film making at its best: the writing, directing and acting by the entire ensemble are all superb. But it is definitely led by the wonderful performance by George Clooney.

Check out the trailer here:

In related news, here is a list of the movies I did see in 2011, ranked in the order that I liked them, just for giggles:

1 - The Descendants
2 - Moneyball
3 - The Help
4 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
5 - Super 8
6 - Crazy, Stupid, Love
7 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
8 - Captain America: The First Avenger
9 - X-Men: First Class
10- Insidious
11- Thor
12- Horrible Bosses
13- Drive
14- The Hangover Part 2
15- No Strings Attached
16- Something Borrowed
17- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
18- Green Lantern (Honestly, this was the only movie I saw last year that I did not like. Simply put, it was awful!)

And here is that list of movies from 2011 I still need to see:

The Artist (I finally saw the trailer to this today and it looks FABULOUS!)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Bridesmaids (Am I the last person on the planet that hasn't seen this yet? It's next on my Netflix, so it should be sometime this week!)
The Tree of Life
Hugo
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Midnight In Paris
Contagion
The Ides of March (More Clooney!)

Cartoon of the Day

2011-12-29T19:38:00.002-05:00

Clooney On Obama

2011-12-29T18:03:00.003-05:00

Wow. Clooney on Obama. That would be hot. But I digress...

I love them both.

Obama 2012

It's A Wonderful Life, Madonna

2011-12-27T13:22:00.002-05:00

Yet another thing the queen and I have in common.

From MadonnaTribe

Madonna grew up wishing beloved actor James Stewart was her real father because she adored him in festive film "It's A Wonderful Life."

The pop superstar admits she always makes time to watch the Christmas-themed classic during the holidays - and it always takes her back to her childhood.

She says, "I love the message of it; I think it's so beautiful. I grew up wishing that Jimmy Stewart was my father. The story of wanting it all and having it all and then losing it all and then realising what's important, it's like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz - 'There's no place like home'.

"It's kind of corny and cliche but, to me, it's a classic story that stands the test of time. I love it. I cry every time I see it."

Weekend

2011-12-26T17:59:00.000-05:00

What an amazing movie! One of the best movies I have seen this year. I have been reading about it for a few months and I am so grateful that Netflix has it available to stream. Beautifully written, directed and acted, it is a refreshingly honest take on relationships not only in the gay community, but in society as a whole. It honestly moved me beyond words, so here are some of the things critics are saying about Weekend:

"It's a definitive example of naturalistic moviemaking -- you feel you're breathing the air that the characters are breathing." Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"If you've ever met someone who changed your life in the space of days, you'll relate to something in this movie." Dana Stevens, Slate

"Offers up the kind of subtle, truthful relationship drama that's all too rare in cinema." Alistair Harkness, Scotsman

"One of the truest, most beautiful movies ever made about two strangers." Wesley morris, Boston Globe

"This is a smart, sensitive, perceptive film, with actors well suited to the dialogue. It underlines the difficulty of making connections outside our individual boxes of time and space." Roger Ebert, Chicago-Sun Times

It currently has a 95% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

And it is available right now on Netflix.

Check it out!

Concerts

2011-12-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

2012 could be a banner year for music and concerts.

Madonna, Madonna, Madonna...as well as possible Scissor Sisters. Both of which make me very excited, in every possible way.

And it all starts for me on January 17 with Kelly Clarkson. Yay!

With that said, I started thinking about all of the concerts I have attended throughout my life. And I started a list...just because. I think it is complete; but it is possible that I will be adding to it as I remember. And I will definitely be adding to the ones I will be attending this year. (I already added Kelly Clarkson!)

Here is the list. Enjoy! (Some of them make me giggle!):

The Hooters (1985)
Madonna (1987)
Level 42 (1987)
George Michael (1988)
Technotronic (1990)
Madonna (1990)
Bryan Adams (1991)
Madonna (1993)
Janet Jackson (1994)
Alanis Morissette (1996)
Britney Spears (1998)
Taylor Dayne (1998)
Jude (1998)
Deborah Cox (1998)
Madonna (2001)
Gavin DeGraw (2003)
Madonna (2004) 4x's
Jason Mraz (2005)
Alanis Morissette (2005)
Kathy Griffin (2006)
Black Eyed Peas (2006)
Everclear (2006)
Billy Joel (2007)
Scissor Sisters (2007)
Matchbox Twenty (2008)
Alanis Morissette (2008)
Kathy Griffin (2008)
Jennifer Hudson (2008)
Madonna (2008)
Snow Patrol (2009)
U2 (2009)
Kathy Griffin (2010)
Casey Spooner (2010)
Scissor Sisters (2010)
Elton John (2011)
Kelly Clarkson (2012)

Cartoon of the Day

2011-12-25T08:36:00.002-05:00

2012 Preview

2011-12-24T23:20:00.000-05:00

Now just because I have been a little busy and may not have posted a lot on my blog in the past few months (click on the following link to see why: The Love of My Life), I have been writing. A lot, actually. I just didn't think they were 'post-worthy.' Yet.

However, I am currently revisiting all of my drafts and plan to make them 'post-worthy' very, very soon. Hopefully by the start of 2012, you will have read most or all of them. Until then, I wanted to share some of the themes or topics I have been writing about - something to wet your appetite, if you will. Not necessarily to prove to anyone that I have actually been writing, but more so for the fact that some of the posts are really thought-provoking, personal, cathartic, humorous and some of the best things I have written on this blog. If I may say so myself. Well, I just did, didn't I?

So without further ado, and without drum roll, here is a little 2012 preview of A Mind Like No O-thers:

Good-Bye Yellow Brick Road With A Twist(er)
A review of the Elton John concert I attended in September which actually includes more weather than music. Can you say Tornado Warning?

Netflix Ain't Just for Movies Anymore
Despite the backlash with Netflix a few months ago, I am a huge fan and supporter. And it's not only about the movies. Because of Netflix I have been able to watch many TV shows in their entirety including Lost, Roseanne and Flash Forward and I am in the middle of many others such as Weeds, The Cosby Show and Mad Men.

The Boob Tube
I am hooked on a few current television shows such as American Horror Story, Dexter, The Walking Dead, Desperate Housewives and Glee. I also despise a lot of television shows such as, well, everything reality. Just a few observations on the aforementioned.

Facebook is Republican
No, this is not a political debate, but a humorous look at my views in regards to Facebook. It started when someone from my childhood, someone who bullied me throughout it, tried to friend me on the social network. Let's just say that I have some opinionated views on the matter.

The Big O
No, this is not a sex talk, but a political debate. Basically, if you are not voting for Obama in 2012, we need to talk, especially if you are of the homosexual persuasion. I am sure this one will ruffle a few feathers.

Mad4Mo
This has actually been in my drafts for over a year. It is all about my love, or as some might put it, obsession, with The Queen herself, Madonna. It is quite long. It is quite personal. And because it is about Madonna, I want to make sure it is perfect, like her. Thus the wait. But, it is oh so close to being shared.

Liars and Tigers and Bears, Oh My
"Oh, that's right. You don't like fat people or bears." This statement was actually said to me a month ago by a somewhat acquaintance of mine. This statement is 100% false, and it is time that this lie has been addressed. This is not necessarily an angry post, but it is an extremely personal and honest one. One that needs to be shared.

Under Rug Swept
I am not a huge fan of writing about past relationships. They are in the past for a reason and they give spotlight to someone that necessarily doesn't deserve it. However, some things happened in the last few months that sparked my writing about one relationship in particular. A cosmic or divine intervention, if you will. Oprah's Master Class on anger, listening (word for word) to Alanis Morissette's 'Under Rug Swept' and the related 'soon-to-be-post' above, Liars and Tigers and Bears, Oh My are some of the things that contributed. It is 100% honest. It is angry. And it was completely cathartic for me.

So there you go. A look ahead to 2012.

Of course, I will have more than just the above topics but at least now you know that I have not abandoned this site. So until these posts appear, keep on voting on my poll (look to your right) and keep your eyes peeled for everything pop culture, news-worthy and Madonna. (2012 is gonna be huge!)

Until then, Happy Holidays to all and to all...well, you know how that ends.

The True Meaning of Christmas

2011-12-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

Amazing Grace

2011-12-24T11:32:00.000-05:00

The Love of My Life

2011-12-23T23:27:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have been away from blogging for a bit. But I swear there has been a good, legitimate reason. And that reason, or culprit if you will, is the real love of my life. Theater. I just finished up a production of Miracle on 34th Street, which was the last production of what has been an exciting ride in my theatrical endeavors.

Theater has always been a part of my life. (I do have a Masters degree in it after all.) But it wasn't until about a year and a half ago that I decided to get back into it full swing.

And I am so glad that I did. I could spend hours writing about the wonderful people I have met, the fantastic opportunities I have had and how grateful I am to be alive and healthy enough to do something that I adore and feel so passionate about. However, as we come to an end of another year, I think the best way to show my feelings is to simply reflect. Isn't that what we do at the end of a year?

So that is what I shall do. Here are the last five shows I have been involved. A picture, a bio (where applicable) and a huge sense of pride for the work that I have done over the last 18 months.

And I hope and pray that there will be more to come.

Seussical the Musical (Citizen of Who)

Working! (Al Calinda)

Oliver R. Ord is ecstatic to be involved in Working, his first production with Not So Common Players. After a brief, yet very long 15 year hiatus from the stage, Oliver returned this past summer in Seussical at FPNY. Past productions also include Tony in West Side Story, Grease, Sweeny Todd, Joseph, Three-Penny Opera and Psycho Beach Party. Special thanks to Mike for telling him to stop making excuses and get back on the stage; Lucas for being “…the wisest and the strongest and the best of men…” - sons can be heroes too; Scott, your influence is more than you will ever know. You are missed. This one is for you; Thomas and the entire cast and crew of Working, thank you for your constant love, laughs, support and encouragement!

A Few Good Men (Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick)

Oliver Ord is thrilled to be a part of A Few Good Men, his first production with Classic Theater Guild. Oliver was last seen in NSCP’s Working. Other productions include Seussical, Three-Penny Opera, Sweeny Todd, Joseph, Grease, West Side Story and Psycho Beach Party. Special thanks to Lucas and Mike, a few good men in his life. And a big TEN HUT to Thomas and the entire cast and crew for a truly remarkable experience!

Side Show (Buddy Foster)

Oliver Ord is excited to be getting his ‘freak’ on for the first time with Class Act Productions. Oliver was last seen in CTG’s A Few Good Men. Other productions include Working, Seussical, West Side Story, Grease, Sweeny Todd, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Three-Penny Opera and Psycho Beach Party. Special thanks to Lucas, Mike, the cast and crew of Side Show and my ‘pal’ Thomas - every second has been a privilege. Very special thanks to my favorite ‘freaks’ on the planet - Mom and Dad.

Miracle on 34th Street (Albert Sawyer)

Oliver Ord is thrilled to be returning to Classic Theater Guild, where he was last seen as Lt. Kendrick in A Few Good Men. Other past productions include Side Show, Working, Seussical, West Side Story, Grease, Sweeny Todd, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Three-Penny Opera and Psycho Beach Party. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Lucas, Mike, John and Jeannine for all of your support. Special thanks to my family away from home, the cast and crew of Miracle on 34th Street, especially Thomas!

(TANYS award for Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Work)

Madonna: Truth or Dare, The Smell

2011-12-23T22:48:00.000-05:00

Madonna poses topless in the new ad campaign for her fragrance, Truth or Dare by Madonna.

The 53-year-old entertainer reunites with top fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott for the shoot - the duo also shot her for Interview magazine cover last year.

Truth or Dare is Madonna’s new lifestyle brand which will also include accessories, footwear, handbags, and intimates launches.

The brand will be aimed at women ages 27 to 50 and will officially launch next year!
Check out the newly released international posters!

Cartoon of the Day

2011-12-23T22:28:00.002-05:00

Gimme All Your Luvin

2011-12-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Madonna 2012

New single "Gimme All Your Luvin" released last week of January.

W./E. theatrical release February 3.

The Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show On NBC February 5.

New album released in March. (Happy Birthday to me!)

New tour in the Summer/Fall.

If 2012 is really the end of the world, I wouldn't want it to end any other way!

W./E. Promotional Documentary

2011-12-19T23:03:00.000-05:00

W./E. doesn't open wide in the United States until February 3rd, 2012, but due to the current limited release as well as the 2 Golden Globe noinations, a promotional documentary was just released.

To say that I am excited about this movie is an undestatement. Check out the documentary below as well as Madonna's Golden Globe nominated "Masterpiece" from the movie.

Cartoon of the Day

2011-12-19T22:48:00.002-05:00

Poll Results

2011-12-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

The twelfth poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

What is your favorite Holiday dessert?

1- Pumpkin Pie
2- Pecan Pie
3- Apple Pie

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Rihanna Talks That Talk

2011-11-20T23:32:00.000-05:00

Rihanna's new album "Talk That Talk" is now available for purchase.

Go to iTunes and download immediately.

Your Monday won't suck as bad for doing so!

Trust me!

Deluxe

Regular

W./E. Coming Soon

2011-11-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

The website for Madonna's new movie, "W./E." has just launched with a brand new trailer.
Click the link below to check out the site:

W./E. Coming Soon

I know that I am 100% biased on the subject of 'anything Madonna,' but it looks absolutely beautiful!
I can't wait to see it. It is opening in select theaters for a week in December with a wide release in February, right around the time of Madonna's new single release and Super Bowl performance. Orgasm.

Here are the trailers for the movie that have been released so far:

First Trailer:

New Trailer:

'Album' of the Year

2011-11-19T18:02:00.075-05:00

Does anyone listen to a full 'album' anymore from beginning to end? (Note: I am going to use the word album throughout this post to represent a group of songs released at the same time by the same artist, since I am not sure what the correct term is nowadays.) In today's digital world, singles are much more popular than the full album. All you have to do is go on iTunes and look at the 'popularity bar' to prove that. So I think my question is legit. Does anyone really listen to a full album anymore from beginning to end?

Well...I do. And I probably always will. There is still something very exciting when one of my favorite artists releases a new album. For me, the songs were chosen by the artist and producers to be in that specific sequence. Whether it is because they feel it is the best mix or whether it is to tell a specific story or if it is just an artistically random decision, it is in that listening order for a purpose. And regardless of that purpose, that's the way I want to hear them, at least at first listen.

Of course as time goes by and I listen to the album over and over, eventually I start to jump to my favorites and skip over the 'duds' (if there are any.) I would even do that in the days of 8-tracks and cassettes. (Yes, I am that old.) And there are some days when I 'shuffle' through my iPod for that eclectic mix that is my taste, especially when I am sitting at my desk at work. However, when I am able to focus on the music, Track 1 through the end of the album is still my favorite way to listen.

So what sparked this 'album' question to pop up and dance around in my mind? Puns intended. (It is a very scary place to be, in my mind, but I digress. Moving on.) Simply put, there have been some really strong releases recently that I just can't stop listening to in full from beginning to end.

So, if someone were to shuffle throught my iPod these days, they would of course find the usual suspects.
Madonna and Alanis Morissette's full catalogues are almost completely represented. (Duh!) There is still nothing in the world like listening to Madonna "Ray of Light" from beginning to end. I hear something new everytime. (God bless William Orbit!) A listen to Alanis Morissette "Under Rug Swept" from start to finish can conjure up some strong emotions about past relationships. (It happened today. Expect a future blog post on that one for sure!)

They would also find some full albums of the not so distant past that I just can't part with and from time to time still listen from beginning to end. Christina Aguilera's "Bionic" (I know I am the only one in the world that liked this, but everyone else is wrong. It is a kick-ass album!), Beyonce "4" (So good!), Britney Spears "Femme Fatale" (The best dance/pop album of the year. Lady Gaga's doesn't even come close in comparison!), Robyn "Body Talk" (It took me awhile to fall in love with it, but it is now one of my favorite albums of all time!) and Scissor Sisters "Night Work" (Pure pop genius!), just to name a few.

And what about those recent 'really strong releases' I was talking about? Well, here they are:
Kelly Clarkson "Stronger" (In my opinion not as 'strong' - again, pun intended - as her last release, but still a stellar release that keeps getting better and better with each listen!), Coldplay "Mylo Xyloto" (Brilliant!), Gavin DeGraw "Sweeter" (I could listen to "Not Over You" over and over, but the rest of the album is so good. And I met him a few years ago and he was adorable!), Erasure "Tomorrow's World" (Who knew I would still be dancing around to this group in my 40's like I was in my teens!), Frankmusik "Do It in the A.M." (He produced Erasure's new album and I bought this on a whim. I am so glad I did!), Pitbull "Planet Pit" (Non-stop dance!) and U2 "Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition)" (Yes, this was released in 1991, but the recently remastered version with bonus tracks made me realize what a phenomenal album it was then and is still today!)

What else is on my iPod? Well, a lot of 'stuff'.' And in my opinion some really great 'stuff,' like Martin Solveig "Hello, " Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger," LMFAO "Sexy and I Know It," David Guetta featuring Usher "Without You" and Cobra Starship "You Make Me Feel."

Those last few songs prove that I am also a victim of the times and I do buy 'singles.' But it really is the albums that I wait for and love to listen to. And I will continue to do so as I wait for new albums by Rihanna, Scissor Sisters and Madonna. All of which I am sure you will be hearing about on this blog.

Until then, go listen to your favorite album from start to finish.
Enjoy the artistry.
Sing.
Dance.
Smile.

L-U-V Madonna

2011-11-13T18:40:00.000-05:00

Y-O-U you wanna?

By now, most people have heard a leak of the new Madonna song "Give Me All Your Love."
Or at least some of the snippets.

Of course, as a huge Madonna fan since 1983 (yes, since the beginning), I listened with a school-girl-like glee. And overall, I liked it. I liked the old-school vibe mixed with some current electro-elements. I liked the fun, bouncy melody with silly, superficial lyrics. I actually felt like a school girl in the 80's after listening to it.

Is it the best Madonna song ever? Of course not. But it is only the framework of the song. It's called a DEMO, people. Remember when a demo of "Beat Goes On" was released before the Hard Candy album dropped? The final version on the album sounded NOTHING like it. There is more to come and until "Give Me All Your Love's" final version is released in early 2012, why judge it fully. Critics need to chill.

Just follow some tweets of people working with Madonna on the album. They would know best, right?

Guy Oseary:
The plan was for new music to come out in the new year... and yet someone leaked a demo version of a song yesterday..

Im very happy with the positive reaction to the demo, but we are very upset with whoever leaked the song!!!!!!!!

we are asking that the fans please help us police any more leaks.. we have a lot in store for you.. but please respect the process..

madonna told me this morning "my true fans wouldn't do this"... whoever is responsible for this leak, we ask that you please stop!..

Martin Solveig
the leaked track "is a demo"

William Orbit
Madonna has phenomenal understanding of both the minutiae of music and the big picture. Zooming in, zooming out. 4ever amazing. Plus VISION!!!

Working with Madonna is a treat. Fantastic tracks and vibes. Going deep. She’s ON IT !!! This is THE album!

The album will be fully mastered at the end of the month.

The woman is a genius and is surrounding herself with them on this record. I am VERY eager to hear her new music, but until it is officially released, I will just get my pom-pom's out of storage and watch everything unveil at a *cross-my-fingers* performance at the Super Bowl.

Until then, did you see her at Saturday night's 'Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project' event?
Girl looked hot and can still make an entrance like no other!

Cartoon of the Day

2011-11-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

Poll Results

2011-11-13T12:41:00.001-05:00

The eleventh poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

What movie scares you the most?
1- The Exorcist
2- Hellraiser
3- The Omen

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Miracle on 34th Street

2011-11-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

Once again, I am inviting you to join me in my continuing theatrical journey!
This time around, it is a show for the entire family about the most wonderful time of the year.
(No, not a Madonna album release, so let me rephrase that.)

It is a show for the entire family about the second most wonderful time of the year…Christmas!

Miracle on 34th Street

Yes, the same story as the classic 1947 movie brought to life on stage by Classic Theater Guild.
(The same company I did “A Few Good Men” with.)

This time around I am not yelling or quoting from the Bible, however I am portraying Albert Sawyer, Macy’s Vocational Guidance Counselor; a not so loveable man who tries to commit Kris Kringle into a mental institution. Stereo-typed again!

This show is very family friendly for kids and adults of all ages – as long as you don’t mind the discussions of “Is Santa Claus real?”

And it would be a great break from all of your ‘hustle and bustle’ during the holiday season!

Check out the information below! And if you are in the Capital District in the great state of New York, come see this holiday classic!

Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to!

Classic Theater Guild presents

Miracle on 34th Street

Adapted from the novel by Valentine Davies

Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Picture

Directed by Thomas Dalton Bambury

Eight performances in two theaters (both at Proctors Theater, 432 State Street, Schenectady, NY)

Proctors Fenimore Gallery

December 9 7:30pm

December 10 7:30pm

December 11 2:00pm

Proctors GE Theater

December 15 7:30pm

December 16 7:30pm

December 17 2:00pm

7:30pm

December 18 2:00pm

Purchase tickets online now:

http://www.proctors.org/events/ctg-miracle-34-street

Cyndi on Madonna

2011-11-05T22:28:00.000-04:00

“I am a Madonna fan. She is a great artist, and whatever has been cooked up about us having issues with one another is just nonsense. We both had big records in the Eighties, and were always compared. But, like I said, she makes great music, looks amazing, has great style and taste, is a fashion icon, sells tons of records and tickets, puts on great shows, and is probably the smartest businesswoman out there; and, while doing all that, raising a family. Not only does she have it all, she does it all and well.”

- Cyndi Lauper on her admiration for Madonna

Poll Results

2011-10-16T13:18:00.000-04:00

The tenth poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

What is your favorite TV show of all time?
1- Friends
2- Seinfeld
3- Law and Order

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

A Message From Zachary Quinto

2011-10-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

Here is a very honest and touching Blog Post from Mr. Zachary Quinto in response to his 'officially' coming out (Zach Quinto Comes Out).

10.16.11.
nyc...

when i found out that jamey rodemeyer killed himself - i felt deeply troubled. but when i found out that jamey rodemeyer had made an it gets better video only months before taking his own life - i felt indescribable despair. i also made an it gets better video last year - in the wake of the senseless and tragic gay teen suicides that were sweeping the nation at the time. but in light of jamey's death - it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it - is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality. our society needs to recognize the unstoppable momentum toward unequivocal civil equality for every gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered citizen of this country. gay kids need to stop killing themselves because they are made to feel worthless by cruel and relentless bullying. parents need to teach their children principles of respect and acceptance. we are witnessing an enormous shift of collective consciousness throughout the world. we are at the precipice of great transformation within our culture and government. i believe in the power of intention to change the landscape of our society - and it is my intention to live an authentic life of compassion and integrity and action. jamey rodemeyer's life changed mine. and while his death only makes me wish that i had done this sooner - i am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me. now i can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world. that - i believe - is all that we can ask of ourselves and of each other.

zq

Bravo, Mr. Quinto. And thank you!

Stop the Madness!

2011-10-09T11:50:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Day

2011-10-08T18:11:00.000-04:00

“Yesterday on Fox News, commentator Glenn Beck said that he believes President Obama is a racist. Well, to be fair, every time you watch Glenn Beck, it does get a little easier to hate white people.”
– Conan O’Brien

Oh Crap...

2011-10-06T22:43:00.000-04:00

I Choose...

2011-10-05T21:52:00.000-04:00

Fruit

2011-10-05T21:50:00.002-04:00

Liza on Madonna

2011-10-03T22:10:00.000-04:00

"I think she’s terrific. When I’m chatting to her, she’s just normal, the opposite of grand. We’ll meet in a restaurant with friends. Or hang out at a party. She’s always interesting and interested. She’s smart as hell and keeps her eyes peeled. She misses nothing."

- Liza Minnelli on her relationship with Madonna

Happy Birthday Jake

2011-10-03T21:55:00.000-04:00

Happy 33rd Birthday, Jake Shears!

I hope it was as exciting a day as all of the times I look at the pictures you tweet of yourself . (see below)

I can't wait to hear new Scissor Sisters' music soon and I can't wait to see you on the next tour!

Have a wonderful 33rd year!

WTF Has Obama Done So Far?

2011-10-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

What the fuck has Obama done so far?

Click the link above to find out!

OBAMA 2012

Super Madonna Bowl

2011-10-03T21:37:00.000-04:00

I sure hope this happens. Madonna has been asked twice before (that I know of) by the NFL but couldn't commit due to scheduling conflicts. I hope this time she fits it in to her schedule for one reason and one reason only - PROMOTION! Her new single is due out in February and new album in April. This would be quite the introduction to her brand new song!

Madonna reportedly set to perform at Super Bowl XLVI halftime show

-from aol.sportingnews.com

More than seven years later, it's safe to say the NFL has officially moved from the "wardrobe malfunction." For the second straight year, the Super Bowl stage is set to welcome a female performer with sex appeal as the 2004 incident with Janet Jackson continues to fade away.

According to SBNation.com, it's reportedly another '80s and '90s pop queen -- Madonna -- who will get the nod to sing and dance in '12 at halftime of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. The Material Girl will be the follow up to Fergie, who performed as part of the Black Eyed Peas in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Madonna will reportedly perform at halftime of Super Bowl XLVI. (AP photo)Consider that when comparing her career to Madonna's, Jackson has been far less controversial outside of her revealing too much in a Super Bowl XXXVIII show with Justin Timberlake. Madonna has been never one to shy away from controversy, as she has used her concert tours, music videos, movies and books to push the envelope. So it's interesting the NFL would be OK with the star of "Truth or Dare," "Justify My Love," "Body of Evidence" and the author of "Sex" representing its brand in the biggest brand.

Where Madonna does fit in with other recent Super Bowl halftime performers, such as Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney, is that at 53, she's a veteran of the industry where she can belt out a medley of her least controversial chart hits. A hipper, current choice would have been Lady Gaga, but Madonna is simply a safer older version. One thing is for sure -- if Madonna digs her old oversized cone-shaped bra out of her closet, the FCC can probably rest assured she will remain well covered.

Maybe this is a "Ray of Light" for the surprising 4-0 Detroit Lions, who are hanging with the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC North as the league's two remaining undefeated teams in '11. Before eventually jet-setting to New York and London, Madonna was born and raised in Michigan.

A Letter from Joe Solmonese

2011-10-02T10:42:00.000-04:00

President Obama just delivered a stirring speech at HRC's 15th Annual National Dinner that has left me ready for action.

In my introduction, I thanked the President for his leadership on repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," signing breakthrough hate crimes prevention legislation, ensuring hospital visitation rights for our loved ones, and declaring the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and indefensible.

When we got backstage, I turned to him and told him I could only imagine what his appearance at an event like this says to a teenager in Salt Lake City who's too nervous to come out, or to a young soldier in Afghanistan who just wants to serve her country openly.

And then I shared a message that comes from people in every corner of the country: "Mr. President, there's a lot more work to be done, but we'll keeping standing with you if you keep standing with us."

On the heels of his inspiring address, will you join me in thanking President Obama and asking him to redouble his efforts for equality? "We've got your back since you've got ours."

President Obama is one of our most visible straight allies, and every pro-LGBT move he makes in the next few months is going to come with a heavy dose of political scrutiny.

You and I have watched as each of our victories turns radical, right-wing activists more livid and their attacks more vicious. Anti-equality legislators are going to continue to fight marriage equality in the states while trying to turn being pro-equality into a liability for the President. And far-right candidates will continue promoting their vision of a world where "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is law again and hate crimes against our community don’t receive the attention they deserve.

It's moments like these that I'm glad the President is standing so publicly in our corner – but I can't thank him enough by myself.

Will you help me thank the President and remind him of the work that's still to be done? Send your message to President Obama now.

Every National Dinner, I reflect on the amazing community of supporters HRC is blessed with. Every victory we've ever accomplished is thanks to your calls, your letters, and your dedication. Thank you for your activism and your enthusiasm in the fight for equal rights.

Proudly,

Joe Solmonese
President, HRC

Click here to watch Mr. Obama deliver this emotional, stirring speech!
Then thank Mr. Obama by clicking here!

I Forget That I Have a Twat

2011-09-30T21:37:00.000-04:00

...Twitter, that is.

If you are one that twats or twitters or tweets, be sure to follow me here: Mad4mo.

I do forget that I have an account and sometimes go months without a twit, tweet, twat. However, I am promising (and hoping) to use it more frequently. I promise to be educational, fun, charming, witty, sarcastic, enterataining, political, make you blush and make you angry all at once.

That is one busy twat.
(Like Sharon Stone's in "Basic Instinct," except prettier!)

Goodbye, Tito

2011-09-30T20:08:00.000-04:00

Terry Francona ('Tito') will be greatly missed!

He was a great manager for the Red Sox and he is a great man. I am glad that I had the privilege of seeing him live not only at a few games but also at an event in Boston celebrating the 2007 World Series Championship.

Thanks for the two World Series Championships and the 8 great years.

You will be missed!

(Now, let's get Mike Lowell as his replacement!)

Francona not retained by Red Sox

-Ken Rosenthal
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Terry Francona will not return as manager of the Boston Red Sox, the team announced after meeting with him on Friday morning.
''We met this morning to look back on the 2011 season and to consider the future of the Boston Red Sox, including my involvement with the club. I passed along my frustrations at my inability to effectively reach the players. After many conversations and much consideration, I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was time for me to move on,'' Francona said.

''I've always maintained that it is not only the right, but the obligation, of ownership to have the right person doing this job. I told them that out of my enormous respect for this organization and the people in it, they may need to find a different voice to lead the team.''

His departure, as first reported by FOXSports.com, comes in the wake of the Red Sox blowing a nine-game lead in the American League wild-card race, the biggest ever held by a team in September that failed to make the playoffs.

''Nobody at the Red Sox blames Tito for what happened at the end of this season; we own that as an organization. This year was certainly a difficult and draining one for him and for us,'' GM Theo Epstein said. ''Ultimately, he decided that there were certain things that needed to be done that he couldn't do after eight years here, and that this team would benefit from hearing a new voice.

''While this may be true, his next team will benefit more than it knows from hearing Tito's voice. I will miss seeing Tito every day in the manager's office, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next chapter.''

Francona now is free to pursue long-term contracts with other clubs. The White Sox’s position currently is open, and Francona managed five seasons in their minor-league system in the early 1990s.

The Cubs could be another possibility for Francona once they hire a new general manager and proceed with the expected dismissal of manager Mike Quade. Francona played for the Cubs in 1986.

Or Francona — after eight years under intense scrutiny in Boston — could decide not to manage at all in 2012.

The decision came as both of the American League Division Series were set to begin. So, obviously, the Red Sox were a hot pregame topic in Texas and New York.

''I know how well liked he is by his players and that city and in baseball in general. He's a great guy; he's not just a good guy,'' Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. ''It's not easy.''

Maddon's Rays, and Joe Girardi's Yankees both made the postseason out of the same division as Boston.

''These jobs are precious, there's no doubt about it. There's expectations. A lot of times they're extremely high expectations when you're in certain towns,'' Girardi said. ''We understand that when we take the job. High expectations are better than no expectations. You do enjoy it and you enjoy your time when you're there.

''Tito has done a great job there.''

The Red Sox went 744-552 under Francona, and 8-0 in World Series games under him, sweeping the Cardinals and Rockies. He became the first manager to win his first six World Series games.

Francona managed the Phillies from 1997 to 2000. He was a special assistant to the GM with the Indians in 2001, then the bench coach for the Rangers in 2002 and Athletics in ‘03 before taking over the Red Sox in ’04.

Obama 2012

2011-09-30T19:48:00.000-04:00

The time to get involved is now!

Obama 2012

Happy Blasphemy Day!

2011-09-30T19:08:00.002-04:00

Blasphemy Day International is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to openly express their criticism of, or even disdain for, religion. It was founded in 2009 by the Center for Inquiry. A student contacted the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York to present the idea, which CFI put its support behind. Ronald Lindsay, president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry said regarding Blasphemy Day, "We think religious beliefs should be subject to examination and criticism just as political beliefs are, but we have a taboo on religion," in an interview with CNN.

According to USA Today's interview with Justin Trottier, Executive Director of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and a Toronto coordinator of Blasphemy Day, "We're not seeking to offend, but if in the course of dialogue and debate, people become offended, that's not an issue for us. There is no human right not to be offended."

Events worldwide on the first annual Blasphemy Day in 2009 included an art exhibit in Washington, DC and a free speech festival in Los Angeles. Blasphemy Day was also widely discussed across the web and covered by several media outlets.

Blasphemy Day is celebrated on September 30 to coincide with the anniversary of the publication of satirical drawings of Muhammad in one of Denmark's newspapers, resulting in the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy. Although the caricatures of Muhammad caused some controversy within Denmark, especially among Muslims, it became a global furor after Muslim imams around the world stirred up violent protests in which at least 137 people were killed, embassies burned and other acts of recrimination carried out because of the blasphemy.

-Taken from Wikipedia

Keep Voting

2011-09-30T18:59:00.000-04:00

There are 13 days left to vote on the Monthly Poll.

This month's question:

What is your favorite TV show of all time?

'Friends' is currently winning.

Disagree? Then look to the right on my blog and vote.

You know you want to!

Thanks to those who have already voted!

Religion is Like a Penis!

2011-09-23T22:02:00.001-04:00

I could not have said this any better myself...

Flowers

2011-09-12T21:41:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I love her so! She is the Queen! :)

A Letter From Jeremy Bird

2011-09-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

Oliver,

If you didn't see the President's speech Thursday night, you should take the time to watch the whole thing.

Thursday night, we saw a leader with a clear plan to get Americans back to work -- and ready to fight to make it happen.

It's the kind of speech you watch and think, "I'm so proud this guy's our President."

Watch the speech and let President Obama know you're ready to fight alongside him to get the job done:

Fired up,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
National Field Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- For more information about the American Jobs Act, click here.

Poll Results

2011-09-06T20:35:00.000-04:00

The ninth poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

What is your favorite summer movie of 2011 (so far)?

1- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
2- Bridesmaids
3- Crazy Stupid Love

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Keep Voting

2011-08-20T11:40:00.002-04:00

There are 15 days left to vote on the Monthly Poll.

We are at the halfway mark.

This month's question:

What is your favorite summer movie of 2011 (so far)?

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' is currently winning.

Disagree? Then look to the right on my blog and vote.

You know you want to!

Thanks to those who have already voted!

Virgin Summer

2011-08-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

This summer has been a summer of firsts; a virgin summer, if you will.

Besides being the first summer in a new decade (And by the way...so far, 40's ROCK), here is a list of other firsts that have happened so far this season:

* first time in Vermont.
* first time on a train.
* first time I didn't see Harry Potter on an opening weekend. (But I did see it eventually).
* first time I feel like I'm in a loving relationship with an adult. (More on him at a later date).
* first time I have the option to get married in NY.
* first time on a cruise.
* first time in the Bahamas.
* first time in Canada.
* first time seeing 'West Side Story' on stage.

And coming soon...

* first time seeing Elton John live.

I am sure I left out a few, and with a few weeks left, I am sure there will be more. (I'll keep you posted!)
And I am looking forward to them!

Happy Birthday Madonna!

2011-08-16T10:00:00.008-04:00

Happy 53rd Birthday, Madonna!

You have done more for me than any other human being on this planet!
Don't worry, my mom knows this and accepts this!

Maybe one day I'll be able to put into words what you really mean to me.
Until then, thank you and have a WONDERFUL birthday!

Champ On Tour

2011-08-10T22:09:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to share a new, fun and exciting website for you, your friends and family.

Follow the adventures of Champ.

Do it here: Champ On Tour
The indiscreet and audacious adventures of upstate New York's favorite wayfaring cryptid.

See where he's been. Anticipate where he's going.

Who knows? Maybe he'll show up some place close to you.

It's simple.
It's fun.
It will put a smile on your face.

Ain't nothing wrong with that!

(Oh, and Champ told me to remind you to vote on my monthly poll. Just look to your right.
Do it...now!)

Poll Results

2011-08-04T21:23:00.000-04:00

The eighth poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

What's your favorite movie quote?

1- "I am serious. And don't call me Shirley." (Airplane!)
2- "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." (Dirty Dancing)
3- "I'll have what she's having." (When Harry Met Sally...)

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Happy 30th Birthday, MTV

2011-08-01T22:15:00.000-04:00

August 1, 1981. I know what I did that day. I witnessed something that would change my life forever.

I watched some music videos on a cable channel.

Sounds simple.

But to a 10 year old kid who loved music, words can't even express the kind of influence that television channel has had on my life.

Although I don't watch MTV at all any more, to not give credit where credit is due would be unjust. So, MTV, thank you for your inspiration. Thank you for giving a kid with some rock star dreams a place to dream bigger, louder and in color.

Thank you for the 'moon man.' The vee-jays. The World Premiere Videos. The VMA's. The Vidoes. The Music. And Madonna.

Here's to another 30.
Happy Anniversary Darling.

The Party of Hate and No

2011-08-01T21:53:00.000-04:00

The political party of hate and no never ceases to amaze me. Here are just two more examples of proof that the republican party is filled with hatred, racism and ignorance. And the people that continue to vote for these individuals - just as disgusting, repulsive and ignorant. It's a shame.

Pam Geller Justifies Breivik’s Terror: Youth Camp Had More ‘Middle Eastern or Mixed’ Races Than ‘Pure Norwegian’

By Lee Fang

Popular hate blogger Pam Geller has received scrutiny in recent days as the public became aware that the right-wing terrorist in Norway, Anders Behring Breivik, had praised her blog and thoroughly cited her writing in his political manifesto. After a number of blogs made the connection, as well as the New York Times, the Atlantic, and other major outlets, Geller became incensed and began lashing out at her critics.

Pam Geller with House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)

In a post defending herself yesterday, Geller — who has called Obama “President Jihad” and claimed that Arab language classes are a plot to subvert the United States — reached a new low. Geller justifies Breivik’s attack on the Norwegian Labour Party summer youth camp because she says the camp is part of an anti-Israel “indoctrination training center.” She says the victims would have grown up to become “future leaders of the party responsible for flooding Norway with Muslims who refuse to assimilate, who commit major violence against Norwegian natives including violent gang rapes, with impunity, and who live on the dole.”

To get her point across, Geller posts a picture of the youth camp children Breivik targeted. The picture was taken on the Utøya island camp about 24 hours before Breivik killed over 30 children, so it is likely Geller is mocking many of the victims. Under the picture, Geller writes: “Note the faces which are more MIddle [sic] Eastern or mixed than pure Norwegian.” View a screen shot (click to enlarge) of Geller’s blog post below:

Could Geller’s outburst of smears be a distraction against mounting evidence that she might have communicated with Breivik in the past? A post from Geller in 2007 reprints a reader-submitted letter in which an anonymous Norwegian complains of Muslim immigration and boasts that he is “stockpiling and caching weapons, ammunition and equipment.” In the comment section, Geller claims that she provided anonymity to the reader to protect him from being prosecuted. Although Geller recently deleted the ammunition line from her post, a cached version is available. As Glenn Greenwald notes, “If this were an attack by a Muslim group, and a Muslim had something like this on his/her website, the FBI and multiple other groups would be swarming.”

Geller, a fixture on Fox News and conservative gatherings, gained a large national following last year after fueling a campaign to smear a planned community center several blocks from the Ground Zero site as a “victory mosque.” Her influence extends beyond Breivik and the anti-Muslim blogosphere to the Republican Party, given the fact she has appeared with politicians like Newt Gingrich. And she is not the only leading conservative to rationalize Breivik’s beliefs and actions. Pat Buchanan wrote a column recently arguing that “Breivik may be right.” On his radio show, Glenn Beck said the youth camp Breivik targeted, which could be compared to the College Democrats or other mainstream political organizations, reminded him of “Hitler Youth.”

Colorado GOP Rep. Doug Lamborn: Associating with Obama is 'Touching a Tar Baby'

What Republican racism?

By Charles Johnson

Republican Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn went on the Caplis and Silverman radio show last Friday, and called President Obama a tar baby.

LAMBORN: Even if some people say ‘well, the Republicans should have done this, or should have done that,’ they will hold the President responsible. Now, I don’t even want to be associated with him, it’s like touching a, a tar baby and you get it…you know you’re stuck and you’re part of the problem and you can’t get away.

Poll Results

2011-07-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

The seventh poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

What's your favorite season?

1- Autumn
2- Summer
3- Winter
4- Spring

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Wasn't Jesus a Gay Man Anyway?

2011-06-26T11:33:00.002-04:00

I found a very well-written article by Geoffrey R. Stone on line about catholic leaders and their stance on Marriage Equality. Good read. You can check it out below.

However...let me first give you a few thoughts of my own, hmmm?

I'll start by addressing a question that I get asked all the time, which is, 'Why do you pick on those poor, poor catholics? What did they ever do to you?' Well, my answer is simple. I was born and raised strict catholic. And the closer you are to bullshit, the more you smell it.

Now, I am all for freedom of religion and I never, ever prohibit anyone from practicing what they want to practice. But when I see bullshit, I want to at least warn my friends before they step in it. If they listen, great. If not, they can scrape their own shoe.

Basically, I feel religion should be something that gives a person spirtual guidance to being a better human being on this planet. Period. That's it. Nothing else. The rest of what 'religions' do is just dogma; enforcing their beliefs on their followers, even if it goes against making those followers better human beings. And I can't be a hypocrite. The article below suggests that 60% of catholics are pro marriage equality. So, 60% of catholics sit back and allow their leaders to spew hatred. I can't do that. I won't do that.

That is one of the many reasons why I will never be a part of any 'formal' religion. I am a free thinker. I do not need anyone else telling me what to do or telling me how or what to think. And I don't take kindly to anyone judging me if I disagree with those said beliefs.

And that is what catholics do best. Judge. And in their judgement, they are selling so much hate it is really disturbing to me. It sickens me that leaders of this church are such elitists and think they are better than other creations of God.

Cause, isn't that what they are doing?

By saying that marriage is simply between one man and one woman, they are denying other human beings, created by their God, to share in a simple, civil right. A right that gay men and women should be covered under 'all men are created equal.' But oddly, are not.

And why is civil marriage even a religious issue anyway? Isn't there separation of church and state in this country? God and Jesus have absolutely nothing to do with my civil right to get married. In fact, if I ever get married, their names won't even be mentioned in the ceremony. Unless, of course, they show up and bring a dish to pass or a check made out to Mr. and Mr. Oliver Ord.

And wasn't Jesus a gay man anyway? I mean, he was a 33 year old, single, Jewish man, living at home with his mother. He hung around with 12 men, a 'fag hag' and played with wood.

Sounds like a power-bottom, queer to me.

Wait...are you offended by that? Are you offended by the idea that Jesus could have been a gay man? Then I suggest searching deep down into your spiritual souls. I can't help but think that if you are offended by that notion, you must have a smidgeon of homophobia and prejudice somewhere in your genetic make-up.

Because what's wrong with that if he was? I know a few of them. They are all good people.

Ok. Now you can read the article I mentioned above. Less wit and snark than my words, but still worth the read.

Marriage Equality and the Catholic Bishops

by Geoffrey R. Stone
Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor of Law at the University of Chicago
from Huffington Post

New York State has taken an important step forward in our nation's never-ending quest to remake ourselves as a more decent, more inclusive, more just and more moral society. Looking back from the future, our grandchildren will surely see the legal recognition of same-sex marriage as an inspiring chapter in America's story, a story in which we have progressively abolished slavery, ended state-sponsored racial segregation, prohibited laws against interracial marriage, protected equal rights for women, promoted religious diversity and tolerance and outlawed discrimination on the basis of disability. There is no doubt that, in the long run, the United States will follow the lead of New York State. The challenge, though, is to make the long run short.

The most vehement opponent of marriage equality in New York was the Catholic Church. Indeed, in the heat of the debate in the state legislature, the New York State Catholic Conference issued a ringing proclamation: "The Bishops of New York State oppose in the strongest possible terms any attempt to redefine the sacred institution of marriage. Marriage has always been, is now, and always will be the union of one man and one woman. Government does not have the authority to change this most basic of truths."

That the leaders of the Catholic Church take this position is certainly their right, but it is a sorry testament to their understanding of their Church's own history in this nation. If anything, one would expect those leaders to be leaders in the fight against bigotry and intolerance, rather than voices in support of prejudice and discrimination. After all, as the historian Arthur Schlesinger, Sr. once observed, prejudice against Catholics has been one of "the deepest bias[es] in the history of the American people."

Sadly, this was so from the very beginning. In the mid-seventeenth century, both the Colony of Virginia and Massachusetts Bay Colony enacted laws prohibiting Catholic settlers. In the 1830s, prominent Protestant leaders attacked the Catholic Church as an enemy of republican values, and in the 1840s the "nativist" movement was whipped into a frenzy of anti-Catholicism that led to mob violence, the burning of Catholic property, and the killing of Catholics. Anti-Catholicism reached a peak in the mid-nineteenth century when Protestant leaders became alarmed by the heavy influx of Catholic immigrants.

Rabid anti-Catholicism continued into the 1920s, when anti-Catholics fumed that Catholicism was incompatible with democracy. When Al Smith ran unsuccessfully for president in 1928 as the first Roman Catholic candidate, Protestant ministers warned that the nation's autonomy would be threatened if he were to be elected, because he would listen not to the American people, but to the pope.

Many Americans opposed Smith because they believed the Catholic Church was "unAmerican." In an influential manifesto, the Lutheran Dr. Clarence Reinhold Tappert warned about "the peculiar relation in which a faithful Catholic stands and the absolute allegiance he owes to a 'foreign sovereign' who 'claims' supremacy in secular affairs and who, time and again, has endeavored to put this claim into practical operation."

In 1949, Paul Blanshard wrote in his bestselling book, American Freedom and Catholic Power, that the Catholic Church was widely seen as an "undemocratic system of alien control" in which the lay were chained by the "rule of the clergy." Even today, when things have clearly changed for the better, only 45 percent of Americans have a positive view of the Catholic Church (as compared to 53 percent who have a positive view of same-sex marriage).

In light of that history, one would have hoped that the leaders of a religion that has been so vilified and discriminated against would have been able to take a step back and recognize similar bigotry and prejudice when it is directed at others. Instead, the bishops' proclamation does precisely what the critics of the Church have long condemned. According to the proclamation, marriage is a "sacred" institution -- that is, an institution set apart for veneration by God -- and government therefore "does not have the authority to change" it. In other words, in a self-governing society, the democratically-elected representatives of the people do "not have the authority" to change the law in a way that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the bishops. That is not a winning argument.

Ironically, it is not a winning argument even with Catholics, a substantial majority of whom reject the Church's position and support same-sex marriage. Indeed, whereas 53 percent of all Americans now support same-sex marriage, approximately 60 percent of Catholics now take that position. It is heart-warming and inspiring when the adherents of a religion -- any religion -- are more decent, more wise and more moral than the "leaders" of their religion. It's enough to give one faith in the future.

A Letter from Kristen Gillibrand

2011-06-25T10:59:00.001-04:00

What a historic day!

I’m thrilled that, thanks to your voice and the hard work of Governor Cuomo and so many committed organizations and elected officials, New York has once again led the way for equality.

Last night, the New York legislature stood up for equality for all New Yorkers and spoke loudly in support of the simple proposition that every New Yorker should be able to marry the person they love.

But our work is not done.

Even once our LGBT friends and family are legally able to marry here in New York, the Defense of Marriage Act will prohibit them from enjoying over 1,000 federal rights and privileges that are afforded straight married couples. While it won’t be easy, we can overturn DOMA – but we need thousands of grassroots activists like you to stand up and demand repeal.

Click here to join me and Democracy For America in urging Congress to repeal this regressive and discriminatory law. For only once every legally married couple in the United States is treated equally under federal law can we fulfill the true meaning of marriage equality.

The Defense of Marriage Act is truly damaging. Every day, thousands of legally married LGBT men and women around the country are unable to take advantage of rights and privileges – from hospital visitation to inheritance rights to health benefits – that straight married couples take for granted.

Like DFA member Florence P. of Brushton, NY who sent in her story of how DOMA has impacted her:

My late partner and I were as close to a legal married couple as we could get in the state of New York. We were together for 32 1/2 years, hoping to one day marry in our state. She died in 2006. I am not considered to be her widow. I am not considered to be legally related to her at all even though we shared our lives completely for over 32 years. It's time to repeal DOMA.

I agree with Florence. We must end this unjust policy. But much like the historic vote last night in New York, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and our collective grassroots advocacy. And I believe it’s going to take telling more stories like Florence’s.

If you’ve been impacted by DOMA, click here to sign the petition and tell us your story at repealDOMA.com. It’s imperative that we begin to tell the stories of the Americans hurt every day by the injustice of DOMA, so that we can put faces and names to this discriminatory policy. Only then will we truly be able to start changing hearts and minds, both among my colleagues in Congress and around the country.

We did it with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and we’ll do it with DOMA. The time to start is now.
Thank you for standing with me and DFA for equality for all Americans.

Sincerely,
Kirsten

Madonna: Female Force

2011-06-25T10:26:00.000-04:00

Madonna's life story to be subject of comic book

from Madonnalicious

Madonna will soon find herself in a whole new material world: the pages of a comic book.

The star will have her life story told in 32 pages by Bluewater Productions Inc., the latest celebrity to be part of its semi-regular line of 'Female Force' comics, the publisher said Thursday.

'Our goal is to show the little-known events and influences that resulted in Madonna becoming the phenomenon she remains to this day, more than a quarter-century after she burst upon the scene,' said Jason Schultz, Bluewater's executive vice president. 'A visual medium provides perspective that is not only accessible but more relatable to the average person without losing any of the information involved.'

The one-shot issue - due out in August for $3.99 and written by C.W. Cooke and drawn by Michael Johnson - will look at her life as it transformed from a little-known singer into a multimillion-record-selling entertainer and trendsetter.

'Most pop stars owe everything to this woman. It's amazing all of the things that she's done in her lifetime, and I have a feeling that this is still only the beginning,' Cooke said of Madonna.

The issue joins a growing collection of similar titles from the Vancouver, Wash.-based publisher. Previous subjects in the 'Female Force' series that have included Betty White, Michelle Obama, Barbara Walters, Sarah Palin and Margaret Thatcher, among others.

Thank You, Governor Cuomo!

2011-06-25T08:12:00.000-04:00

Thank You, New York!

2011-06-25T00:38:00.000-04:00

Words really can't express what I am feeling right now in regards to the state of New York passing the Marriage Equality Bill.

I am thrilled beyond belief!!

I am sure I will have A LOT more to say about it in the very near future, but for now a simple but HUGE thank you to Governor Cuomo, the New York State Government, HRC and EVERYONE that called, emailed or texted their senators and assemblymen in support of Marriage Equality!

We were all a part of this VICTORY for EQUALITY!

Most of all, I am so happy that I got to watch this historic event unfold with my son and my partner, two people that I love very deeply on this planet.

44 more states to go...

'Evolving' in the Correct Direction

2011-06-19T14:03:00.000-04:00

Obama’s Views on Gay Marriage ‘Evolving’

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG

WASHINGTON — Driving across the flatlands of Illinois with Barack Obama during the Senate race of 2004, Kevin Thompson sometimes found himself tutoring the candidate on gay rights.

Mr. Thompson, then a traveling aide, recalls long conversations about topics like the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion that sparked the gay rights movement, gay adoption — Mr. Obama once volunteered that Mr. Thompson and his partner would make “great parents,” Mr. Thompson recalled — and same-sex marriage, which Mr. Obama has in the past opposed.

Mr. Thompson, an Obama supporter, is skeptical about that. “To this day,” he said, “I don’t think Barack Obama has any issue with two people of the same gender getting married.”

Now President Obama says his views on same-sex marriage are “evolving,” and as he runs for re-election he is seeking support from gay donors who want to know where he stands.

This week, he will headline a $1,250-a-plate “Gala with the Gay Community” in Manhattan, his first such event as president; on June 29, he will host a Gay Pride reception at the White House. He is doing so at time when the New York Legislature is considering whether to make same-sex marriage legal — a vote that the president will no doubt be asked about while in New York.

The White House would not comment on whether Mr. Obama was ready to endorse same-sex marriage. But one Democratic strategist close to the White House, speaking only on the condition of anonymity, said some senior advisers “are looking at the tactics of how this might be done if the president chose to do it.”

And Representative Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat who is gay, said in an interview that a top adviser to Mr. Obama, whom he would not name, asked him this year, “What would be the effect if he came out for same-sex marriage?”

“My own view is that I look at President Obama’s record, he was probably inclined to think that same-sex marriage was legitimate, but as a candidate for president in 2008 that would have been an unwise thing to say,” Mr. Frank said. “And I don’t mean that he’s being hypocritical. I mean that if you live in a democratic society, it is a mix of what you think the voters want and what you think is doable.”

Many gay leaders say because the president has a strong record on issues they care about — prodding Congress to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which barred openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military, and withdrawing legal support for the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman — he is not under intense pressure to announce a change in his position before the 2012 election.

But with the political climate around gay rights changing drastically — a handful of recent polls show that Americans, by a slim majority, now support same-sex marriage — some strategists see little political cost to a shift in position. And a review of Mr. Obama’s record, dating to when he first ran for public office, suggests that he may have been for same-sex marriage before he was against it.

In 1996, as a candidate for the State Senate in Illinois, Mr. Obama responded to a questionnaire from a gay newspaper. “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages,” Mr. Obama wrote, “and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.”

White House officials have said Mr. Obama was really referring to civil unions, which he does support. (On Friday, Mr. Obama’s communications director, Dan Pfieffer, caused a brief kerfuffle by telling a conference of bloggers that Mr. Obama had not filled out the forms himself; the White House later said he was mistaken.)

By the time Mr. Obama ran for the United States Senate in 2004, his position had become more nuanced.

Jackie Kaplan, a Chicago Democrat who was co-chairwoman of a committee of gays and lesbians supporting Mr. Obama, said he raised practical objections and made the case this way: “Why spend a lot of time on an issue that is not going to happen? The Defense of Marriage law is on the books, we’re not going to overturn that, let’s talk about how we can build more equality.”

Tracy Baim, a gay journalist in Chicago who interviewed Mr. Obama in 2004, remembers the candidate asking her to turn off her tape recorder so they could have a candid conversation on same-sex marriage. She said his objections were based on what he saw as realistic considerations: “I know what you want, I know what you can get.”

But when his Senate campaign moved into the general election against Alan Keyes, Mr. Obama told an interviewer for a black-owned radio station that religion was a factor.

Ms. Kaplan said she felt that Mr. Obama was either “pandering to Alan Keyes” or setting himself up to run for higher office; Ms. Baim, who said Mr. Obama had not cited his religious beliefs to her, viewed it as “a political maneuver.”

The black church has historically taken a dim view of same-sex marriage; the church Mr. Obama attended in Chicago, Trinity United Church of Christ, takes no official stance. Yet Trinity’s parent church is progressive; in 2005, its general synod passed a resolution supporting marriage equality for gay couples.

Once in the Senate, Mr. Obama maintained the position that his opposition was based on his religious views. Jimmy Creech, a former Methodist minister who advocates for same-sex marriage, recalls meeting with Mr. Obama’s top Senate aides in 2005. He thought Mr. Obama, the son of an interracial couple whose marriage would have been illegal in some states, would be sympathetic.

But he said the conversation turned frosty when same-sex marriage came up. “We talked about this as an expression of bigotry, using religion to justify discrimination,” Mr. Creech said. “They did not like that; the word ‘bigotry’ was inflammatory to them.”

As a presidential candidate, Mr. Obama’s position hardened. In 2008, he visited the Saddleback Church in Orange County, Calif., where the pastor Rick Warren asked him to define marriage. “I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Mr. Obama said. “For me, as a Christian, it is also a sacred union.”

Three years later, Mr. Obama has said his views are evolving, in part because he has “very close friends who are married gay and lesbian couples.”

But the Democrat who had strategy discussions with the White House on same-sex marriage said Mr. Obama seemed to be considering his place in history and was moved by the argument of Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who cast the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” as a moral issue.

“This is clearly a president who is interested in making big historical changes,” the strategist said. “I think this issue has moved into that context for him.”

New York Dads Do It Better

2011-06-19T12:18:00.000-04:00

NY dads call on the Senate to pass the marriage bill

By Cameron Tolle

As families across the country celebrate Father’s Day, dads in New York are standing with New Yorkers United for Marriage to ramp up the pressure on the state Senate to pass the marriage bill.

Dads like Gerald Hathaway, father of actress Anne Hathaway, says that he just wants all three of his children, including his gay son, to be treated fairly under the law:

"I want what every Father wants – for society to treat all three of my children with the dignity and respect that they deserve. It’s time for the state legislature to ensure equality under the law for all New Yorkers, and that means allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.”

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue says that extending marriage to gay and lesbian couples is an issue of basic equality and fairness, and on Father’s Day, he wants his gay son to share in the commitment and responsibilities that only marriage provides:

“I have an incredible son for whom I want every happiness in the world, including the joy of marriage – and all of the responsibilities, privileges and protections that come with it.”

But it’s not just famous dads who believe that all New Yorkers should have the freedom to marry. Everyday New Yorkers like Ed Galloway of Pound Ridge, NY says that while he and his partner Gordon do all they can to provide for their children, the one thing they cannot give them is the respect and protections that marriage would afford their family. Ed wants the Senate to pass the marriage bill so that their children will know that their family is the same as other families and deserves to be valued and protected.

Tomorrow, on the last day of the legislative session, the state Senate has a chance to end the exclusion of gay and lesbian New Yorkers from marriage so that dads like Gerald, Paul, and Ed can rest assured that none of their children can be denied the dignity of marrying the person they love.

Join these extraordinary fathers and urge your state Senator to support marriage for all loving and committed couples in the Empire State. Your Senator needs to hear from you now! Click here to take action: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/page/speakout/NYThankYou

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T11:08:00.000-04:00

I don't think this day could go by without me wishing a Happy Father's Day to one of the greatest fathers on the planet:

Anthony Ciccone

Without you, Mr. Ciccone, my days would be so empty. Your one daughter has given me so much courage, inspiration and love through her creativity, it is almost to hard to put into words. I love her and love you for that.

Thank you!!

WWMD?

2011-06-19T10:14:00.000-04:00

What would Madonna do?

"New Yorkers your voices must be heard. Tell your state Congressmen to support same sex marriage bill. All you need is love" - Madonna, via Guy Oseary's Twitter.

Smart lady!

Glitterati

2011-06-18T22:06:00.000-04:00

Here is one example to back up my claim that gay republicans are just stupid. (See post below.):

Michele Bachmann Latest GOP Candidate to Suffer Glitter Attack

ABC News' Matthew Jaffe reports:

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann today got a very warm reception from her home state at a conference of conservative bloggers in Minneapolis, but a few gay rights protesters still managed to make her the latest victim of the glitter attacks that have already been waged on fellow GOP presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Tim Pawlenty.

Following her speech at the RightOnline conference this morning, Bachmann had some glitter thrown on her as she made her way off stage to greet the audience.

After the brief glitter shower, the protester was swiftly removed by security.

"You can run, but you can't hide," the protester yelled as she was hauled off.
Meanwhile, Bachmann proceeded to work the ropeline, seemingly unfazed by the incident.

And this is why she was glitterati'd:

Michele Bachmann’s Top 10 Attacks On The LGBT Community

By Zack Ford

Michele Bachmann announced her candidacy for president last (week) at CNN’s Republican Debate. Here is just a sampling of some of her most hurtful and ill-informed statements:

1. DYSFUNCTION AND DISORDERED: “I am not here bashing people who are homosexuals, who are lesbians, who are bisexual, who are transgendered. We need to have profound compassion for the people who are dealing with the very real issue of sexual dysfunction in their life, and sexual identity disorders. This is a very real issue. It’s not funny, it’s sad.”

2. ENSLAVEMENT: “Why is it so dangerous? It leads to the personal enslavement of individuals. Because if you’re involved in the gay and lesbian lifestyle, it’s bondage. Personal bondage, personal despair, and personal enslavement. And that’s why this is so dangerous.”

3. CHILD ABUSE: “This message could be very easily misunderstood. Who is he speaking to — 8 year old boys? And so you have a teacher talking about his gayness. He goes home then, and says ‘Hey mom, what’s gayness? We had a teacher talking about this today.’ The mother says, ‘Well, that’s when a man likes other men and they don’t like girls.’ The boy’s 8, he’s thinking, ‘I don’t like girls. I like boys. Maybe I’m gay.’ And you think, that’s way out there. Kid isn’t gonna think that. Are you kidding? That happens all the time. You don’t think that’s intentional, the message that’s being given to these kids? That’s child abuse.”

4. HEALTH HAZARD?: THINKPROGRESS: Do you agree that homosexuality is a publichealth hazard like smoking? BACHMANN: “Um. I — I don’t have an answer on that. I don’t have an answer. Why don’t I have another question?”

5. GOD SAID SO: “And I took a walk and I just went to prayer and I said Lord, what would you have me do in the Minnesota state Senate? And just through prayer I knew that I was to introduce the marriage amendment in Minnesota.”

6. WAR ON MARRIAGE: On President Obama not defending DOMA: “This is just the beginning in our fight to repeal Barack Obama in 2012. Had Barack Obama been on the ballot in 2010, he would have gone down in a fiery defeat. Yet he continues to push his far-left, socialist agenda on the American people. And today, he has declared war on marriage. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight back against Barack Obama’s attacks on marriage and I hope you will join me by adding your name to my ‘Support Traditional Marriage’ petition.”

7. AN EARTHQUAKE: “This is an earthquake issue. This will change our state forever. Because the immediate consequence, if gay marriage goes through, is that K-12 little children will be forced to learn that homosexuality is normal, natural and perhaps they should try it.”

8. DADT: “I would keep the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.”

9. ENDA: On the Employment Non-Discrimination Act: “No.”

10. IN THE BUSHES: Not a statement, but Bachmann once spied on a gay rights rally, hiding behind some bushes.

Any gay (or straight, for that matter) person that would supprt her is...let me spell it out for you:
C-R-A-Z-Y!
Basket full of CRAZY!

A New Face of Evil

2011-06-18T21:49:00.001-04:00

I have always said that a gay republican is like giving a bald man a comb. It's just plain stupid.

Well, a gay catholic is much worse.

How can any self-respecting gay person support such a vile, heinous, disgusting, unloving, demoralizing group of individuals? It is simply absurd to me. The latest example of how hateful this 'religion' is can be found in the words of Timothy Dolan, the new face of evil. Here are just some of his words in light of the Marriage Equality Bill introduced by Governor Cuomo in New York last week:

New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan

“Last time I consulted an atlas, it is clear we are living in New York, in the United States of America – not in China or North Korea...In those countries, government presumes daily to ‘redefine’ rights, relationships, values, and natural law. There, communiqués from the government can dictate the size of families, who lives and who dies, and what the very definition of ‘family’ and ‘marriage’ means.”

"Civil unions we worry about because we simply think it's a step toward the dumbing down of marriage.”

Shame on you Mr. Dolan. I thought religion was supposed to accept everyone as children of God, teach all to love one another and to be compassionate to all people. Do you know how many young boys and girls, who are struggling with their sexuality, hear your words and feel unloved, ashamed and unworthy? They look to you, as a leader of the catholic church, and to their religion they are being raised up with for love and comfort.

Instead, they get hate.

The blood of any young gay person that ends their life because they feel unloved is on your hands. You are nothing but a bully. Shame on you. And shame on anyone who supports you and your hateful religion.

I was born and raised strict catholic. But now I am a proud anti-catholic...and I always will be!

Marriage Equality in New York

2011-06-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

Cuomo Introduces Marriage Equality Bill

Despite more verbiage on religious exemptions, language tracks existing New York human right law

Published: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 5:25 PM CDTBY PAUL SCHINDLER AND SIMON GARRON-CAINE

One day after Governor Andrew Cuomo and leading advocates for marriage equality in New York agreed to move forward on seeking a vote before the Legislature adjourns on June 20, the governor introduced his program bill, which will require approval by both the Senate and the Assembly during the final four days of session.
As a bow to some Republicans who have raised concerns about encumbrances that opening up marriage to same-sex couples might have on religious freedom, the governor’s bill is more expansive on that point than the measure approved three times by the Assembly.

The additional language, however, merely tracks existing human rights law in New York State.

The marriage equality measure considered in 2007 and 2009 included language making clear that no clergy “shall be required to solemnize any marriage” as a result of the law.

The governor’s bill, drawing on longstanding provisions in the state human rights law –– which outlaws discrimination based on a wide array of categories, including, since 2002, sexual orientation –– reiterates that neither religious organizations nor “benevolent organizations” will be required to provide access to their facilities as a “public accommodation.”

Under human rights law, access to public accommodations –– function rooms, restaurants, hotels, and other facilities rented out to the general public –– must be provided on an equal basis. New York law, however, deems such facilities owned by religious or benevolent group to be “distinctly private,” and therefore not treated as public accommodations.

The governor’s marriage bill also picks up existing provisions of law spelling out that nothing prohibits religious organizations and charities and educational institutions they operate from limiting employment and access to housing to members of their religion or “from taking any action as is calculated by such organization to promote the religious principles for which it is established or maintained.”

To the extent that either side in the marriage debate argues that these provisions are either too generous to religious organizations or too onerous on them, that debate is a long-settled matter in state human rights laws. By picking up the existing statutory language, the Cuomo bill, in a sense, emphasizes that marriage equality will not change the status quo balance between religion and the gay and lesbian community.

Greg Ball, a Putnam County Republican who has signaled openness to the marriage equality bill this year after voting no in 2009, has also been among the most outspoken in articulating concerns about religious protections. He has said he needs to see specific carve-outs for clergy performing marriages and in the rental of church facilities for wedding receptions –– and has also suggested he would like an exemption for private business owners who have religious objections to offering access to facilities that are otherwise public accommodations. That last point has consistently been a non-starter among marriage equality advocates.

Shortly after the governor released his bill, Ball told Gay City News that the new language addressed some of his concerns, but not others.

"I'm going to reach out and see how comfortable the Catholic Church is,” he said.

After three new Democratic supporters and one Republican, James Alesi of Rochester, on June 13 brought the public count of yes votes to 30 of the 32 needed for passage, Cuomo said he was confident marriage equality would pass if the Republican majority allows a floor debate and vote. (On June 14, Senator Roy McDonald, a Troy Republican, announced his intention to vote yes.) Since last fall, the GOP leader, Dean Skelos of Long Island, has repeatedly said he expects his conference to support that, though he has declined to offer a guarantee.

Late in the afternoon on June 14, Kelly Cummings, a Skelos staffer, said the Republicans would take up the question of a floor vote on June 15.

This Makes Me Wet

2011-06-14T21:53:00.000-04:00

Madonna's manager, Guy Oseary (who has a son named Oliver) took to his twitter earlier today to answer fan questions.

The most exciting news according to Oseary was: "Madonna goes into the recording studio next month to begin work on new album..."

He also stated that Madonna "has a good idea on which producers she will be working with..."

I needed a towel after reading that.

Considering what Madonna has encountered over the past few years (divorce, working on a new movie, her trials and tribulations in Malawi) this new project has potential to have 'Ray of Light' and 'Like A Prayer' epic-ness to it.

Another towel please...

W.E.

2011-06-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

The Weinstein Company Acquires Madonna's W.E. For U.S. Release

Abbie Cornish, James D'Arcy, Andrea Riseborough Star In Romantic Drama - Madonna's Feature Film Directorial Debut - 2011 Release Planned

New York, NY, June 13, 2011 - The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to "W.E.," Madonna's directorial debut of a feature film. W.E. is a romantic drama co-written by Madonna and Alek Keshishian, produced by Madonna and Kris Thykier and executive produced by Scott Franklin (BLACK SWAN). It stars Abbie Cornish (LIMITLESS), Oscar Isaac (DRIVE), James D'Arcy (MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD), Andrea Riseborough (NEVER LET ME GO), Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors"), Richard Coyle (PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME), James Fox (SHERLOCK HOLMES) and Laurence Fox ("Inspector Lewis"). The announcement was made by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein and President of Production Donna Gigliotti.

Spanning six decades, W.E. juxtaposes a contemporary love story with that of King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

"W.E. is about the nature of true love, and the sacrifices and compromises that are often made. I've wanted to tell this story for a very long time, and bringing it to life has been a great adventure for me. I'm looking forward to working with Harvey and The Weinstein Company on this film," commented Madonna.

"Madonna has really come into her own as a filmmaker with W.E.," said Weinstein. "She's taken one of the most famous romances of the 20th Century and brought it to life in a smart, sexy and thoroughly modern way. It's a terrific addition to our US release slate."

Commented Gigliotti, "The advance footage for W.E. was some of the most impressive I've ever seen. I can't wait for American audiences to have the opportunity to see this film."

The deal was negotiated for TWC by Weinstein, COO David Glasser and Michal Steinberg, Senior Vice President Business Affairs and Acquisitions; and by CAA, on behalf of the filmmakers.

SYNOPSIS

W.E. tells the story of two fragile but determined women - Wally Winthrop and Wallis Simpson - separated by more than six decades. In 1998, lonely New Yorker Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish) is obsessed with what she perceives as the ultimate love story: King Edward's VIII's abdication of the British throne for the woman he loved, American divorcee Wallis Simpson. But Wally's research, including several visits to the Sotheby's auction of the Windsor Estate, reveals that the couple's life together was not as perfect as she thought. Weaving back and forth in time, W.E. intertwines Wally's journey of discovery in New York with the story of Wallis (Andrea Riseborough) and Edward (James D'Arcy), from the glamorous early days of their romance to the slow unraveling of their lives in the decades that followed.

ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes, including Tom Hooper's THE KING'S SPEECH, winner of four 2011 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I'M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; BLUE VALENTINE, THE COMPANY MEN; MIRAL; and SCRE4M. Upcoming releases include SPY KIDS 4, APOLLO 18, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, THE DETAILS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Recently wrapping are I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT and COGAN'S TRADE.

TWC is also active in television production, with credits including the Emmy Award-winning hit reality series "Project Runway," the new VH1 reality series "Mob Wives," and the critically acclaimed HBO comedy/crime series "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency." The company is producing two "Project Runway" spinoffs, "Project Runway: Masters" and "Project Runway: Accessories," which are expected to debut in 2011. The company currently has 17 series in different stages of development, including: "Marco Polo," a scripted historical series about the great explorer; "The Nanny Diaries," based on the hit book; and "The Mad Ones," adapted from the Mafia novel of the same name.

Albany Gay Pride - Catch It

2011-06-10T22:14:00.010-04:00

Another Gay Pride celebration is winding down in the Capital District. Be proud and come out to celebrate with the LGBT community. If you can't make it out, still be PROUD!

Here are the upcoming scheduled events this weekend:

SATURDAY, JUNE 11th

Walgreen’s Run for Pride 5K and Rainbow Fun Run/Walk

Washington Park Lakehouse, Albany • 8am registration,

9am 5K Race, 10am Rainbow Fun Run/Walk •

$15 Registration, $20 day of race. Show your pride by participating in the 3rd Annual Run for Pride 5K, sponsored by Walgreen’s. Featuring prizes and giveaways, whether you’re taking part in the run or cheering on your friends, the Pride 5K has quickly become one of our most exciting events!

To register online, please visit: www.active.com/5k-race/albany-ny/run-or-walk-for-pride-5k-and-rainbowfun-run-2011?p=1745.

Pride Family Fun Day/Coasters for a Cause

Six Flags Great Escape, Lake George • All Day $19.99 pre sale tickets

The Pride Center of the Capital Region in cooperation with the Six Flags Great Escape Coasters for a Cause program, is thrilled to present Pride Family Fun Day at the Great Escape. For the reduced price of $19.99, get full park access and enjoy all the fun and excitement of the rides and shows Six Flags Great Escape has
to offer. Don’t forget to wear purple to show your pride. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Pride Center of the Capital Region either by visiting http://www.capitalpridecenter.org/ or calling 518-462-6138. Tickets can be used only on May 28–30, June 1–5, June 8–12 and June 15–19. A portion of the proceeds
goes to the Pride Center.

Sing Out Louise V
Waterworks, 76 Central Ave., Albany • 9pm • $10
The ladies who helped define drag in Albany are back! With the tremendous performances and magnificent response last year, Mama-Brent, Freida Munchon, and Carmie Hope continue an amazing Pride tradition with “Sing Out Louise V”. They will dazzle you, amaze you, and change it up a bit in an electrifying opening show before Shontelle takes the stage.

Shontelle Live @ Waterworks Pub
Waterworks, 76 Central Ave., Albany • 11pm (Right after Sing Out Louise V) • $10
Shontelle, the next up-and-coming superstar in the music industry, brings her incredible voice and unbelievable talent to Waterworks Pub. With hits from her two chart topping albums, including Billboard sensations “Impossible,” “Perfect Nightmare,” and her latest single “Say Hello to Goodbye” she is sure to amaze and impress in a show that can’t be missed!!!
Capital Pride’s Diva Night 2011 at Waterworks Pub!

SUNDAY, JUNE 12th

Capital Pride Parade and Festival

Washington Park, Albany • Noon–5pm • Free

Capital Pride Parade! Come celebrate the Capital Region’s great LGBTQ community! The parade steps off at noon in Washington Park. There will be live music, exciting floats and as always there are sure to be a few surprises! Come and enjoy the parade and then stay with us in Washington Park for the Capital Pride Festival. The festivities on the stage kick off immediately following the Pride Parade. Join us as Billboard Chart topper CeCe Peniston takes the main stage this year, including her #1 hit anthem “Finally.” This year will also feature performances by up-and-comer Shontelle (“Impossible”) as well as local favorites Sirsy and Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde. There’s always a lot to do and see in the park so come, spend the day and show your Pride at the largest Pride celebration in Upstate New York.

Closing Parties

Waterworks, ROCKS, and Oh Bar • 5–8pm • Suggested Donations; Cash Bars Waterworks, Rocks, and Oh Bar team up to put the finishing touches on Pride 2011! Join the fun immediately following the festivities!

Republican is the New Retarded

2011-05-31T22:07:00.000-04:00

I have never called anyone 'retarded.' (OK, George Bush, but in all fairness I really, really do think he is.) But other than W., I have never called any person 'retarded.'

I have, however, used the phrase 'That's retarded.' By definition alone, retardation is the act or result of delaying; the extent to which anything is retarded or delayed; that which retards or delays. So, I never thought that it was offensive to anyone. I felt it was an English word and phrase that I was using grammatically correct. Everytime I used it, I was referring to a process being slowed down.

It is not like saying 'That's gay' when talking about something that you don't like or you think is stupid or odd. In that instance, you are changing the definition of the word. When I use, 'that's retarded,' I was not changing the meaning of the word.

I am not the type of person that likes to be told what to (or not to) say or do. However, I am also not the type of person that likes to offend people. So, since Sue Sylvester and Becky Jackson (two of my favorite people) told me I should not use that word (check out the PSA below), I am going to try my best not to use it anymore.

But I do need a substitute phrase.

So, when something at work is slowing down my ability to complete a task, I shall now simply say "That's republican."

And before you argue that I am changing the meaning, let me define a republican. A republican is person that acts or has a result of delaying.

Perfect!

I think Sue and Becky would agree with me.

Obama Pride

2011-05-31T20:06:00.000-04:00

President Obama commemorated June as the month of Pride on Tuesday by issuing a two-page presidential proclamation celebrating the event and recounting his achievements for the LGBT community.
Obama has issued Pride proclamations for each of the three years in which he’s served in the White House. Former President George W. Bush issued no such proclamation.

Obama Issues Pride Proclamation for 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The story of America’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect Union. It is a story about the struggle to realize the great American promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under the law. Each June, we commemorate the courageous individuals who have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Since taking office, my Administration has made significant progress towards achieving equality for LGBT Americans. Last December, I was proud to sign the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. With this repeal, gay and lesbian Americans will be able to serve openly in our Armed Forces for the first time in our Nation’s history. Our national security will be strengthened and the heroic contributions these Americans make to our military, and have made throughout our history, will be fully recognized.

My Administration has also taken steps to eliminate discrimination against LGBT Americans in Federal housing programs and to give LGBT Americans the right to visit their loved ones in the hospital. We have made clear through executive branch nondiscrimination policies that discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the Federal workplace will not be tolerated. I have continued to nominate and appoint highly qualified, openly LGBT individuals to executive branch and judicial positions. Because we recognize that LGBT rights are human rights, my Administration stands with advocates of equality around the world in leading the fight against pernicious laws targeting LGBT persons and malicious attempts to exclude LGBT organizations from full participation in the international system. We led a global campaign to ensure “sexual orientation” was included in the United Nations resolution on extrajudicial execution — the only United Nations resolution that specifically mentions LGBT people — to send the unequivocal message that no matter where it occurs, state-sanctioned killing of gays and lesbians is indefensible. No one should be harmed because of who they are or who they love, and my Administration has mobilized unprecedented public commitments from countries around the world to join in the fight against hate and homophobia.

At home, we are working to address and eliminate violence against LGBT individuals through our enforcement and implementation of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. We are also working to reduce the threat of bullying against young people, including LGBT youth. My Administration is actively engaged with educators and community leaders across America to reduce violence and discrimination in schools. To help dispel the myth that bullying is a harmless or inevitable part of growing up, the First Lady and I hosted the first White House Conference on Bullying Prevention in March. Many senior Administration officials have also joined me in reaching out to LGBT youth who have been bullied by recording “It Gets Better” video messages to assure them they are not alone.

This month also marks the 30th anniversary of the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has had a profound impact on the LGBT community. Though we have made strides in combating this devastating disease, more work remains to be done, and I am committed to expanding access to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Last year, I announced the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. This strategy focuses on combinations of evidence-based approaches to decrease new HIV infections in high risk communities, improve care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and reduce health disparities. My Administration also increased domestic HIV/AIDS funding to support the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and HIV prevention, and to invest in HIV/AIDS-related research. However, government cannot take on this disease alone. This landmark anniversary is an opportunity for the LGBT community and allies to recommit to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and continuing the fight against this deadly pandemic.

Every generation of Americans has brought our Nation closer to fulfilling its promise of equality. While progress has taken time, our achievements in advancing the rights of LGBT Americans remind us that history is on our side, and that the American people will never stop striving toward liberty and justice for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Poll Results

2011-05-31T19:54:00.000-04:00

The sixth poll of my blog has officially ended.

Here are the results:

Does size really matter?

1- It depends
2- Yes
3- No

Make sure to check (to the right) each month for a new poll.

Thanks to all of those that voted!

Come Look at the Freaks!

2011-05-13T15:01:00.000-04:00

Side Show has always been one of my favorite “under the radar” Broadway Musicals. Its themes are so universal with a lovely story and simply beautiful music!

(Click on this link to give you a little taste of the show from the original Broadway cast: http://youtu.be/tStUnyvr8gQ)
I truly feel so honored and blessed to be a part of the Regional Premiere of this show in the Capital Region. If you saw the last show I was in and I scared you with all of my yelling and bible quoting, I promise to make up for that by making you smile and laugh in this one.
(I get to sing and dance with a hat and cane…I know that just made you smile!)
So check out the information below and reserve your seats now as there is limited seating available!
Feel free to pass this information along to anyone you might think would be interested in seeing a wonderful, odd, entertaining show!
Thank you all for your continued support of my crazy little pipe dream of being a performer!

COME LOOK AT THE FREAKS!

CLASS ACT PRODUCTIONS! Proudly Presents the Regional Premiere of

SIDE SHOW

The Musical

May 13-22, 2011

Hilton Center for the Performing Arts

Performances:

May 13-14, 19-21 at 8:00 pm

May 15 & 22 at 2:00 pm

Reservations: Please call 518-248-2618 OR email

classactproductions@live.com

Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at door

SIDE SHOW was written by Bill Russell (book and lyrics) and Henry Krieger (music). The original Broadway show starred Alice Ripley as Violet and Emily Skinner as Daisy. It opened on Broadway on October 16, 1997 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. It received an overabundance of critical and audience acclaim and was nominated for four Tony Awards in 1998, including Best Musical!

SIDE SHOW is the stirring and controversial musical about Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined Twins who make an extraordinary change from being a freak show act to becoming infamous stage performers of the 1930s. The people they meet and the people they become while meeting them, truly challenges their approach to life and each other. On their journey they meet an extraordinary cavalcade of freaks that they find are not so different than themselves in many ways, and who also teach them more about themselves and each other than they could imagine!

The show has messages of life and loss with universal and poignant themes of differences, indifference, discrimination and love.

*Mature subject matter of universal nature.

Academy Award Nominations and Predictions

2011-02-27T15:19:00.001-05:00

2010, in my opinion, was a GREAT year in movies. Below are the nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards along with my predictions of who will take home the trophies.
GREAT year = tough predictions = great awards show tonight.

The tux is ironed, the champagne is chilling, and without further ado...

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 83RD ACADEMY AWARDS

Performance by an actor in a leading role:
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions)
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit” (Paramount)
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
**Colin Firth in “The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) - This is one of the best performances of ALL time. Because of that, I think this is the only award that is a 99.9% safe bet.
James Franco in “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role:
**Christian Bale in “The Fighter” (Paramount) - It was an astounding performance! The only thing that could stand in his way of an acceptance speech is Geoffrey Rush. But since he already has an Oscar and Colin Firth will most likely get the acting kudos for that movie, Mr. Bale should lay off the alcohol until after this category so that his speech makes sense.
John Hawkes in “Winter's Bone” (Roadside Attractions)
Jeremy Renner in “The Town” (Warner Bros.)
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)
Geoffrey Rush in “The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a leading role:
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole” (Lionsgate)
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter's Bone” (Roadside Attractions)
**Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight) - In my opinion, NONE of the other actresses come close to what Natalie did on screen last year. The only thing that might derail her sweep of all awards so far this season is Annette Bening. Annette may get the sympathy vote for being old and being nominated before without winning, but her performance was ho-hum in a ho-hum movie. Julianne Moore was 10 times better in the movie.
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role:
Amy Adams in “The Fighter” (Paramount)
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company)
**Melissa Leo in “The Fighter” (Paramount) - I am sticking with her to take home the Oscar. The votes may split between her and Amy Adams from the same movie, allowing Hailee Steinfeld to walk away with the award. However, Melissa's role was the most memorable of the group and very well acted. Plus, Hailee should have received the nomination for Actress, not Supporting Actress.
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit” (Paramount)
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom” (Sony Pictures Classics)

Best animated feature film of the year:
“How to Train Your Dragon” (Paramount) Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” (Sony Pictures Classics) Sylvain Chomet
**“Toy Story 3” (Walt Disney) Lee Unkrich - Duh!

Achievement in art direction:
**“Alice in Wonderland” (Walt Disney) - "Inception" could definitely take this award, but even though I did not like this movie that much, it was a very pretty movie and the Academy does like Tim Burton.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” (Warner Bros.)
“Inception” (Warner Bros.)
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company)
“True Grit” (Paramount) Production Design:

Achievement in cinematography:
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight) Matthew Libatique
“Inception” (Warner Bros.) Wally Pfister
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Danny Cohen - "True Grit" may have a chance, but my heart and gut goes with the 'king.'
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” (Paramount) Roger Deakins

Achievement in costume design:
**“Alice in Wonderland” (Walt Disney) Colleen Atwood - I am going against my heart and gut this time ("The King's Speech") due to the outlandish creativity of the costumes in this movie.
“I Am Love” (Magnolia Pictures) Antonella Cannarozzi
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Jenny Beavan
“The Tempest” (Miramax) Sandy Powell
“True Grit” (Paramount) Mary Zophres

Achievement in directing:
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight) Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” (Paramount) David O. Russell
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Tom Hooper
**“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing) David Fincher - Tom Hooper did win the DGA this year, but I think it is David Fincher's year for Oscar recognition. Plus he directed Madonna's "Express Yourself" video, so bonus points go to him!
“True Grit” (Paramount) Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Best documentary feature:
“Exit through the Gift Shop”
“Gasland”
“Inside Job”
**“Restrepo” - Why wasn't "Waiting for Superman" nominated??? Oh well. I went with the Afghan War movie over the financial crisis movie ("Inside Job"). Either could really win.
“Waste Land” (Arthouse Films)

Best documentary short subject:
**“Killing in the Name” - A short about Muslim Extremists being confronted after a suicide bombing? Sure, why not. I haven't seen any of these so this is a 100% pure guess.
“Poster Girl”
“Strangers No More”
“Sun Come Up”
“The Warriors of Qiugang”

Achievement in film editing:
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight) Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” (Paramount) Pamela Martin
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight) Jon Harris
**“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter - Again, going against my heart and gut here as well, but the more fast paced editing of this movie made what could have been a dry, boring tale into a fast paced, edgy, contemporary drama.

Best foreign language film of the year:
“Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions)
“Dogtooth” (Kino International)
**“In a Better World” (Sony Pictures Classics) - Before the Golden Globe Awards, I had only heard of "Biutiful." But since "In a Better World" won the Globe, I'll go with that.
“Incendies” (Sony Pictures Classics)
“Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” (Cohen Media Group)

Achievement in makeup:
“Barney's Version” (Sony Pictures Classics) Adrien Morot
“The Way Back” (Newmarket Films in association with Wrekin Hill Entertainment and Image Entertainment)
Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
**“The Wolfman” (Universal) Rick Baker and Dave Elsey - Horrible movie. Good make-up.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score):“How to Train Your Dragon” (Paramount) John Powell
“Inception” (Warner Bros.) Hans Zimmer
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Alexandre Desplat
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight) A.R. Rahman
**“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - I really want Trent Reznor to win an Academy Award, but "The King's Speech" has a beautiful classical score and definitely deserves to win. I went with my heart alone here.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song):
“Coming Home” from “Country Strong” (Sony Pictures Releasing (Screen Gems)
Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
**“I See the Light” from “Tangled” (Walt Disney) Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater - The only nominated song I liked, but definitely well-deserving of a win.
“If I Rise” from “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight) Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
“We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3” (Walt Disney) Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Best motion picture of the year:
**“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) - I placed the nominations in order of how I liked them. ("127 Hours" is only last on my list because it is the only movie I haven't seen yet.) Unlike previous years, I actually liked all of the movies nominated (that I saw). (Thank goodness there is no "Slumdog Milliionaire" or "District 9" this year.) I think "The King's Speech" was by far the best of the year, but "The Social Network" or "The Fighter" could squeak by with a win.
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight)
“The Fighter” (Paramount)
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
“True Grit” (Paramount)
“Inception” (Warner Bros.)
“Toy Story 3” (Walt Disney)
“The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)
“Winter's Bone” (Roadside Attractions)
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight)

Best animated short film:
**“Day & Night” - Pixar should get the win here, but "The Gruffalo" is a fan favorite.
“The Gruffalo”
“Let's Pollute”
“The Lost Thing”
“Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)”

Best live action short film:
**“The Confession” - The closest title to a Madonna album. :)
“The Crush”
“God of Love”
“Na Wewe”
“Wish 143”

Achievement in sound editing:
**“Inception” (Warner Bros.) Richard King - No real competition here.
“Toy Story 3” (Walt Disney) Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
“Tron: Legacy” (Walt Disney) Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
“True Grit” (Paramount) Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
“Unstoppable” (20th Century Fox) Mark P. Stoeckinger

Achievement in sound mixing:
**“Inception” (Warner Bros.) Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick - Please see above comment.
“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
“Salt” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
“True Grit” (Paramount) Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

Achievement in visual effects:
“Alice in Wonderland” (Walt Disney) Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” (Warner Bros.) Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
“Hereafter” (Warner Bros.) Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
**“Inception” (Warner Bros.) Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb - Not to be redundant, but please see above comments.
“Iron Man 2” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment, Distributed by Paramount) Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick

Adapted screenplay:
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight) Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
**“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin - Along with the directing, the screenplay made what could have been a boring tale of betrayed friendship and social networking into a quick witted, fun and intriguing movie. However, I am a bit of an Aaron Sorkin snob, so the Coen brothers could surely win for their great script.
“Toy Story 3” (Walt Disney) Screenplay by Michael Arndt Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” (Paramount) Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter's Bone” (Roadside Attractions) Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

Original screenplay:
“Another Year” (Sony Pictures Classics) Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” (Paramount) Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” (Warner Bros.) Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features) Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
**“The King's Speech” (The Weinstein Company) Screenplay by David Seidler - "Inception" had a great story and the Academy may want to reward Christopher Nolan with the award after snubbing him in the directing category, but "The King's Speech is one of the few movies that leaves the audience inspired and cheering. The screenplay is one of the many reasons why that is so and David Seidler should edge out Nolan. (But I won't be disappointed at all if "Inception" wins here.)