tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24768608439067406322024-02-20T22:29:08.197-08:00The Smoking Cocktailgay, lesbian, transgendered, lgbt, queer news, politics, the arts, and dish gay movies and videosTheSmokingCocktail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14141060062450994638noreply@blogger.comBlogger883125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-22225323235167984922013-05-06T12:02:00.000-07:002013-05-06T12:02:22.408-07:00Behind Behind the CandlelabraCan't wait to see this!<br />
<script src="http://www.springboardplatform.com/js/overlay"></script><iframe frameborder="0" height="343" id="ro012_716975" scrolling="no" src="http://cms.springboardplatform.com/embed_iframe/37/video/716975/ro012/ropeofsilicon.com/10/1/" width="610"></iframe>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-27319612980636391832011-07-18T14:00:00.001-07:002011-07-18T15:36:07.001-07:00One of The Best Gay Film Shorts of the Year Thus Far, from a surprising source<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpfD-rAEoWX3P8ODhpJUU1ZQ_R0DwpK8rcIrGxaiFEsHQh7PMO64mClAJBDoSZqgZQvrbXD6SOzd63Su7tCbY71-Vv56ciI3lPYZpxD2l4N6xTlU5uAUuj6Bi4Ysvhj3H-V3SNQWAT3k/s1600/Picture+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpfD-rAEoWX3P8ODhpJUU1ZQ_R0DwpK8rcIrGxaiFEsHQh7PMO64mClAJBDoSZqgZQvrbXD6SOzd63Su7tCbY71-Vv56ciI3lPYZpxD2l4N6xTlU5uAUuj6Bi4Ysvhj3H-V3SNQWAT3k/s320/Picture+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the funniest gay films of the year, care of Funny or Die. Starring Tori Spelling, an Academy Award winner, 276 gays and a few cocks.<br />
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It screened before CHO DEPENDENT at Outfest this past week.<br />
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I laughed out loud at least 3 times, and almost fell off my chair at the ending. <br />
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<div style="font-size: x-small; margin-top: 0; text-align: left; width: 512px;"><a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/6551630cd2/hoarders-untold-stori" title="from Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott">Hoarders: Untold sTori</a> from <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/tori_spelling">Tori Spelling</a></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-54016420853107111382011-07-17T10:49:00.000-07:002011-07-18T12:51:11.799-07:00LA Audiences Preview this Year's Best in LGBT Film at Outfest: The LA LGBT Film Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZj6_fzaakmPZ4Ip4oy0Epz4p-9E1QXeugdZPhv3gwHBTEVINjlBRrz7_W-VAae7ouO_2QSTCG3QYizBJ5yrMFIv-PPtc4sQEBKbG_KQUGpsHPCrUswmXGPy5ciP3T31uO3p-LWUGHCA/s1600/thefordtheatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZj6_fzaakmPZ4Ip4oy0Epz4p-9E1QXeugdZPhv3gwHBTEVINjlBRrz7_W-VAae7ouO_2QSTCG3QYizBJ5yrMFIv-PPtc4sQEBKbG_KQUGpsHPCrUswmXGPy5ciP3T31uO3p-LWUGHCA/s320/thefordtheatre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm here to tell you that when your local LGBT Film Festival happens in your town, don't buy tickets...buy a festival pass. It's absolutely astounding the jump in quality in this year's new crop of LGBT film faire.<br />
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This past month or so marks the annual informal launching of the queer film festival circuit with movies premiering at Frameline in San Fran, Newfest in NY, PhillyFest in Penn and Outfest in Los Angeles.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(pictured, The Ford Theatre at Outfest, photo care of Krauss in the House)</span></i><br />
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First, I'll share with you the prize winners at Outfest, then highlight a few "favorites" from myself and my associates.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkosQCX08ZBGaw4PxGzc_ypAacKsHpPCEyoCpYaFFuyj3I3rtLtYk3xAnxirsHRfMlx1C7GY_ZwvqmPB0E65JycjbGoeyRSZ1OLhO2mgprXdZX9dBtsMqbctXfWqY7Ncju9hGQBtlpyd4/s1600/privateromeoposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkosQCX08ZBGaw4PxGzc_ypAacKsHpPCEyoCpYaFFuyj3I3rtLtYk3xAnxirsHRfMlx1C7GY_ZwvqmPB0E65JycjbGoeyRSZ1OLhO2mgprXdZX9dBtsMqbctXfWqY7Ncju9hGQBtlpyd4/s1600/privateromeoposter.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bnyWfmh8qr94SzPBPxBS6DGaIWj53xKmVpG21df81ul8u9vWjptzO4oMrmytA0K5X1n_v209nP-qp5LCmlHuDU1QtuKJwe0cbY59hivuWtEN91wV3s-kVzbrW53xLB0yFrDvR9bYyys/s1600/thewisekids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bnyWfmh8qr94SzPBPxBS6DGaIWj53xKmVpG21df81ul8u9vWjptzO4oMrmytA0K5X1n_v209nP-qp5LCmlHuDU1QtuKJwe0cbY59hivuWtEN91wV3s-kVzbrW53xLB0yFrDvR9bYyys/s320/thewisekids.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The Grand Jury Prize for both Best Feature and Best Screenwriting went to Stephen Cone's<i> The Wise Kids</i>.<br />
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My friend who recommended I see this was right, the characters WRECK YOU (but in a good way!)<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(pictured right, Sadieh Rifai in<b> The Wise Kids</b>. As with most thesps in this film, accomplished in the slow teared close up that you could set entire sonatas to)</span></i><br />
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The film unfolds one summer at a Youth Ministry in somewhere-in-the-middle, USA and mingles human growth with Christian teachings and the stirrings of gay. It's an engaging, understated film that draws you in with outstanding performances and a quiet urgency. It also rings with authenticity and doesn't always take the predictable route. Outfest was the world premiere of <i>The Wise Kids</i>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvCdIDz1uzFOxyF5KMw6Y1JIB78ho5Iujx9F3mr6a9lNNBlAHQi2XIUB5y0NRjbXBeTtZmKAzMeao8usTUtcdIZAUrUYKoV7Bf6aUfQSEBvOBWHj3L8ovAWi2LdVg8j9ZU-7gQdJthZY/s1600/weekend-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvCdIDz1uzFOxyF5KMw6Y1JIB78ho5Iujx9F3mr6a9lNNBlAHQi2XIUB5y0NRjbXBeTtZmKAzMeao8usTUtcdIZAUrUYKoV7Bf6aUfQSEBvOBWHj3L8ovAWi2LdVg8j9ZU-7gQdJthZY/s320/weekend-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Andrew Haigh's <i>Weekend</i> won the Grand Jury Award on the International Best Feature end of things. As with <i>The Wise Kids</i>, this feature brings you a fresh, new film making talent in LGBT film. Welcome, and please make more movies for us, seriously, like I'm begging you.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(pictured right, <b>Weekend</b>)</span></i><br />
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Unlike <i>The Wise Kids</i> which dwells in the silent moments and stirring static shots of characters in emotional conflict and curiosity, <i>Weekend's</i> characters talk it out, with kinetic cinematography that puts you right there on the bed in the room with the two men. <i>Weekend</i> unfolds over 48 hours after a one-night-stand between two men. What starts with raw sex, continues with raw conversation making the audience not only wonder "will they end up together" but also "will they grow?".<br />
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Nikohl Boosheri won Outstanding Actress Award for her role in <i>CIRCUMSTANCE,</i> a 100% audience favorite. Not surprising since it also won the Audience Award for Best Feature at the highly competitive and lauded Sundance Film Festival this past January.<br />
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The film is set against the political and social issues in contemporary Iran, but what will grab you is the highly accomplished film making that pulls you into this story of two teenage girls from either side of the track.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TAyDqkkXD0jk7XnoI9OPA_bophk8PaQ2CmP6mSF61ec7fCatmNxYmt0oSDefSmInGE8M6NOcTY-NZUQQdqw0RLx7b9YlM1O9bMfBCe6-M7oYHOpLm4DJP2EuWwIDLUBmGNMzuz5tsSw/s1600/privateroemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TAyDqkkXD0jk7XnoI9OPA_bophk8PaQ2CmP6mSF61ec7fCatmNxYmt0oSDefSmInGE8M6NOcTY-NZUQQdqw0RLx7b9YlM1O9bMfBCe6-M7oYHOpLm4DJP2EuWwIDLUBmGNMzuz5tsSw/s400/privateroemo.jpg" width="400" /></a>The entire cast of <i>Private Romeo</i> won Outstanding Acting in a feature film. Let me put on my big surprised face since the two leads in this are currently - ahem, slumming - on Broadway in <i>Warhorse</i> (soon to be a major xmas release feature film from Steven Spielberg).<br />
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I'm going to get you gay men to put this on your "must see" list just by telling you the plot: it's about an all boy military academy studying <i>Romeo & Juliet</i>. One weekend, the play overcomes the school and the characters. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(pictured above <b>Private Romeo, Circumstance</b>)</span></i><br />
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Another sure fire YOU WILL LOVE movie was Chely Wright's <i>WISH ME AWAY</i>. 100% audience favorite. Also on that list add <i>WE WERE HERE</i>, also a documentary.<br />
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There were so many beloved films from every imaginable genre, they can't all fit in this post, so I'll leave the rest to another day.<br />
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And here's a few funny little interviews with some of the film makers:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1L7h--D0iYo" width="560"></iframe>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-12797153715124575482011-07-16T23:05:00.000-07:002011-07-19T09:50:32.706-07:00DOT429 Has LGBT Mixer in Los Angeles - Wild Time Was Had By All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIJt-NP0zA2TIQuE9vakGg_oQDyIpjwwiJ6wdUqTYGmb9XGhu0z5YP_o2i55fTFo3AUOD-p_5oVhOS6JBtiKrcbsJ4Qy4Lcc2wv9F_Wh1lTcGcOPyN3_z8ZWdNV1_c1seuc6VUGAGMx8/s1600/281505_10150309729266421_707376420_9637477_2394237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIJt-NP0zA2TIQuE9vakGg_oQDyIpjwwiJ6wdUqTYGmb9XGhu0z5YP_o2i55fTFo3AUOD-p_5oVhOS6JBtiKrcbsJ4Qy4Lcc2wv9F_Wh1lTcGcOPyN3_z8ZWdNV1_c1seuc6VUGAGMx8/s200/281505_10150309729266421_707376420_9637477_2394237_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Well, some of my friends and associates and I were on the host committee for DOT429's latest Los Angeles LGBT Brunch, and having not been to one of these yet (they host them around the country) I thought, well, what the hell.<br />
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Holy cow, I had beyond a blast and I have to say, I'm really starting to enjoy The Andaz on the Sunset Strip.<br />
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I met some lovely people, had some incredible conversations and I'm hoping that woman that said she'd email the link to those fashionable vegan shoes remembers to do so. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUQ2w0okYlXsQm_CgKAt1cEqu-p9WBAxECBmOEdaZobK_jSwdkJZnxKHBUFy8Mj2lO803qa3dx8COdx87wzGUIl9qyxuC_KeoWAxB52-Y8TiyPWN5cnXS0dyAhyphenhyphenC-pAV1vh_5PXVjhM8/s1600/268258_10150251555234927_87647724926_6959717_1208834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUQ2w0okYlXsQm_CgKAt1cEqu-p9WBAxECBmOEdaZobK_jSwdkJZnxKHBUFy8Mj2lO803qa3dx8COdx87wzGUIl9qyxuC_KeoWAxB52-Y8TiyPWN5cnXS0dyAhyphenhyphenC-pAV1vh_5PXVjhM8/s640/268258_10150251555234927_87647724926_6959717_1208834_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We discussed things as wide and varied as the history of the lgbt rights movement in America, the current state of lgbt representations in television, the best business cards ideas (no, it was not like the scene in <i>American Psycho</i>. The winning business card idea for these things was "People usually bore me, but I find you moderately interesting, let's stay in touch." I'm making 500 today).<br />
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I also met people in as wide and varied fields as marketing, modeling and non profit assistance in third world countries.<br />
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Here were some of my favorite quotes of the afternoon:<br />
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"A lesbian is explaining musical theatre to a gay man!? Bar the door, shutter the windows, stock up on water and buy a rifle... it's the end of the world!!!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdSwDMd03ri_ayhCeU_37cqCr_60vtspGDzQHAaeEDkNhIDXgRWnSiQ7xtRdGzYqxrNCOLc37A463FngtEMfUGWliAv99-4F9p6OarJlDrPaBEly-TLAAyfQB8I-XCP3107lljOSkL-Q/s1600/281808_10150309729586421_707376420_9637487_2523354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdSwDMd03ri_ayhCeU_37cqCr_60vtspGDzQHAaeEDkNhIDXgRWnSiQ7xtRdGzYqxrNCOLc37A463FngtEMfUGWliAv99-4F9p6OarJlDrPaBEly-TLAAyfQB8I-XCP3107lljOSkL-Q/s200/281808_10150309729586421_707376420_9637487_2523354_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>"How's your gay divorce going?" "Oh, you know, it gets better."<br />
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From a gay man: "God, I wish I could drink the way my mother used to."<br />
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From a butch lesbian: "Yeah, some men are scared of lesbians so we have to be extra nice. I don't understand this. It's always a STRAIGHT woman that cuts off a penis and puts in the garbage disposal not a lesbian!"<br />
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Needless to say, I laughed the entire time and met some stunning lgbt folks. Good times, good times for sure.<br />
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If you want to hear about upcoming events in Los Angeles for the lgbt community, head over and LIKE my events page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSmokingCocktail">https://www.facebook.com/TheSmokingCocktail</a><br />
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</script>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-85238999558674455532011-07-09T11:44:00.000-07:002011-07-09T11:47:14.034-07:00Hot New LGBT Films Hit the Circuit, Hard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QS_UtzgY_Qw9bqm3oUt9NAR0d_xuQJb4D_8I7Z4N7yx6IxUaXL2vdPoZGrulfaeADjsaFb8FqZNeeLFVE3fyI_e5lLxzU8eAy_8IGIH8AX246nIUbldFrLTQUh6cTsgjZ5raxREXRX0/s1600/longhorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QS_UtzgY_Qw9bqm3oUt9NAR0d_xuQJb4D_8I7Z4N7yx6IxUaXL2vdPoZGrulfaeADjsaFb8FqZNeeLFVE3fyI_e5lLxzU8eAy_8IGIH8AX246nIUbldFrLTQUh6cTsgjZ5raxREXRX0/s400/longhorns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Well, I survived the second day of Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, thanks in part to sponsor Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf who have fabulous little instant espresso machines at the Director's Guild for self serve espresso!<br />
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Here are the photos from yesterday including the reception for SHE MONKEY, and the red carpets for JAMIE AND JESSE ARE NOT TOGETHER and LONGHORNS.<br />
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See all ya'll today and tomorrow as the gay film fun continues....there are tons of INCREDIBLE films this weekend for all tastes. Check out my post from yesterday to see my picks and watch trailers.<br />
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</script>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-31050402843502820002011-07-08T14:46:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:18:50.711-07:00JD's Picks: Outfest 2011 - The First Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg9vL7suJpSHdd_n4IEDUeLP3ALQ8NYLvfAkApw8IOXEATrT84wi-ChCDDEM6Mhs3km631I1eBskGW-7ekzW7hf8xR6ktSOhLRDkDh_zYVI7kh25yuqn-V7It3nmAwJAM1cRc4A4ojp4/s1600/220705_213234202029823_144414108911833_816770_1143352_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627104793553553858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg9vL7suJpSHdd_n4IEDUeLP3ALQ8NYLvfAkApw8IOXEATrT84wi-ChCDDEM6Mhs3km631I1eBskGW-7ekzW7hf8xR6ktSOhLRDkDh_zYVI7kh25yuqn-V7It3nmAwJAM1cRc4A4ojp4/s400/220705_213234202029823_144414108911833_816770_1143352_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 270px;" /></a>Hello kitty cats. <br />
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</div><div>Well you've all been bugging, and finally I'm compiling my list of MUST SEES for Outfest. I had to confer with a few other filmphiles to make sure to recommend the best.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll cover this weekend and get to the rest by Monday. Promise.<br />
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</div><div>Tonight, Friday July 8th, you will find me at the DGA Atrium for happy hour, then I"ll be at the screenings of LONGHORNS and JAMIE AND JESSE ARE NOT TOGETHER at the Sunset 5.</div><div><br />
</div><div>LONGHORNS is set in 1982 Texas and boasts Beers, Steers and a couple of Queers. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Trailer looks fun until all the male nudity, so I may bring a copy of Vanity Fair to read during those gay boy sex scenes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>LONGHORNS is from TLA Video and the director of the award winning <i>Redwoods. </i>It co stars the hunky Dylan Vox from here! tv's <i>The Lair </i>(who is the only porn star I know who got a law degree from Pepperdine). The after party will be at ELEVEN in WeHo.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>If you've never seen TODD HAYNE's film <i>Poison</i> - it's playing at the Director's Guild tonight as part of a retro screening series. This film blew me away when it first came out. I bet it's still a provocative movie experience today, so I recommend it if you haven't seen it.</div><div><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/akY2RcPYhos" width="425"></iframe><br />
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</div><div>Then onto Saturday, July 9th.</div><div><br />
</div><div>THE WISE KIDS from director Stephen Cone is at the DGA at 1:45 pm. </div><div><br />
</div><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25997585?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/25997585">THE WISE KIDS Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2328169">Stephen Cone</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Then you must... I repeat MUST GO SEE.... <a href="http://wewereherefilm.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">We Were Here</span></a> at 4:15 pm at the DGA. <br />
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</div><div>This film was a big hit at The Sundance Film Festival as well as at Berlin.<br />
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If you enjoyed the popular and award winning <i>Fat Girls</i>, writer/director Ash Christian is back with the quirky comedy <i>MANGUS</i> costarring Heather Matarazzo (<span style="font-style: italic;">Welcome to the Dollhouse</span>), Leslie Jordan and Jennifer Coolidge.</div><div><br />
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Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now? Remember when Verizon spokesman Paul Marcarelli came out as gay? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Well now the former cell phone spokesman has written and produced a gay film, <a href="http://www.thegreenthemovie.com/">THE GREEN</a>, and it stars Cheyenne Jackson, Julia Ormond, Illeana Douglas and it's GOOD. Check it out Saturday night at the DGA.</div><div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t4fZqbMrd2E" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br />
</div><div>Then, if you like quirky indies, you have to check out another hit from The Sundance Film Festival, HAPPY HAPPY at the DGA at 9:30.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This is a dark, interesting comedy that pushes the boundaries of political correctness. It was a audience favorite in Utah last January, where it received the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema. Yeah, that's BIG.</div><div><br />
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<object height="304" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emd/41463"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emd/41463" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="304" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNYvThIOnjDswQJPAMSpWYb3pdfXZvoz9ppCpLb7GHfU05JKWzkl6oZwsH_IdpeYcC0BmPURryp0nK0KhPVpM4MEqBuGPAoje5lhm5nNa0Dvf9KWhp_byefgixbekfivBr3qu7zhU0CE/s1600/goingdown.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627128040425522786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNYvThIOnjDswQJPAMSpWYb3pdfXZvoz9ppCpLb7GHfU05JKWzkl6oZwsH_IdpeYcC0BmPURryp0nK0KhPVpM4MEqBuGPAoje5lhm5nNa0Dvf9KWhp_byefgixbekfivBr3qu7zhU0CE/s200/goingdown.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 138px;" /></a>Then at 9:45 at the DGA, Casper Andreas's new film GOING DOWN IN LALA LAND.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Andreas is certainly prolific, his previous films being <i>Violet Tendencies, A Four Letter Word, The Big Gay Musica</i>l, and S<i>lutty Summer.</i><br />
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His oft collaborator, hotty Jesse Archer costars.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then, more great faire on Sunday.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Starting with the sparse, yet compelling grief/regret tone poem WITHOUT at the Sunset 5 at 2:30.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you like sweeping BBC lesbian flicks like <i>Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith</i>, and<i> The Diary of Miss Anne Lister</i>, then you'll enjoy THE NIGHT WATCH, playing at 4:45 at the DGA. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The film takes place post WWII in England and involves several seemingly disparate people all recovering from the wounds of war. If you enjoy Sarah Waters, you'll love this latest adaptation.</div><div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AUOxVAeb8Ec" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br />
</div><div>Then it's <i>Sophie's Choice</i> - as with all years - Sunday night with two big hits playing against each other at the DGA. </div><div><br />
</div><div>One is the bio-doc BECOMING CHAZ, which was bought at Sundance this year by the Queen of the Universe Oprah for her new channel. The film chronicles Chastity Bono through his transition to Chaz.</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jLUy2L3PjQU" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br />
</div><div>The other is Eldar Rappaport's AUGUST. Both popular and well reviewed movies.</div><div><br />
</div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24642033?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/24642033">AUGUST - Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4687801">Eldar Rapaport</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div><br />
</div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-42450428729565720292011-07-08T13:54:00.000-07:002011-07-08T14:42:08.090-07:00Outfest Kicks Off Downtown last night with Their Opening Night Gala<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iLZpjnaY7b81clzrv3Pn-FKAgM_zCcLRxvqeAzqiMKphaWthHL2qWbdGIWEXQB2gzMbR1PvgzqXoSQ68huEfpchAwPWZ1R7UUV26vwLJU4PhUILz32QTG_FKlfCxdHblYILWLbjTY5g/s1600/IMG_1466.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iLZpjnaY7b81clzrv3Pn-FKAgM_zCcLRxvqeAzqiMKphaWthHL2qWbdGIWEXQB2gzMbR1PvgzqXoSQ68huEfpchAwPWZ1R7UUV26vwLJU4PhUILz32QTG_FKlfCxdHblYILWLbjTY5g/s320/IMG_1466.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627095175914514290" /></a>Hot damn and here we go, Outfest has officially begun in SoCal and once again it's time for all the lgbt's to clear their schedules for the next ten days of films, panels, parties and the overall general fabulousness that is the gay cultural event of the year.<br /><br />I'm always excited to see the new crop of lgbt films, just to see what is germinating in the hearts and minds of homos these days. There's generally some clunkers, a few "nice tries", many "wow-that-was-alot-of-nudity"s, yet ultimately some incredibly moving and entertaining faire that speaks to our community.<div><br />The official LGBT film season really kicks off at Frameline: The San Francisco International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in June, concurring with Pride Month. Then the next two top queer festivals continue the charge with Outfest in Los Angeles, and The Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in July, then these films will be touring the country (and the world) for up to a year, so check your local LGBT film festival schedules.<div><br /><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb50-fDzqu6gTh7Aow3kf1V1QO5AaGxAiBLxsOEhnHdhIwnjReBNhumtOoPYZexmKgZRniFAGmmu7pCH0o5cLXqpji3WnYig-EzN0m44FIy9nTJZ_75eHaP8tgMHannJzYEFZVo8xE5gw/s400/5916253298_ba81eb2c4b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627096510200184850" /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(TLA Video's Elliot London with actor Drew Doedge, Outfest Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer, Damiana interviews writer/actress Guin Turner (Go Fish, American Psycho)</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Last night Outfest kicked-off with the Opening Night Gala at the historic downtown Orpheum Theatre, which included a VIP pre party where you could spot a few celebs including Tori Spelling, Neil Patrick Harris and - don't gasp - Monica Lewinski. I know, I know, how random. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then they presented the Outfest Achievement Award to Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey from World of Wonder (Rupaul's<span style="font-style:italic;"> Drag Race, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, 101 Rent Boys <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> Party Monster</span>) The film was the Sundance hit GUN HILL ROAD, then the afterparty was down the street in the fashion district.<br /><br /><br /><div id="PictoBrowser110708141854">Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer</div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser/swfobject.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var so = new SWFObject("http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser.swf", "PictoBrowser", "500", "500", "8", "#DDDDDD"); so.addParam("quality", "low"); so.addParam("scale", "noscale"); so.addParam("align", "mid"); so.addVariable("ids", "72157627148555372"); so.addVariable("names", "Outfest Opening Night Gala, 2011"); so.addVariable("userName", "gppict"); so.addVariable("userId", "27311399@N03"); so.addVariable("source", "sets"); so.write("PictoBrowser110708141854"); </script><br /><br /></div></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-63841853991639957332011-06-06T10:04:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:56:56.105-07:00POINT Foundation Announces 2011 Scholars and Hosts Fundraiser in Los Angeles<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7SGLZYU-7AYIJqGs4JdoPuHlzmah9M0LbNItn0yGnO0wNUnjmqb4gO_iTVQhmAo9NuCcl8MgJ7u4ygSboy-fVdxzZ0Xyzfc9XAUOjK_v-X-zH_ngkgAvlei9Bjku66q4hHElocOYteE/s1600/lav20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7SGLZYU-7AYIJqGs4JdoPuHlzmah9M0LbNItn0yGnO0wNUnjmqb4gO_iTVQhmAo9NuCcl8MgJ7u4ygSboy-fVdxzZ0Xyzfc9XAUOjK_v-X-zH_ngkgAvlei9Bjku66q4hHElocOYteE/s400/lav20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626288947340642818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 115px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.pointfoundation.org/index10.html">The Point Foundation</a> announced this year's selection of Point Scholars on their web site today. <a href="http://www.pointfoundation.org/scholars.html"> Click here to see the list of the new scholars</a>.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp995U8kUlnBomgtebPtNUzdMgGfPJA0p4_MW9yzosyTNjiiT2abkDn6ADY0ejpG6VicNH-mWmK-jKZRZDG4jsmWIAh637AUonN4QKsT-Io6aqwETUzHZlC7au3CEyJ882tOuYGccmjM/s200/5740829676_73b413311c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626294731059405794" /><div>This year, a few of the institutions Point will be sending scholars to include MIT, UCLA, Duke, Harvard, NYU, Wellesley, Johns Hopkins Medical School and Stanford Law School.</div><div><br /><div>Point Foundation awards scholarships to LGBT students of merit across the country in diverse fields of study. The financial support they receive also comes with a mentor in their field and unending support in a multitude of ways through-out their academic careers. Point is committed in nurturing the LGBT leaders of tomorrow, and providing the opportunity for higher learning to those who otherwise could not afford it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Special consideration is given to applicants who have been marginalized or disowned by their family of origin, yet continue to excel academically and/or in the field of advocacy.</div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTQAVv-hhgLsnKRYlKQCPIxt5Mc9-YYhngxlZ2UlftJT2kQrrotiCI5rggM3wJdJUQMEXSqNrxbc3GN66kB1p_5fv-uUxEk0QANcB2pmA5ZdHjIAGi59VAlnevPB3hrPLOzqS44KsNM4/s320/5740842820_5b92277371.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626294942414279746" /><div style="text-align: left;">The Point Foundation is supported across the country by the best and the brightest in the LGBT community. These individuals make up the organization's Board of Directors, Donors and Mentors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(pictured, Executive Director Jorge Valencia, center)</span></i></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Through-out the year, Point hosts events for donors and supporters of POINT, and recently one was held here in Southern California in Hancock Park. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few photos of the event, provided by photographer Brian Putnam.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZquuTENLx34y_ekx1HIodOIfT1SQRMqumIlttHDMFEWXlX2iJlatEm3MLrH9rTX2yCFohf4LKpUMx6WQNT8L97tkAgNo8M-kkpSQ2fvyCgVx8Qd-53v1KMrYvG1K7vPMwPI6tXt1qFs/s1600/5740831840_e7564570a6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZquuTENLx34y_ekx1HIodOIfT1SQRMqumIlttHDMFEWXlX2iJlatEm3MLrH9rTX2yCFohf4LKpUMx6WQNT8L97tkAgNo8M-kkpSQ2fvyCgVx8Qd-53v1KMrYvG1K7vPMwPI6tXt1qFs/s400/5740831840_e7564570a6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626295538920568898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PPp-qy_amlBonJBgkZ4nH0dpp3Gx0i9nu8Z13SFRkoXgiInnpFOB1Jc4GQUylwgn4svAjm-WUuvjBPceWNU1mdr8Z7xi6fgoaxVX6fC-_wAWKmxevEpSQq_aU5BNsUIRdtoyVc9aASw/s1600/5740287639_00bd4beb8e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PPp-qy_amlBonJBgkZ4nH0dpp3Gx0i9nu8Z13SFRkoXgiInnpFOB1Jc4GQUylwgn4svAjm-WUuvjBPceWNU1mdr8Z7xi6fgoaxVX6fC-_wAWKmxevEpSQq_aU5BNsUIRdtoyVc9aASw/s400/5740287639_00bd4beb8e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626295531838198514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nYdbK4qqe3TpE2xXhNHc-9w4_FkL68ZcS7gvC8AmtnuSWs6grStgpWjgBwGk4GwYqo9BIp32UN1mGLkaUC6muNEaZNtUvYA7LBvNhpoch4N14Ug1LFFPMzaHYJAZcBASXbA1RqTfC1k/s1600/5740301923_8a1fb8ac3b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nYdbK4qqe3TpE2xXhNHc-9w4_FkL68ZcS7gvC8AmtnuSWs6grStgpWjgBwGk4GwYqo9BIp32UN1mGLkaUC6muNEaZNtUvYA7LBvNhpoch4N14Ug1LFFPMzaHYJAZcBASXbA1RqTfC1k/s400/5740301923_8a1fb8ac3b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626299734209120546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iwZhI_8S0KSH6IGf4QExaZCLZhutsuQftsNU5aKPYO5WNE_rcasPFo3zv8vGQyxghu_GxygKgfLzw4JshLq1K8Rvl9wbdzHlAIatS_CZ-UHFwIRV9ikuVihHrLm92h7EFjDTp2Hv3p0/s1600/5740840894_e52fa8bd5c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iwZhI_8S0KSH6IGf4QExaZCLZhutsuQftsNU5aKPYO5WNE_rcasPFo3zv8vGQyxghu_GxygKgfLzw4JshLq1K8Rvl9wbdzHlAIatS_CZ-UHFwIRV9ikuVihHrLm92h7EFjDTp2Hv3p0/s400/5740840894_e52fa8bd5c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626295535280140162" /></a><br /></div></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-10119204416233982132011-02-13T11:37:00.000-08:002011-02-13T11:55:30.922-08:00The Top Ten Most Romantic Films of All Time - Sweet and Dysfunctional VersionsSnuggle up with your favorite honey and your rescue animals on the couch and spend the evening entrenched with these tales of enduring and true love.<div><br /></div><div>Here's my personal top ten best romantic movies. By the way, I only picked movies where the leads end up together; where neither one of them is a prostitute; where Tom Cruise isn't in it (because he's annoying); and the overall theme of the film is the love story, not, you know, like running from the Nazi's in the Austrian Alps.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">10. The African Queen</span></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vvwW6Qh0XWglKkYlk4WR2YFNfEI8ZvMcJWp9fb3z1-Nly6heaqdqNXt31fyhFRkmToF6V_yuYBHESEN_I2AFc58YLxauEDAK49RW2Jq9cxChM8tTh1UlFQhFDbQ7nqecQfCiR_iB2sOQ/s1600-h/ilovetheafricanqueen21241804652.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vvwW6Qh0XWglKkYlk4WR2YFNfEI8ZvMcJWp9fb3z1-Nly6heaqdqNXt31fyhFRkmToF6V_yuYBHESEN_I2AFc58YLxauEDAK49RW2Jq9cxChM8tTh1UlFQhFDbQ7nqecQfCiR_iB2sOQ/s320/ilovetheafricanqueen21241804652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437643692227860882" border="0" /></a>Hard to imagine a romantic love story being effective between a crotchety old Humphrey Bogart, and a haggard Kate Hepburn playing a splinster, but this film will draw you in.<div><br /></div><div>Is there a better backdrop than fighting Germans for two souls to find true love? As they battle each other, WWI German boats and mosquitoes, the two form an unlikely attraction that grows into something deeper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Set in 1914, Hepburn plays a British missionary who gets stuck in a German occupied African jungle when her brother is killed by soldiers. To her reluctant rescue, comes a crusty boat Captain left to helm his own ship, The African Queen, when his crew deserts after hearing WWI was started.<br /><br />The two hate each other, of course, but have to bond together to make the perilous journey up the river. So this doubles as a road trip movie!<br /></div><div><br /></div>Great chemistry that will have you routing for them.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">9. The Way We Were</span></b><br />The Communist Jew and the goyish blue-eyed frat-boy - she's got a lot to say, him...not so much, but holy Jesus, the sparks fly when they get together. I didn't want to include a movie where the two leads don't end up together, but this is too much of a classic not to mention just for the sheer melodrama/romance of it all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-smhTSi1IfRTh_EQsX2i1HYBI9WObkasXy6K7foVJRmqaZzqkokPYP6BIOaAXDvDUsXJHXi6-TUyanXe6CL3gJIfxJwd5kM_Z-TqNWNcP7CGtiUXfDAkboZjmGge3cfy_QZCL8BFwqoH/s1600-h/the-way-we-were.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-smhTSi1IfRTh_EQsX2i1HYBI9WObkasXy6K7foVJRmqaZzqkokPYP6BIOaAXDvDUsXJHXi6-TUyanXe6CL3gJIfxJwd5kM_Z-TqNWNcP7CGtiUXfDAkboZjmGge3cfy_QZCL8BFwqoH/s1600-h/the-way-we-were.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-smhTSi1IfRTh_EQsX2i1HYBI9WObkasXy6K7foVJRmqaZzqkokPYP6BIOaAXDvDUsXJHXi6-TUyanXe6CL3gJIfxJwd5kM_Z-TqNWNcP7CGtiUXfDAkboZjmGge3cfy_QZCL8BFwqoH/s320/the-way-we-were.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437646929264458626" border="0" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"But you must'nt be too serious." Redford seduces Streisand</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div></i>Set against the backdrop of the Hollywood Blacklist, Sydney Pollack took this otherwise pedestrian, swirly-letter romance and managed to elevate it - no offense to gay author Arthur Laurents, who said he based it on a girl he knew in college (he also penned <span style="font-style: italic;">West Side Story</span>, another classic love story). Pollock admits he had to coerce Redford into playing the rather shallow lead because he knew he could give more to the character.<br /><br />If you've ever loved someone so much, yet it just will never make sense, you'll get this movie and cry along with great lines like, "You expect so much, Katie," "Yes, but look at what I've got."<br /><br />Cue Marvin Hamlish score.....<span style="font-style: italic;">See ya, Hubbell.</span><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">8. An Officer and a Gentleman</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MQScJApvKxKxQ32X9uJtup-xiO2O8_MdbCYo-bHAAcX6xwycxEes-7dl3FLNx6PeWhkvefZlcgQlnIiC05cJk3ZRJq_NxqvmBOoCIpClmlTjhDQ8jf3VGu90QqNHJpY0gIUAUYVIFDMm/s1600-h/officergentleman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MQScJApvKxKxQ32X9uJtup-xiO2O8_MdbCYo-bHAAcX6xwycxEes-7dl3FLNx6PeWhkvefZlcgQlnIiC05cJk3ZRJq_NxqvmBOoCIpClmlTjhDQ8jf3VGu90QqNHJpY0gIUAUYVIFDMm/s320/officergentleman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437644241753072882" border="0" /></a>A classic romance, with a gritty undertones, that manages to show the darker, vulnerable side of the characters, while still retaining a silver screen romance standard (Love indeed lifts them up where they belong!). </div><div><br /></div><div>A Navy cadet (Richard Gere) with "nowhere else to go" gets wooed by a local factory girl (original crazy-bad-girl, precursor to Lindsay Lohan, Debra Winger) looking to snag an officer, and in the middle of struggles, tragedy and a bucket of white trash atmosphere, find real, true love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Great secondary love story - Gere and drill Sergeant Louis Gossett Jr.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">7. Bound</span></b><br /><br />Before helming The <span style="font-style: italic;">Matrix</span> films, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wachowski_brothers">Wachowski brothers </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAB3chD-fFDJRcYpoeAhRCNztjXzyd0dKsPVuIxpgM0nkpsViK0cSw3fZiOvB1tKJ_56lok3F93sSy8mGSgT3pERmz33lCKDmpU5CLTpdnA5-lY4HMKJYOlTt0AngjI6nHaNYhei9yT4L/s1600-h/bound-gina-gershon-and-jennifer-tilly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAB3chD-fFDJRcYpoeAhRCNztjXzyd0dKsPVuIxpgM0nkpsViK0cSw3fZiOvB1tKJ_56lok3F93sSy8mGSgT3pERmz33lCKDmpU5CLTpdnA5-lY4HMKJYOlTt0AngjI6nHaNYhei9yT4L/s200/bound-gina-gershon-and-jennifer-tilly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437645755255084034" border="0" /></a>pulled-off this fantastic noir homage with a lesbian twist. </div><div><br /></div><div>The chemistry between bad girl butch Gina Gershon and mobster honey Jennifer Tilly (aptly named Violet) is top notch, and the film takes place in the confines of one apartment building in a few days. <div><br /></div><div>Do yourself a big favor, if you haven't done this already - watch it with the director's track ON. It is like a whole other form of entertainment as the directors describe technical things whilst Suzy Bright explains all the sexual parts with blunt detail ("Ya see, a woman's hands are her dick") and Joe Pantoliano keeps offering to drop his pants. HYSTERICAL!<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">6. Random Harvest</span></b><br />This was one of my favorite movies as a kid (I was a big Ronald Coleman fan - I know, go figure. The other kids liked Shaun Cassidy and Robby Benson) and this is a BIG TIME MELODRAMATIC LOVE STORY (hence the all caps).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAYECwScgVuoZL8j5SYvPTDTZBDanA9H55zZb35CXcxeo60ZVsEcO7G3mWl4XOZWGw0itgUq18b7fxf6bZnSjr7lUGN4wVQnPdiGlVz1Du3c0LLpEPVpNWL0Q9BM-IdIlLLznvmWDO2Ku/s1600-h/Random_Harvest_2b_res.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAYECwScgVuoZL8j5SYvPTDTZBDanA9H55zZb35CXcxeo60ZVsEcO7G3mWl4XOZWGw0itgUq18b7fxf6bZnSjr7lUGN4wVQnPdiGlVz1Du3c0LLpEPVpNWL0Q9BM-IdIlLLznvmWDO2Ku/s320/Random_Harvest_2b_res.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437642002726850754" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Even just looking at some of the stills from this film now made me practically break out weeping. I don't know whether it's the impossible journey these two have to undertake to be together, or the incredible vulnerability, charm and all around hotness of Greer Garson.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr1P2jCikZJYvJXnwCznK9Ey7Y1tbnPcKFHFxq9o-9N6XX8NhAGXdh8jueD6yesdPitcDsz66E3r5aCcSSwqTmU5zdtsZGs7dDv_YQS72q_MEHxor0dUOM7Y4Geef4_CE8gdgZ7VKTSaE/s1600-h/randomharvest1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr1P2jCikZJYvJXnwCznK9Ey7Y1tbnPcKFHFxq9o-9N6XX8NhAGXdh8jueD6yesdPitcDsz66E3r5aCcSSwqTmU5zdtsZGs7dDv_YQS72q_MEHxor0dUOM7Y4Geef4_CE8gdgZ7VKTSaE/s320/randomharvest1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437642131896265522" border="0" /></a>Set against the backdrop of war-torn Britain post WWI, Coleman plays a soldier who has suffered complete amnesia and wanders into the loving and accepting arms of Garson in the country side. The two fall in love, get married and proceed to be sickeningly perfect and fabulous together. UNTIL... cue hokey drama music... one day in town, Coleman regains his memory, only to forget all of his recent history! </div><div><br /></div><div>He returns to his previous life in the big city, being a successful businessman from a rich family but he can't seem to get out of his mind that he's forgetting something important. After her husband goes missing, Garson's character finally finds him then - get this - takes a job as his secretary in hopes that they'll either fall in love again or he'll finally remember. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then this goes on FOR YEARS. Ending is brilliant and touching.<br /><br />It's from the same author that brought us <span style="font-style: italic;">Lost Horizons</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Goodbye, Mr. Chips</span> and the screen adaptation of <span style="font-style: italic;">Mrs. Miniver</span>. MUST RENT, although a warning (I know, NOW a warning?)... no straight man in history has ever been able to sit through this one!<br /></div><div><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">5. White Palace</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywjeNYPysz_ii2wSNzj3BdUztLST-YnhmPHPrWVJH1Romr0qlH7kXTyIlewEis5EJUC8IUjEvGzbTSePXys-PXVOcSPNyQ8g5EvJ7rmqgWMeB4-ge8CNv1-qDJLo0qpLV531oInbZTg0X/s1600-h/whp004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywjeNYPysz_ii2wSNzj3BdUztLST-YnhmPHPrWVJH1Romr0qlH7kXTyIlewEis5EJUC8IUjEvGzbTSePXys-PXVOcSPNyQ8g5EvJ7rmqgWMeB4-ge8CNv1-qDJLo0qpLV531oInbZTg0X/s320/whp004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437825469082374498" border="0" /></a>What a surprise this sleeper little romance ditty was back in 1990.<br /><br />Mexican Director Luis Mandoki took this low budget romance novel and cooked it up into a surprisingly touching and sexy film, with help from mutlilayered performances by heavyweight thesps James Spader and Susan Sarandon, and a screen adaptation from Alvin Sargent (<span style="font-style: italic;">Ordinary People, Spiderman 3, Julia</span>).<br /><br />Spader plays a 27 year old persnickety yuppy who has a one-night-stand with 43 year-old, burger joint counter girl, Susan Surandon. Two different tax brackets, two different age groups, yet somehow they find themselves wanting to make a go of it.<br /><br />You start to learn they do have something in common, though. Both have suffered immeasurable and crippling losses which have seriously affected their ability to connect through love, or even to allow themselves to feel happiness.<br /><br />It is a little dated in the time period (I can't forgive the 1980's for that hair, the shoulderpads and that insipid soundtrack!), but this film will also just suck you in. Supporting actors include the always fantastic Eileen Brennen and Kathy Bates.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">4. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir</span></b><br /><br />The chemistry quotient between the crusty old <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVeiBRgnVdmpIA7QfvUKTWjfLOzviRx6h9ip4xxhp-fuEfWIwCLqg7f7ExvTeSy7HUBY4r0rTX_HqR50YqSBQWMByJvLsDwQwN-qbcGP2lX3Dfpjb1L1YViEGUv5IhYvNiCUTh5baV0d5/s1600-h/Dictating.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVeiBRgnVdmpIA7QfvUKTWjfLOzviRx6h9ip4xxhp-fuEfWIwCLqg7f7ExvTeSy7HUBY4r0rTX_HqR50YqSBQWMByJvLsDwQwN-qbcGP2lX3Dfpjb1L1YViEGUv5IhYvNiCUTh5baV0d5/s320/Dictating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437645371765217458" border="0" /></a>sea captain and the sweet, young widow is just outstanding. This meets all my standards of a good romance because you just know these two have to be together and it's a joy to watch the bond grow as two opposites form a mutual respect and deeper love for each other. And technically, if you've seen this film, they do end up together!<br /><br />Cranky, old sea captain Daniel Craigg (Rex Harrison) continues to haunt his old house from the afterlife and tries his best to get rid of the new tenants - a sweet yet unusually independent widow (Gene Tierney) and her daughter (Natalie Wood). </div><div><br /></div><div>After he's unsuccessful (because she's awfully plucky) he ends up helping her keep the house when financial crisis strikes by dictating to her his stories from sea, which she publishes as fiction. What follows is sacrifice, sadness and eventually... well, you'll just have to see it. To boot, the film is very witty with some clever and sometimes naughty one liners.</div><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>3. The Goodbye Girl</b></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIKaHQkXIEuqsjGX827J8vyOm4FVLSkt_Eg09DXJ2h_roKtkb0OERcyhpTsHMZQVKTuVl9Xt1CxcdrOEk-p5j9c3y1a8r5Kja58PPogpyP1v87FFoBa0RoxLQpSMB1W76m9Q07Rm7-sIQ/s1600-h/thegirlbyegirl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIKaHQkXIEuqsjGX827J8vyOm4FVLSkt_Eg09DXJ2h_roKtkb0OERcyhpTsHMZQVKTuVl9Xt1CxcdrOEk-p5j9c3y1a8r5Kja58PPogpyP1v87FFoBa0RoxLQpSMB1W76m9Q07Rm7-sIQ/s200/thegirlbyegirl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437633657631746146" border="0" /></a>From the moment Richard Dreyfus states, "You don't keep the panties hanging on the shower", I fell in love with this classic 1970's style rom com about a down-and-out actor who rents a room from an unemployed single mom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Written by Neil Simon (and starring his then wife Marsha Mason), the film depicts love in NYC between a broke and broken romantic and a struggling actor.<br /><br />It also introduced the world to the too-clever-for-her-age little girl character which no one ever got just as right as Quinn Cummings (sorry Jodie Foster). And that catchy emo '70's theme song, "All your life you've waited, for love to come and stay...."<br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">2. The Notebook</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBi6KSaOuce6CqcfFfDRPP5fXNk4CO2Utsf-ONGiZMWVQi9UuUmOVEJLUPFJyNR4JoD21-gxGFT9KwwEioMJMmaKx64NdIPK69XdFfwtdfBUKNzIMkjTc3rXorDNLomDAxgpopJ3add6S/s1600-h/17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBi6KSaOuce6CqcfFfDRPP5fXNk4CO2Utsf-ONGiZMWVQi9UuUmOVEJLUPFJyNR4JoD21-gxGFT9KwwEioMJMmaKx64NdIPK69XdFfwtdfBUKNzIMkjTc3rXorDNLomDAxgpopJ3add6S/s200/17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437647192924409266" border="0" /></a>Okay, I'm only human! <div><br /></div><div>You can not avoid the allure of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdam's sizzling and simmering chemistry in Nick Cassavetes' deeply romantic film that somehow rides the line between schmaltzy and engaging. </div><div><br /></div><div>The tale is a love story that could not be more cliched - poor boy falls for rich girl, rich girl's parents forbid it and whisk her away.<br /><br />Set against the backdrop of the 1940's, the story is narrated in present day by Jim Rockford himself - James Garner - to his nursing home buddy (played the director's mother, Gena Rowlands). Great use of the split time storytelling outside of LOST.</div><div><br /></div><div>The by-the-book romance gets some slight indie street cred with supporting actor turns by <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/theater/13shepard.html">Sam Shepard</a> and Joan Allen.</div><div><br /></div> A modern day classic!<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">1. Say Anything</span></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFJh0J-jm8_nPlTnzVDD1dBGrBCeLklehSDuQkK4c1lgEBKMpxbT38TL2vw5p0NQlbNQnDxgd0w7CLnxIny2_xBUbQD9S7EBnOzFwc2yaA_fzNOJFaS5vAC34qhuWE2LTTcSpwMS60MZH/s1600-h/13135__say_anythiing_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFJh0J-jm8_nPlTnzVDD1dBGrBCeLklehSDuQkK4c1lgEBKMpxbT38TL2vw5p0NQlbNQnDxgd0w7CLnxIny2_xBUbQD9S7EBnOzFwc2yaA_fzNOJFaS5vAC34qhuWE2LTTcSpwMS60MZH/s200/13135__say_anythiing_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437641614432389618" border="0" /></a>Not since Romeo appeared below Juliet's window has there been such an iconic declaration of boyhood love as when John Cusack held up his boom box outside Ione Sky's window and "In Your Eyes" played.<br /><br />Lloyd is a dork, and the object of his high school affection is the seemingly unattainable good girl, Diane Court. The film is riddled with common cliches from other films of the period (mainly John Hughes originated) including the sassy best girlfriends who coach Lloyd, and the caring father (played by John Mahoney).<br /><br />Then this film takes a few surprising turns to hit an indelible mark with bits like the dinner table scene, "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed...." and the infamous, "He gave me a pen" line/metaphor.<br /><br />Lloyd doesn't know what he wants to do post high school, and that isn't going to work for the overprotected Diane, whose father keeps a strict fence around her with high expectations. But true love is definitely the thing that wins out in this film, directed by Cameron Crowe (<span style="font-style: italic;">Jerry McGuire</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Almost Famous)</span>.<br /><br />___________<br /><br />Okay, let's face facts. Hollywood romances are the reason we have such ridiculous expectations of love and marriage in this country, and in real life, none of this shit really happens.<br /><br />And for those of you looking for the unhappy ending, there's always the brilliant <span style="font-style: italic;">Casablanca</span> (unless you were routing for Louie), <span style="font-style: italic;">Dr. Zhivago</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">The English Patient</span>.<br /><br />The best romances where they don't end up together: <span style="font-style: italic;">500 Days of Summer</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Truly Madly Deeply</span>.<br /><br /></div></div><br /><br />I thought I'd better balance that saccharine with a strong dose of celluloid reality. Now, the underbelly of the love story. A place full of desperation, mental illness, shame, guilt and sexual perversion. Basically, all the things we probably recognize in our own lives more than what is depicted in any of the films I mentioned yesterday.<div><br /></div><div>So curl up this February 14th with that person who refuses to commit to you; cheats on you; and/or the person that annoys you the most but is wonderful in bed.... with a strong cup of rot gut, a little passive/aggressiveness and Happy Valentine's Day!</div><div>____________<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIgbYBskcjSQ0NvyUELtftzLJyXgoOWeYx7oJDWtnKm80duxD4zLHuRk33YhtroGmzxQ4CaOiI1AuHTT3DSstbnuQoEPG32dCcnN8Evff9Wd9-Y3R2dGphHzfZvEvHY92GPmHDMb13Zpk/s1600-h/donniedarko_wideweb__470x2990.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIgbYBskcjSQ0NvyUELtftzLJyXgoOWeYx7oJDWtnKm80duxD4zLHuRk33YhtroGmzxQ4CaOiI1AuHTT3DSstbnuQoEPG32dCcnN8Evff9Wd9-Y3R2dGphHzfZvEvHY92GPmHDMb13Zpk/s320/donniedarko_wideweb__470x2990.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437956820539597266" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">10. Donnie Darko</span></b><div><br /></div><div>God, I just love this film! It takes you on what you think will be a predictable route, but instead pulls you on a journey through the meaning of love and some of Einstein's more popular theories.</div><div>Plus it's one of the most effective tales of modern white boy teenage angst ever depicted. </div><div>AND it's the best use of an imaginary rabbit since <i>Harvey</i>.</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVFHF2y3Hem8ShNPz68dRGDh_v9m_4bNrRPhqDNM30W3Ji0zZJieAYMzT0X7znstmGaKTu-Pl7VlG4iPY1wXjPRH0TGMbfBlqR2nmYhA5wQDzv_Q3wbNxO6LbqMwfjFb2lVd7IJgODnD1/s200/bild_04_500x623.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437962301325622978" /><div>Jake Gyllenhaal is a troubled teen on meds (<i>Ordinary People</i> like) and he lives in the kind of cookie-cutter neighborhood that <i>ET</i> and <i>Po<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>ltergeist</i> made famous. One night he's contacted by a voice that tells him to do things. Bad things.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>It starts out like a horror thriller, but then veers into a wonderfully romantic love story between this troubled boy and a girl from school that accepts him the way he is. </div><div>The film has fantastic, quirky characters including a Self Help Guru (Patrick Swayze), a liberal teacher (Drew Barrymore who also produced), Grandma Death, Frank the Bunny Rabbit and the curt, clueless shrink (Katherine Ross...hey, it's Sundance's girlfriend!). It's quite fun watching all the storylines weave together into the story to form an acute essay on the absurdity of Americana life and the isolation it tends to breed.</div><div>The film has reached cult status which has a lot to do with the main character being depicted as a sociopath, when he is in reality, a hero. Certainly identifiable for any angsty teen boy with a penchant for scifi.</div><div>By the time you get to the end, you realize it's one of the most tender love stories in years with a main character that loves his girl unconditionally. Seriously, you'll want to cry!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">9. Marnie</span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlENZY9T7G8TD9ubemvXuZovQMG71eldUXhOlAmFJQBiA5w0yb78wEKQXZx01tRRCqfiL21_5Cmxgp-NW2jslNip3R3VTEN7V5geUKuiYHeI1YMOPCxX7Q4oRh0s9W5XRqTJjKaLLoEKp-/s1600-h/marnie.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlENZY9T7G8TD9ubemvXuZovQMG71eldUXhOlAmFJQBiA5w0yb78wEKQXZx01tRRCqfiL21_5Cmxgp-NW2jslNip3R3VTEN7V5geUKuiYHeI1YMOPCxX7Q4oRh0s9W5XRqTJjKaLLoEKp-/s200/marnie.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437957347336969554" /></a>This Alfred Hitchcock flick is creepy in more ways than one, as Sean Connery tries to seduce the cold and compulsive Tippi Hedren as the title character.</div><div>Casting one of the most attractive leading men of the time was no mistake! One wonders why the psychologically damaged Marnie doesn't seem to fall in love with him, no matter how much he tries.</div><div>Marnie is a thief and distrusts men terribly. When she robs Connery's character, instead of turning her in, he blackmails her into marrying him. Obviously this was made years before the song, "I Can't Make You Love Me If You Don't". On their honeymoon, she won't sleep with him so he rapes her, and the next morning she tries to commit suicide. Eventually, they both decide to make the marriage work.</div><div>So a great little fucked-up Valentine for you!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">8. The Days of Wine and Roses</span></b></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwgzvYu6Rp5OFn7b7LqIhyphenhyphenCJPPvx8rNGeYSexBJdTp781GYhVCBHehrp2-whT8lNC5UfCUBr6rnrY7XdYtea4XwvXSjfeykmQ7Qmvuz-wahFDITmLkDDQQ1ceklORAtuz7WZ1n8PtNrv8/s200/tumblr_kuvaokaAWE1qzdvhio1_400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437958322966588226" /><div><br /></div><div>This is one of the best films about alcoholism ever made. </div><div>Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick star as a young couple who get married then slowly start to spiral into alcoholism in this remarkably honest film by director Blake Edwards.</div><div>The scene where Lemmon is looking for his hidden bottle is just brutal, as is the scene where he strikes his own baby.</div><div>The painful part of the movie is that fact that Lemmon's character introduces his young wife to alcohol, but then has to make an impossible decision - should he abandon her to save himself? Jack Klugman costars as his AA sponsor. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">7. Wristcutters: A Love Story</span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqJebX_bsnTFIAxV4BRfDDnTg87JBxrcv0TylgulwShhYQ6wYD2XbrRtAkA7DND82KMXc20SqJ_2-kPQLQOLES-8n4Aw0o8sZlUCaPWsBOs3pCwB76i-zFEOCKhbe4SAbD8tySdnRsUM6/s1600-h/wristcutters_movie_image__2_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqJebX_bsnTFIAxV4BRfDDnTg87JBxrcv0TylgulwShhYQ6wYD2XbrRtAkA7DND82KMXc20SqJ_2-kPQLQOLES-8n4Aw0o8sZlUCaPWsBOs3pCwB76i-zFEOCKhbe4SAbD8tySdnRsUM6/s200/wristcutters_movie_image__2_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437963584139544882" /></a>This is a love story that takes place in the afterlife in the way-station for people who have committed suicide.</div><div>Dig-ding-ding... we have a totally brilliant fucked up love story setting winner!</div><div>I mean - the film takes place in hell, and everyone in it has killed themselves! Yet, this is a stunning and sweet little film with a touching love story at it's core dealing with the usual litany of teen concerns.</div><div>Patrick Fugit stars as Zia, who after slitting his wrists, finds himself in a world similar to his own, only without much joy to it. It is hell indeed. He teams up with a group of other souls (some very fun and interesting characters) on a cross country journey to try to figure a way out of this purgatory. On route, he meets a girl, Mikai, who believes there has been some terribly mistake since she didn't kill herself.</div><div>This is the third film on my list from The Sundance Film Festival (<i>High Art</i> and <i>Good Dick</i> are the other two). It's certainly the only feel-good film ever made about suicide!<br /><br /><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">6. High Art</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Kx71BrAPO_m3KM2zpIfaLJCGAEJxLFh1frT-Ig271hLBadjXimAwHZe5fdPBrBnEPHniQN0x5QTeJ05zZOIX7k5T1A9msmfIzsJcr5CVq-xjeaKkkUx5jxVMGxFbAtb0a7xj44DoFM5b/s1600-h/highart-9824.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Kx71BrAPO_m3KM2zpIfaLJCGAEJxLFh1frT-Ig271hLBadjXimAwHZe5fdPBrBnEPHniQN0x5QTeJ05zZOIX7k5T1A9msmfIzsJcr5CVq-xjeaKkkUx5jxVMGxFbAtb0a7xj44DoFM5b/s200/highart-9824.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437958988666785074" /></a></div><div>"I have a love issue and drug problem, " Lucy tells her mom and that sums up this $60,000 budgeted little indie gem by lesbian writer/director Lisa Cholodenko.</div><div>Sydney has a nice boyfriend, is young and bright-eyed, so naturally she gets attracted to her neighbor - a recluse lesbian photographer (Ally Sheedy) who is addicted to all forms of drugs and alcohol.</div><div>The film is fantastic and was the break out role for Patricia Clarkson, who plays the heroine addicted girlfriend. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">5. Good Dick</span></b></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB2Z4uUI6whStm5TkUoxpur-j4a4XXXgiwleGJ0DWI2hPqWUeMqbiVqR3LqgAcRRGZL4_wSkp3_Zl3-PK45Rbc5_awLJwSjqRjS0-AkhaYveD26BkcF9XRzk_zcukbYmWQ_jpr3kC89lv/s200/17good.xlarge1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437959311569721810" /><div>He's a very committed stalker, and she's addicted to porn.</div><div>This film is so perverse in it's commitment to telling a sweet, by-the-books romance with two characters that are so damaged and quirky, it's hysterical.</div><div>Jason Ritter plays the video store clerk who follows the claustrophobic recluse, played by the film's writer/director Marianna Palka. The two eventually, sort of have a romance.</div><div>It's dysfunctional to the nth degree! It's a first time film that I saw at Sundance, and it surprised me how much I laughed. It certainly gets you shouting, "Oh no, they did NOT just do that!"</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">4. The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane</span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA6VdXJjJ6tiQpU6MwGX4dlr2juMiJeSsFNwseaszH50C27cBpjSGp5ora1MFaUraX-IlXdCtMhbn9HlBC5mhsEZm8lllrkpLvtI9ebJ0c0eOTS6Fgu0R2XLK_8PwDCMo4U9IzGlK7FWV/s1600-h/romance9.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA6VdXJjJ6tiQpU6MwGX4dlr2juMiJeSsFNwseaszH50C27cBpjSGp5ora1MFaUraX-IlXdCtMhbn9HlBC5mhsEZm8lllrkpLvtI9ebJ0c0eOTS6Fgu0R2XLK_8PwDCMo4U9IzGlK7FWV/s200/romance9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437959991810736466" /></a>Behind the veneer of this creepy, psychological horror film, is a surprisingly touching little teen love story!</div><div>This has everything a good fucked-up romance should have: a pedophile (Martin Sheen), murder, polio, and the torture of innocent hamsters.</div><div>Jodie Foster plays an eerie little girl who lives alone, and has no problem doing the ole arsenic and old lace bit on anyone that jeopardizes that. Along comes neighbor boy (Scott Jacoby) - who is rather sickly and enjoys magic. A friendship develops to the point where she can tell him where the bodies are buried, literally and a strange bond is formed between these two damaged kids.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've ever wanted a boyfriend that will help you bury the bodies, this is the film for you!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">3. Sid and Nancy</span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggil-xtJ8bqt8SQ6Lyqnmk36t9ootwWdH6FnkISsDEkat-mphDQ6SIdLLYFf92Xf5jCOi1BTIlIdELnEuo7-g6ypWx2bvT-4XdWV107wv6BcwCMrC-oimr-5h9cIAOuBcf3sP87taO8wEh/s1600-h/alexcoxlead.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggil-xtJ8bqt8SQ6Lyqnmk36t9ootwWdH6FnkISsDEkat-mphDQ6SIdLLYFf92Xf5jCOi1BTIlIdELnEuo7-g6ypWx2bvT-4XdWV107wv6BcwCMrC-oimr-5h9cIAOuBcf3sP87taO8wEh/s200/alexcoxlead.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437960316468499986" /></a></div><div>"I look like fucking Stevie Nicks!" And so goes Nancy (Chloe Webb), on a spiral down with punk boyfriend Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) in this true biopic that is a tender love story between two British drug addicts.</div><div>Sid was the bass player for The Sex Pistols and Nancy was the woman he loved, then killed. Their romance is the definition of a train wreck, and the film is unapologetic in it's tale of two rude, desperate, damaged and heroin addicted people. </div><div>The film was based on a book by the real life mom of Nancy.</div><div>If you've every loved someone so much you want to stab them, this is the love story for you!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">2. The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvrIHa94Vy0YbSCI0CS9KdSAVOwp7OpOVrgpwW3yNkVHtrDLMif3J5dbxQgfRy3VxBqo7J0fxB0jpF2al3gNkVqSN8UfxdgzzkB9_DmCV38Ie1hNu5_8lE4AZ3Tqtxz1SlJW8NnhBkwbg/s1600-h/20061122201101-judith-hearne.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvrIHa94Vy0YbSCI0CS9KdSAVOwp7OpOVrgpwW3yNkVHtrDLMif3J5dbxQgfRy3VxBqo7J0fxB0jpF2al3gNkVqSN8UfxdgzzkB9_DmCV38Ie1hNu5_8lE4AZ3Tqtxz1SlJW8NnhBkwbg/s200/20061122201101-judith-hearne.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437957545769404290" /></a>Oh my god, the characters in this are so unbelievably pathetic, it's almost hard to watch at points.</div><div>Maggie Smith gives one of the best performances of her career as a Catholic spinster in the 1950's who endeavors to engage a local man (Bob Hoskins) into a romance. It seems all very sweet - love later in life and all, until you find out he's a pervert and she's an alcoholic. On top of that, he's just trying to grift her, and he's such a loser he's not even any good at it.</div><div>The film was produced by Beatle George Harrison under his Handmade Films shingle and co stars one of my all time favorite actresses Wendy Hiller.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">1. The Night Porter</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS4J7RKci6zVDenMmzayu1hwPw_mbuZQxFoMKooV4ArwINJgSSFksZ4KMfq6oeZxgn-Mq9eDE3k8DqebZhjdopoBKP4IJJWNKHCq9DZTI_5q_UPqZ-luDLgHyFyo-IEQ0hLgT1XfEXbjS/s1600-h/night_porter_cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS4J7RKci6zVDenMmzayu1hwPw_mbuZQxFoMKooV4ArwINJgSSFksZ4KMfq6oeZxgn-Mq9eDE3k8DqebZhjdopoBKP4IJJWNKHCq9DZTI_5q_UPqZ-luDLgHyFyo-IEQ0hLgT1XfEXbjS/s200/night_porter_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437961108578984578" /></a>This controversial erotic flick by female director Liliana Cavini is the tender love story between a Nazi prison guard and the concentration camp victim he rapes. This one is often nearly impossible to watch, so it gets the #1 spot.</div><div>Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling give two stellar and horrifyingly sensitive performances as two damaged people, who have lived through so much horror that they can only find comfort in each other's company. I mean, they are way beyond anything Dr Phil can do to help.</div><div>The film takes place thirteen years after the end of WWII, and former concentration camp victim Lucia Atherton is now married to a prominent violin player, and living an affluent lifestyle which includes travel and posh hotels. At one such hotel in Vienna, she spots a familiar face in the Night Porter. He is the Nazi guard that continually raped her when she was in a concentration camp!</div><div>Instead of reporting him, the two begin a torrid affair. Maximillian is living a poor, simple life and is still friends out of need with a circle of Nazis-in-hiding. He has insurmountable guilt and shame about his past, and obsessively buries himself in his work.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLwKTozq3rieezw1IVI-HJ_CsJko84rFMYgWs3XbTrXscOoVVdAWwcFek6UQBI30dJvydmv4ioUBtyqiX4t8D2AuOAWcpvofi2j-jc9XmLbeAOuvP7QzPiqA6sGI-rtXci_kwR7TxFjl-/s1600-h/the_night_porter_PDVD_00601.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLwKTozq3rieezw1IVI-HJ_CsJko84rFMYgWs3XbTrXscOoVVdAWwcFek6UQBI30dJvydmv4ioUBtyqiX4t8D2AuOAWcpvofi2j-jc9XmLbeAOuvP7QzPiqA6sGI-rtXci_kwR7TxFjl-/s320/the_night_porter_PDVD_00601.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437960817152605874" /></a><br /></div><div>It's as disturbing as it is sad, and deals with human souls so marred in guilt and pain that defies reconciliation. It's exploitive, deals with sadomasochism and is frequently hard to watch. But I have to admit, by the end of the film, I felt I just wanted these two to end up together, as fucked up as that seems. It's truly a fantastic film, albeit risky, and certainly the saddest most fucked up love story ever!</div><div><br /></div><div>Those that didn't make the list, but are also fucked-up favorites include: <i>Prick Up Your Ears</i>, <i>Sex, Lies and Videotape</i> and <i>You, Me and Everyone We Know</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-21961897474488535332011-01-27T17:07:00.000-08:002011-01-27T17:23:49.369-08:00Watch Trailer: New Film with Christopher Plummer playing gay: Beginners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRtec2Pxr2yxTd8HRNJa3z4d0hZmI9ktzzIyan_CRzq14u33WwSxzU26jAXYgr56N17lctWeyFQetl97S69wg5DZmqp7HmZgYW2Tg00c71KzYyC0GXiOzLWF-lI8mkgbqH4dh-1cjiTI/s1600/ZZ719766C8-550x297.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRtec2Pxr2yxTd8HRNJa3z4d0hZmI9ktzzIyan_CRzq14u33WwSxzU26jAXYgr56N17lctWeyFQetl97S69wg5DZmqp7HmZgYW2Tg00c71KzYyC0GXiOzLWF-lI8mkgbqH4dh-1cjiTI/s320/ZZ719766C8-550x297.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567038500235226914" /></a>Let me know what you think after watching this trailer, but I know I'm dying to see this new flick BEGINNERS starring Christopher Plummer as a dad who comes out to his son (Ewan McGregor) after being married 44 years.<div><br /></div><div>The film premiered to good reviews at The Toronto Film Festival and is from director Mike Mills who had a hit at Sundance with his first feature, <i>Thumbsuckers</i>. He also had a father who came out to him later in life.</div><div><br /><object width="598" height="356"><param name="movie" value="http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/flv-embed/flvplayer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="flashvars" value="width=598&height=356&file=http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/Beginners-officialtrailer.mp4&image=http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/Beginners-officialtrailer.jpg&logo=http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/img/FSnet-Video-Logo.png&link=http://www.firstshowing.net&quality=false&bufferlength=6&volume=90"> <embed src="http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/flv-embed/flvplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="598" height="356" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="width=598&height=356&file=http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/Beginners-officialtrailer.mp4&image=http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/Beginners-officialtrailer.jpg&logo=http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/img/FSnet-Video-Logo.png&link=http://www.firstshowing.net&quality=false&bufferlength=6&volume=90"></embed> </object><br /><br /></div><div>I don't know if it's the fact that the dog is subtitled, or the idea that is has to do with life, love, beginnings, sex, healing, nature and magic - but I'll be there opening night.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-dVIxPy_rhOs0C8paJvR6nOs5Q9oQNpLQcWbRJA7ASw3K91_Wp7eWuVsa_hMCA4ts1X2q0EOHK-IEgDY18fD2Ar5wdyQilrNuYaEzWkJrgWnEKUWIoQtqjXp8R8YQ50DtIcHVJDlpiU/s1600/beginners02-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-dVIxPy_rhOs0C8paJvR6nOs5Q9oQNpLQcWbRJA7ASw3K91_Wp7eWuVsa_hMCA4ts1X2q0EOHK-IEgDY18fD2Ar5wdyQilrNuYaEzWkJrgWnEKUWIoQtqjXp8R8YQ50DtIcHVJDlpiU/s320/beginners02-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567039304253150482" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-47938864259908295742011-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:002011-01-18T11:16:23.773-08:00The Golden Globes - The Lesbian Running Commentary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XPE-RVx_9G8R6c-WYLO9KBYlKrJEwN9N2gltMbITyJQhKvhBPUvcZdhgGjeKK8H9qIuKn2NUuzcPjJ0vSZuEUnZY7N6KBQXw-AodZG5AtY4GKTTbb3t_VR04ulRD3ALi3IQErbN9KgU/s1600/page_17591295247342.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XPE-RVx_9G8R6c-WYLO9KBYlKrJEwN9N2gltMbITyJQhKvhBPUvcZdhgGjeKK8H9qIuKn2NUuzcPjJ0vSZuEUnZY7N6KBQXw-AodZG5AtY4GKTTbb3t_VR04ulRD3ALi3IQErbN9KgU/s320/page_17591295247342.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563405791943902210" /></a>Welcome to my running commentary of the Golden Globes. <div><br /></div><div>So the Golden Globe Awards were on Sunday night. Some call it the precursor to the Oscars, I think of it more like a bunch of rich, white people giving each other awards. </div><div><br /></div><div> And you'd think being so rich and famous they could take a bit of humorous jibbing from host Ricky Gervais, but no. Not so much. The platform of his humor was roast-ish, with zingers one would usually only read on TMZ or Perez. Celebs were seriously turned off by his comments, as evident from the dearth of laughter (I actually wanted a laugh track, it got so quiet so often).<div><br /></div><div>As opposed to the People's Choice Awards where popular films are given their nods (like <i>Twilight</i>), some criticize the Globes for lauding obscure films that no one has seen. I don't think that's true. I think the films that get nominated are the ones that the distributors decided to spend beaucoup bucks promoting. Because no one's either heard or seen the films, a lot of hoopla is created over the "red carpet" and what everyone is wearing. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>My overall takeaway from the Awards was thus: Jesus Christ people, let yourself age! But more on that in a bit.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud8SdyXAfCHhIdKYu6mk3jRsGsXYAm5sTMxoUOdMizN3mMXIgC1qhcGzuNXNCrXQHsxdm2tllIOINEKD0GOpWTy4nmF94Nrub65gNanWz1eKg-Pm4oECkMzoTOvouBmW1Xj1LcpPPDlM/s1600/page_17471295247325.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud8SdyXAfCHhIdKYu6mk3jRsGsXYAm5sTMxoUOdMizN3mMXIgC1qhcGzuNXNCrXQHsxdm2tllIOINEKD0GOpWTy4nmF94Nrub65gNanWz1eKg-Pm4oECkMzoTOvouBmW1Xj1LcpPPDlM/s320/page_17471295247325.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563405328010417234" /></a><br /></div><div>OPENING: Ricky Gervais gives a clever comedy intro. Zero laughs. Tough crowd.</div><div><br /></div><div>He calls out the Foreign Press Corp for what they are - a small group of sycophants.</div><div><br /></div><div>STEVE BUSCEMI WINS for Best Actor - TV Series - Drama. It's nice to see Steve finally growing into his looks. Jon Hamm was robbed in this category. ROBBED! </div><div><br /></div><div>ANDREW GARFIELD INTRODUCES THE SOCIAL NETWORK CLIP REEL. When Garfield was cast as the new <i>Spiderman</i>, most people went "Andrew who?" If you want to know why Hollywood jumped on this young thesp, do yourself a favor and rent <i>Red Riding: 1974</i> (He's fantastic as a young journalist trying to get at the root of an unsolved murder that no one wants to revisit. Fucking BRUTAL. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3895919641/">Watch the trailer here</a>) or <i>Boy A</i>, a fascinating tale on the legitimacy of redemption, where a recently released murderer tries to assimilate back into society.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Social Network</i> reel is shown as one of the evening's best feature contenders. I liked this film. I think of it as a film about a guy with Aspergers, written by a guy with Aspergers and starring a guy with Aspergers. Anyone else notice that?</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLpmdLLyzIG_bSJaZEyDJyHRZ9bUxvSDK-3lBkSg22V7isWi6MnCPVNq8ATrfglrcWGa4HupmuyJ91Vz1OOCZaM1CpKwdR2b9OKooM09ba0DWk80A7acYDFLxLs1fLuLQf9L84S4REr0/s1600/page_18031295250488.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLpmdLLyzIG_bSJaZEyDJyHRZ9bUxvSDK-3lBkSg22V7isWi6MnCPVNq8ATrfglrcWGa4HupmuyJ91Vz1OOCZaM1CpKwdR2b9OKooM09ba0DWk80A7acYDFLxLs1fLuLQf9L84S4REr0/s320/page_18031295250488.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563405334037682626" /></a><br /></div><div>RICKY GERVAIS CONTINUES TO LAUGH AT - AS OPPOSED TO WITH - CELEBS - I'm glad all this talk lately of less violent rhetoric in the media is staying in politics only and has clearly not made it over to the Globes.</div><div><br /></div><div>ALEX BADLWIN PRESENTS. He has made utterances that he is considering running for political office. I'm cool with that. If the Republicans can have their actor president, Reagan, that I'm good with Baldwin. As long as he talks to the Republicans in congress the way he did on his daughter's answering machine when she missed a visitation.</div><div><br /></div><div>BEST ANIMATED FILM - Oh, look at all the nice films in this category that have absolutely no chance against <i>Toy Story 3</i>. And yes,<i> Toy Story 3</i> wins. If you have not seen it yet - run, don't walk. It is by far the best film of the year. <i>Tangled</i> is in this category and it's actually a great little film. I have not seen <i>The Illusionist</i> yet because their previous film, <i>The Triplets of Bellevue,</i> freaked me the fuck out too much.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIZa3mSMg5DQ_DhMSRWtIF9wp9iFp3CjuJqkZBm1kctCplbL9RMs2bei6W-WjhFJ0aMmdcALZR-w-3K9c_q5zdDk4V_zgsjsWYh0WA2HTGujiR_-cbQWAdSioOXYzR970ODUe_Fguz6U/s1600/page_17961295250476.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIZa3mSMg5DQ_DhMSRWtIF9wp9iFp3CjuJqkZBm1kctCplbL9RMs2bei6W-WjhFJ0aMmdcALZR-w-3K9c_q5zdDk4V_zgsjsWYh0WA2HTGujiR_-cbQWAdSioOXYzR970ODUe_Fguz6U/s320/page_17961295250476.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563405322549729490" /></a></div><div>ROBERT DOWNEY JUNIOR BITES BACK AT HOST GERVAIS - Says the evening has been mean with sinister undertones. </div><div><br /></div><div>ANNETTE BENING WINS FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL OR COMEDY. She immediately kisses her co star from the lesbian flick <i>The Kids Are All Righ</i>t, Julliane Moore. To which the director of the Globes thought the best cutaway for that would be the openly lesbian Jane Lynch. Sheesh.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just saw Bening in my local Whole Foods two days ago. She was lovely. I'll admit, when I started talking to her in the produce section I thought she was a smoking hot older lady, and me being all over 40 and what not, that's my demographic. Then about two sentences in, I just was all like, "You're Annette Bening!". She was beyond charming and lovely and we spoke for quite a bit about the film. She looks so much better in person, trust me on that.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5HOoHWSs4gSBnTu0tNW_SMeOwQdOSAb7-xQ4Z1Tvs-EWr_7apWgV0PpSfHYIgQhWLrQ2RZ8UP80f__dtfDdChxDZnkSXzSLRCUSMjoGBWkPfPEOdb_UI-V5_cvDOwRz1qVYxn_aLM-U/s1600/page_17941295250473.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5HOoHWSs4gSBnTu0tNW_SMeOwQdOSAb7-xQ4Z1Tvs-EWr_7apWgV0PpSfHYIgQhWLrQ2RZ8UP80f__dtfDdChxDZnkSXzSLRCUSMjoGBWkPfPEOdb_UI-V5_cvDOwRz1qVYxn_aLM-U/s320/page_17941295250473.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563405336593859410" /></a><br /></div><div>AL PACINO WINS FOR YOU DON'T KNOW JACK - Mr Al has played gay quite a few times - <i>Angels in America</i>, <i>Dog Day Afternoon</i> and <i>Cruising</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>JANE LYNCH - As they read off her competition, all I could think was none of you bitches have a chance. And they didn't. She won. As she has every other award during the season. It's great to see such a solid actor who has been otherwise so overlooked until Sue Sylvester finally get her due. </div><div><br /></div><div>HELEN MIRREN TAKES THE STAGE - and all I can think is this - THIS dear Globe audience - is what 80% of you bitches would look like without hair dye and face work. And damn if it isn't working for her. Stunning. All I can say is most of the actresses at this event need to put down the botox. Mirren is gorgeous and a sex symbol - au natural.</div><div><br /></div><div>ROBERT DENIRO GETS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Absolutely crappy clip reel - wonderful and outrageously funny acceptance speech.</div><div><br /></div><div>Colin Firth wins for <i>The King's Speech</i>. He's played gay a few times too - in <i>Mama Mia</i> and <i>A Single Man</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uKhlsEyX5x0g3fau78Be-Ca3wTG9ZFnd5JtaAf0V6soJOVWs7VOYqNBIFUrtSkDk3xgyIAVUyTOWBLOqtWcT4HuDjqRlnX606WT6teAKGMWXVmP1M_Y0sZ6Mggb0bBDlAw4gMFIn66E/s1600/Picture+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uKhlsEyX5x0g3fau78Be-Ca3wTG9ZFnd5JtaAf0V6soJOVWs7VOYqNBIFUrtSkDk3xgyIAVUyTOWBLOqtWcT4HuDjqRlnX606WT6teAKGMWXVmP1M_Y0sZ6Mggb0bBDlAw4gMFIn66E/s320/Picture+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563405341629182642" /></a>LEA MICHELLE IS NOMINATED - After fellow <i>GLEE</i> castmates Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch got their awards, all I could think was... honey, you ain't gonna get it because you're not gay. She didn't. Matthew Morrison was nominated as well, and of course, didn't win, again because he wasn't gay. I don't know what that's all about, but there it is. </div><div><br /></div><div>MELISSA LEO FROM THE FIGHTER WINS - She does what a bunch of other folks have done, which is thank her agents, managers, studio execs and lawyers. I like when they do that, even though it's a bit boring, because these are the people that do all the leg work. So many people thanked their agents and studio execs tonight, it actually started to sound like someone was reciting Schindler's list.</div><div><br /></div><div>SANDRA BULLOCK DENIES AFFAIR WITH RYAN REYNOLDS. I don't know what's worse - that stupid move or her bangs. Girl, let yourself age! We all know when you have you are hiding wrinkles. Meanwhile, she was hot and heavy a while back with best actor nominee Ryan Gosling. Sandra, get on that Ryan Reynolds action, I mean seriously. You deserve it after that Jesse mess.</div><div><br /></div><div>GLEE wins best comedy show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically <i>The Social Network</i> cleans up at the awards. Still, nowhere near as good as<i> Toy Story 3.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>There were a few good films not nominated - check out <i>The Ghost Writer</i> and <i>Monsters</i>. Good flicks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-70064164412817316952010-12-31T11:51:00.000-08:002011-01-02T11:48:51.208-08:00Top Ten Gays of 2010Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Another few hours and we'll be sliding into 2011.<div><br /></div><div>Time to look back at the year in gay. I've compiled the stand out individual achievements in the LGBT world this past year, which has taken all kinds of thought since comparing these folks is like apples/oranges.... or I guess more like pomegranates and carambolas. Mainly, I rated these folks based on how well they spread the gay agenda, regardless of whether it was in the arena of journalism, politics or entertainment.... based on purity of their intent, reach of their message, and difficulty of the obstacles.</div><div><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">10. Steven Slater, aka The Jet Blue Flight Attendant </span></b></div><div><b></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/Steven-Slater-JetBlue-Goes-Postal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 420px; height: 316px;" src="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/Steven-Slater-JetBlue-Goes-Postal.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>He probably doesn't belong on this list, but what the hell - it was one of the most talked about personal news stories of ther year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fed up with his job, with mounting pressure from dealing with an ill mother, Steven was mad as hell and was not going to take it any more. </div><div><br /></div><div>After getting hit in the head with luggage, he eventually took to the mike - delivered his resignation, then popped the emergency door, grabbed some beer and slid out to fame and fortune. Celeb publicist Howard Bragman - who also works for recent out tv housewife Meredith Baxter - took him on as a client, and Slater is working on a book.<br /><br />Considering the never ending recession, the wars, the ridiculous bail outs to big money, this story hit a nerve with all every day Americans. Most of them touted them as a hero for sticking it to the man.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">9. The Gays of Modern Family</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eBf7MYm-ikOwC17lo4DmpfsUdBjGt-HP2iPseh-XnvkhQxb54oaWvBPzKjSNgbhR4C30ssOHEPWCGZdlbzImwDwjkJrgp6lcAGpJX_TL-8VcKTJg3J2RVhe8hcUwMOCHQI99IQfyZys/s1600/119836_eric-stonestreet-and-jesse-tyler-ferguson-on-abcs-modern-family.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eBf7MYm-ikOwC17lo4DmpfsUdBjGt-HP2iPseh-XnvkhQxb54oaWvBPzKjSNgbhR4C30ssOHEPWCGZdlbzImwDwjkJrgp6lcAGpJX_TL-8VcKTJg3J2RVhe8hcUwMOCHQI99IQfyZys/s320/119836_eric-stonestreet-and-jesse-tyler-ferguson-on-abcs-modern-family.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557677732136382466" /></a>Nothing spreads the hope of tolerance like bringing lgbt people into America's living rooms on a regular basis. Not since <i>Queer Eye for the Straight Guy</i> or <i>Will & Grace</i>, has there been a huge American tv hit with gay main characters until <i>Modern Family</i>. (Previous lgbt rep winners also include <i>Brothers and Sisters, </i> <i>The L Word </i>and<i> Queer as Folk...</i>.but this show looks to score those big big ratings and awards)</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only has this show revitalized the American sit com, but amongst the three families, one is gay. The out gay Jesse Tyler Ferguson and the straight Eric Stonestreet play a gay couple who has just adopted a baby.</div><div><br /></div><div>Television is helping LOADS with familiarizing the American public with who we really are (gay couples on <i>House Hunters</i>, open gays/lesbians on <i>Project Runway, Top Chef</i>, et all), and it's nice to have a few prime time shows as the tent poles of representation. Especially when it is just an simple family. They don't go to discos, do drugs, they don't have multiple sex partners, but they do have a gay best friend played by Nathan Lane. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's sad that there are actually two gay networks - here! and Logo - that have managed not to fit this bill tending to head instead into not only stereotype exploitive shows like <i>Dante's Cove </i>and<i> The A Gays, </i>but bad shows (there are exceptions, like <i>Rick & Steve </i>- rent it!) Actually, most people think when you say Gay Network, you're referring to Bravo. Andy Cohen has turned that network into a plethora of gay sensibilities.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">8. Graeme Taylor</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVd8iwwP24doQxo0V3cVFTx1B-fSWsGR873w0eVe3sXWOnrNqHpdpvU4l9ujtuvEZMom2heRHNlm5sQGBIsQ0e_LRQZE6cYvBQS2iggJPhXLJs1C7u-g-Hg9uhLjSF09tApbhyeGO3w/s1600/5034556846_5094ac3098.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVd8iwwP24doQxo0V3cVFTx1B-fSWsGR873w0eVe3sXWOnrNqHpdpvU4l9ujtuvEZMom2heRHNlm5sQGBIsQ0e_LRQZE6cYvBQS2iggJPhXLJs1C7u-g-Hg9uhLjSF09tApbhyeGO3w/s200/5034556846_5094ac3098.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556999293109415442" /></a>A shockingly eloquent 14 year old addressed a school board on the issue of a suspended gay teacher who asked a student to leave his class room because of anti gay remarks.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I suspected, this video not only went viral fast, but Ellen invited this young man onto her show.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't imagine what it's like when an entire town or city is against you, and you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in.<br /><br /></div><div><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VJBvdfdAQjs?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VJBvdfdAQjs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">7. Joel Burns</span></b><br /><br />This Fort Worth City Councilman surprised everyone when he took an unexpected moment during a City Council meeting to talk about teen suicide, turning the next 14 minutes into an unbelievably poignant and moving call for tolerance. <div><br /></div><div>It is profoundly emotional when Joel has to pause several times to fight back tears. </div><div><br /><div><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ax96cghOnY4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></div></div><div><br /></div>Joel was supported in his run for office by <a href="http://www.victoryfund.org/home">The Victory Fund.</a> If you would like to support LGBT candidates for office, please click on that link and donate!<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">6. The Gays of Glee: Ryan Murphy, Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer</span></b><br /><br />Murphy has a long track record of insinuating the the plight of our peeps in all his shows including <span style="font-style:italic;">Popular</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Nip/Tuck</span> - not only casting LGBT people, but having story lines revolving not just around lesbian and gays, but transgenders. But when he teamed up with Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan to create <i>Glee</i>, it was a homoexplosion right on prime time television.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V7FWEMKWxRUO6I5CHtZQWN14Wv6-Syq6K9TMjRzUKXtUHtDqOeg8Fpdt4eFAZ3qRcUm7T_IK720n_MKMaHan8dkVDnoKxUMA4N554w-kspFjInL2-jOEWYtLwvgtzSTddG1jEOHbvxg/s1600/chris-colfer__oPt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V7FWEMKWxRUO6I5CHtZQWN14Wv6-Syq6K9TMjRzUKXtUHtDqOeg8Fpdt4eFAZ3qRcUm7T_IK720n_MKMaHan8dkVDnoKxUMA4N554w-kspFjInL2-jOEWYtLwvgtzSTddG1jEOHbvxg/s320/chris-colfer__oPt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556946452254131106" /></a>Chris Colfer didn't even realize he was supposed to stay in the closet. He came out right away in an Advocate article and the network and studio grumbled since they weren't consulted. But what they felt would hurt the young actor and the show, turned into an Emmy nomination. And a Golden Globe nomination. And a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. And a hero for lgbt teens. <div><br /></div><div>Following in the footsteps of such rare out gay teens on television like Wilson Cruz in<span style="font-style:italic;"> My So Called Life</span>, Colfer's character Kurt and his homosexuality took center stage in many of the episodes - with storylines revolving around coming out to his father, dealing with bullying, and having a crush on his straight best friend.<br /><br />Jane Lynch has always been a steadfast, active advocate for LGBT rights (and animal rights). She's been on the board of directors of The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, appeared at upteen LGBT fundraising events and starred in countless gay films by young up and coming queer film makers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2rxG-o8MSC7oIDov_wfGSicnq8RFGy2rQ28rdvw6c2AaQArdZwO1zuM-i5MsjSbnlaM2bYJllbY7ipS7nNB2H6J-_vvwKlkywMSpqBB1_l4irCh5er5eRrndCcw_hBXv0ghPHceqfAk/s1600/sue.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2rxG-o8MSC7oIDov_wfGSicnq8RFGy2rQ28rdvw6c2AaQArdZwO1zuM-i5MsjSbnlaM2bYJllbY7ipS7nNB2H6J-_vvwKlkywMSpqBB1_l4irCh5er5eRrndCcw_hBXv0ghPHceqfAk/s200/sue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556957718835169442" /></a>Once she hit big with <i>GLEE</i>, that didn't stop. In a fame theme park ride rivaled this year only by Betty White - Jane graced the covers of magazines, hosted award shows, appeared in the Emmy's opening musical number and hosted <span style="font-style:italic;">Saturday Night Live</span>. Huge visibility to say the least, and at every opportunity, she spoke about being openly gay and her recent marriage to her partner Laura.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KoY14JjWCV4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">5. Constance McMillen</span><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BUkUCO8Jei4fwEyMFM7Q0SZCengcTHY5jrTB6o1WQfEdJHjoF_SBtQrJWw6WI_xEjITZSSY-8tB2hC7wxaDYQdB-i4ttMNUDI2Nh5vqQqRDDQO4pnIrBZwF9Wa4CtfK1Mtkv9Qr6DXM/s1600/constancemcmillen4-250x165.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BUkUCO8Jei4fwEyMFM7Q0SZCengcTHY5jrTB6o1WQfEdJHjoF_SBtQrJWw6WI_xEjITZSSY-8tB2hC7wxaDYQdB-i4ttMNUDI2Nh5vqQqRDDQO4pnIrBZwF9Wa4CtfK1Mtkv9Qr6DXM/s320/constancemcmillen4-250x165.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556952339930685266" /></a>Constance wanted to take her girlfriend to the prom. That simple thought sparked a nationwide debate and coverage as the teen hit all the major airwaves with her story including Ellen, CBS, CNN and the rest.<br /><br />Hailing from a small Mississippi town, the mere fact that she is a lesbian put her in such a tremendous environment of hate and discrimination, it's amazing she had the courage to even make a peep. But peep she did - becoming the poster child for all lgbt youth across the country that was facing similar discrimination.<br /><br />She lawyered up and sued the school district. Then they had a prom and DIDN'T TELL HER WHERE IT WAS. She endured taunting and discrimination from adults and kids alike. It was one lesbian against an entire town.<div><br /></div><div>The hickville environment of said town, however, was nothing when the entire nation seemed to step up to back this teen. She won $81,000 in damages from the Mississippi school district ($35,000 goes to her and the rest to legal fees), and Ellen awarded her a scholarship to college. On top of that, ABC Family bought the rites to her story and is going to make a tv movie about it. She also served as the Grand Marshall in the New York City Pride parade - giving lgbt teens across the country a hero.<br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/sflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="480" height="316" id="embed" align="middle"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://wbads.vo.llnwd.net/o25/u/telepixtv/ellen/us/video/player/embed.swf"><br /><param name="flashVars" value="mediaKey=3369bf9b-b718-4465-8e5c-dedef9bcbeeb&image=http://wbads.vo.llnwd.net/o25/u/telepixtv/ellen/us/video/2010-03/19/031910_constance_still.jpg&origin=embed"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><br /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><br /><embed src="http://wbads.vo.llnwd.net/o25/u/telepixtv/ellen/us/video/player/embed.swf" flashvars="mediaKey=3369bf9b-b718-4465-8e5c-dedef9bcbeeb&image=http://wbads.vo.llnwd.net/o25/u/telepixtv/ellen/us/video/2010-03/19/031910_constance_still.jpg&origin=embed" width="480" height="316" name="embed" align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /></object></div><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">4. Ellen</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1vc37yGApMIuHC2MrxcVNqyWlL1J3lEaE0-zkiKq5iB45Y4sMXJZvW-QDCf5KYXM0VSG3oMFOPA2nBWYzajZMvgCZP6cwJaZsN4bSFb6oONtPPJpdLVaJqbbPlgSZgdO6sFy2vpdKp8/s1600/ellen_500x375.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1vc37yGApMIuHC2MrxcVNqyWlL1J3lEaE0-zkiKq5iB45Y4sMXJZvW-QDCf5KYXM0VSG3oMFOPA2nBWYzajZMvgCZP6cwJaZsN4bSFb6oONtPPJpdLVaJqbbPlgSZgdO6sFy2vpdKp8/s320/ellen_500x375.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556959121072509138" /></a>I can't even imagine in my wildest dreams having a lesbian on tv like this when I was a kid. And not only tv, but you can't open up a single mainstream chick magazine without her face plastered in two page ads for the mainstay Americana company Cover Girl.<br /><br />She makes the list because she has had almost everyone in this top ten list on her show. She doesn't hide her sexuality, and I'm pretty sure it's not popular with studio execs and networks when she takes the pulpit for LGBT issues - which she always does.<br /><br />It's good to have friends in high places - and this lesbian comes into America's living rooms every weekday and she continues to be a voice and a positive representation for LGBT folks.<br /><div><br /></div><div>And introduces American audiences to some of the unknown and brave LGBT people like #5, 7 and 8 on this list.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">3. Dan Choi and The Get Equals</span></b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7U1Y-S9GRYCf0DVxn2ZW6qfW3BPTyu2qXbzXvHk_YzSkADjx9MX2WBD9bhonglgycnYmtKVZcHj5YK-fBgoLMC0aBcxK1O2mjGP-W0Ccd-genJS4QmO9dOh2-mk1Qjo3D3eh1JfoPOw/s1600/148401_177007945647570_121381291210236_676339_3266030_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7U1Y-S9GRYCf0DVxn2ZW6qfW3BPTyu2qXbzXvHk_YzSkADjx9MX2WBD9bhonglgycnYmtKVZcHj5YK-fBgoLMC0aBcxK1O2mjGP-W0Ccd-genJS4QmO9dOh2-mk1Qjo3D3eh1JfoPOw/s400/148401_177007945647570_121381291210236_676339_3266030_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556970039779349938" /></a><br />I mean if you've ever seen some ridiculous homophobic news story (anything starring John McCain this year) and just uttered profanities from your couch or ranted at a cocktail party, Dan and the folks of Get Equal were the ones that got out there and did I think what we'd all like to do. Big crazy shit. Like chaining themselves to the White House. Like staging a sit in outside Nancy Pelosi's office. Like disrupting President Obama's speeches. Like crashing Senate hearings.</div><div><br /></div><div>These people don't stop until they're arrested, escorted or kicked out.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've ever just wanted to scream or take the bull by the horns, these guys are the ones that did it this year. </div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_lfdGVo1bzrYOKbhbwuCjQ7gEyQSFzF7vR3CwHPMcWLE9yZSfthzgOkhEbnyvnnMNm4e_6dvVODh1TU4DW6ivRvoGuBRaZ3CAGt-KGtKsM5KXrhlz4RqQrxj7JbO0eDeNP49KKmcAEc/s320/beware.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556972449995837970" /><div><a href="http://getequal.org/">Get Equal</a> is a small national organization that not only takes meetings with politicos in DC, but tends to get all up in their faces. They are like the Greenpeace of LGBT politics. Led by the quintessential everyman - a former PTA mom - Robin McGehee, they utilize a national network of grassroots activists to visibility bring attention to issues, and pressure the politicos at a constant and steady pace.</div><div><br /></div><div>The organization gained momentum because - and seemed to be the answer to - such large organizations like HRC (as Rachel Maddow calls them, "the gay organization without gay in the name") - who sit on millions of dollars and have nice dinners, but tend to be soft on the issues with politicos in DC (many speculated ED Joe Solomnese was soft on Obama for so long since he was positioning himself for a post in the administration).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><center><img src="http://www.thesmokingcocktail.com/getequal.jpg" /><br /></center></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out a sample of their work - crashing a hearing on ENDA ( I love how she starts it, "With all due respect...")</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LuZMlViCA_M?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LuZMlViCA_M?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div><br /><br />They garner tons of criticism for their grassroots tactics, but if you support this sort of thing, I highly recommend you visit their site and make a donation: <a href="http://getequal.org/">http://getequal.org/</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aXKCumyjjBNGX5PNf2AkVq4ylmtJYNG6nBnrXt6af2WvgVw8jR00-UWHiOGv7ki3-00dLYE6B-2ySt0M0PayWKMY9iledKDg0NjXE_2k7-O7TPl8Dlqnts9A8Grbh9ZHvV9rCcR9k38/s1600/CHOIX390.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aXKCumyjjBNGX5PNf2AkVq4ylmtJYNG6nBnrXt6af2WvgVw8jR00-UWHiOGv7ki3-00dLYE6B-2ySt0M0PayWKMY9iledKDg0NjXE_2k7-O7TPl8Dlqnts9A8Grbh9ZHvV9rCcR9k38/s320/CHOIX390.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556969613972184722" /></a><br />Get Equal took on the cause of DADT with Lt. Dan Choi. Choi hit the scene hard when he came out on <span style="font-style:italic;">The Rachel Maddow Show</span> as gay while still serving in the military. Choi was the perfect poster boy for DADT- West Point educated, articulate, decorated, combat veteran and a Arab linguist. I mean - who could not hear this guy speak for five minutes without thinking, "yeah, we shouldn't kick guys like this out of the military"?<br /><br />That public outing surprisingly did not get him discharged. That came later when he chained himself to the White House. After that, he was discharged. Then he was free to lead a very public and tireless fight against DADT.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8s-FO-jG-5eq_qebWshBrs3h1N2fNROnWisBGt_-d4GcCeKX6K1pOHCkD89BAKsokLvtt-pwdLMEZyzOok6q0GZn6IviOa6nn5nMbFj9fihfwfQg8thioHt9dOrlGldVl0ejUBKsFkk/s1600/obamachoi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8s-FO-jG-5eq_qebWshBrs3h1N2fNROnWisBGt_-d4GcCeKX6K1pOHCkD89BAKsokLvtt-pwdLMEZyzOok6q0GZn6IviOa6nn5nMbFj9fihfwfQg8thioHt9dOrlGldVl0ejUBKsFkk/s400/obamachoi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556970368074984130" /></a>After dealing with what he calls major let downs with advocates such as Harry Reid, and unbelievably harsh criticism from the gay community, Choi was recently committed involuntarily to a VA hospital after having a break down. He felt the politicos had made one too many promises to his face, and then made one too many compromises - and he endured the gay community calling his antics PR stunts and insinuating that he was merely seeking his own fame. That plus the fact that he was now without that which he cherished the most - his military service. The pressure had built up, and now he was paying a heavy price.<br /><br />A month after his nervous break however, the House and Senate came through. Here's a fantastic video of Senator Reid with Choi after Obama finally signed the repeal of DADT.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cGxhphlJN-I?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cGxhphlJN-I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2. The Perry v Schwarzenegger Gays</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span><center><img src="http://www.thesmokingcocktail.com/perry.jpg" /></center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>(photo, interview mag, Chad Griffin center, Dustin Lance Black second from left, Bruce Cohen far right - and entire team of AFER)</i></span><div><br />Here's something that could turn the tables nationally on gay marriage, and it was again in direct response to failing campaigns in various states to defend gay marriage by large gay organizations.<br /><br />Ted Olson - a conservative! - and David Boies are two powerhouse lawyers, and they are currently fighting for marriage equality in California by attempting to annul the Prop 8 vote on the grounds that it is unconstitutional.<br /><br />This is - in a nutshell - what this is and how it broke down. In California, we fought and lost Prop 8 - and it was the most money raised for a ballot initiative I think ever. That means we taxed our lgbt resources to the max and still lost. While the gays licked their wounds, the gay orgs started in-fighting about when to put the marriage equality initiative back on the ballot.<br /><br />Nothing like gays in-fighting I tell ya - it's akin to Krystal and Alexis in the cement pond engaging in hand to hand combat.<br /><br />This is where these gays and some Hollywood players tore a page from the book of the movies. Political consultant Chad Griffin initiated the assistance of film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele and soon a plan was hatched. A smart one. Why don't we just hire the best attorneys in the country take the bastards to court?<br /><br />Soon, <a href="http://www.afer.org/">The American Foundation for Equal Right</a>s was formed and their Board was filled with gay heavy hitters like Bruce Cohen (producer, <i>Milk, American Beauty</i>) , Dustin Lance Black (screenwriter/activist), Lt Dan Choi, David Mixner, Cleve Jones, Hilary Rosen, Stuart Milk and Griffin himself (along with some kick ass straight advocates as well).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aAK3aNw_4cDLfVH7KB6FP3ho63nOiC8XY9C2FRIER6Qc_-_mhAMQb61cPx0Poqn6IiYyc2vFmORZAzZ36SBSim7VloS8qITYAyq2rirNqrH7kqC2b-a1lwBOtayV-ieyNHGWF4UN_gU/s1600/paul-katami-jeff-zarrillo-kris-perry-sandy-stier-2010-1-11-17-40-14.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aAK3aNw_4cDLfVH7KB6FP3ho63nOiC8XY9C2FRIER6Qc_-_mhAMQb61cPx0Poqn6IiYyc2vFmORZAzZ36SBSim7VloS8qITYAyq2rirNqrH7kqC2b-a1lwBOtayV-ieyNHGWF4UN_gU/s320/paul-katami-jeff-zarrillo-kris-perry-sandy-stier-2010-1-11-17-40-14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556981977715606066" /></a>And of course, we have the two plaintiff couples - lesbians Kris Perry & Sandy Stier and gays Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo.<br /><br />Perry v Schwarzenegger was born. The premise was that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution.<br /><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(pictured left, the plaintiffs)<br /></span></i><br /></div><div>It's been a long and windy road but here's where we're at. We won. Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in the Northern District of California Court that Prop 8 was unconstitutional. But wait... there was an appeal. And those pesky bastards that hate us petitioned for and won a stay (that means even though we won, we can't get married until the appeal. I know, I know, this is more complicated than <i>Inception</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div>This appeal was heard in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in early December. Basically, this could keep getting appealed to the Supreme Court where - this where it gets really juicy - this court case could have national consequences - good or bad.<br /><br />It's a ball-sy move, one that has also been criticised by lgbt organizations - but if they pull it off - it could mean marriage rights nationally. <a href="http://www.afer.org/">Stayed tuned here.</a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>If you like this plan, these guys and what they're doing - please click on that link and give them money! Elton John is hosting a concert for them to raise money soon - buy tix to that!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1. Dan Savage </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI81l9GPgYVlorBkYmuNh_mDtycgfpW9oAdJarursBlfq2n5UKdfhGsPm77UfiWqhyBfNfeyHlJgmsc_NAffeXd7mq_SLjaV8h2FyXP4SNE30vVWuAfMxuyJ3dQX8v2YXyToMMvOKU6D8/s1600/dan_savage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI81l9GPgYVlorBkYmuNh_mDtycgfpW9oAdJarursBlfq2n5UKdfhGsPm77UfiWqhyBfNfeyHlJgmsc_NAffeXd7mq_SLjaV8h2FyXP4SNE30vVWuAfMxuyJ3dQX8v2YXyToMMvOKU6D8/s320/dan_savage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556986706971190418" /></a>Dan Savage did one little tiny thing which didn't even cost any money to start. He created a web site and uploaded a video and encouraged everyone else to do the same. This lead to a national contagion of epic proportions where everybody from President Obama to Tim Gunn to Bob your mailman uploaded a video. All sending a message to lgbt youth - and the world - that It Gets Better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Holy cow - tell me what else has brought the issues of LGBT folks onto every television, youtube and facebook page to this degree.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was done in response to several teen suicides this year that generated mass public shock at all the stories of young people killing themselves because of gay bullying. But here's the really interesting thing - the numbers of teen suicides aren't any higher or lower than they've ever been - they just FINALLY GOT PUBLIC ATTENTION.</div><div><br /></div><div>That alone was a monumental achievement. Then by Savage starting this campaign, it kept the topic very much in the public eye and hit everyone on their heart strings just right, often, and continually.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, there was criticism. I'm seeing a trend here - every time someone goes out on a limb and does something awesome and creative, someone's going to bash them. Some say lgbt teens need more than just some rhetoric on a youtube video.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well I say this has fired up the American dialogue on what we LGBT people have been dealing with forever - discrimination. We have all dealt with it. No lgbt teen had a cake walk coming to terms with their sexuality, sexual identity and eventual coming-out. And it has put it out there in such a viral way, that everyone knows about it. That is amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think what Savage has done was one simple, creative idea born of desire to stop the horrible persecution of lgbt teens - and it's a campaign that worked on the level of involving everyone, and exposing it to everyone. Kudos.</div><div><br /></div><div>Savage was clearly upset and felt he had to do something - and he included all of America in his mission. Brilliant.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/">It Gets Better </a>was started to raise money for <a href="http://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project</a> and <a href="http://www.glsen.org/">GLSEN</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-53444729274680035032010-12-22T13:39:00.000-08:002010-12-22T14:01:51.163-08:00Obama Finally Signs Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Cp03un5f4O3XZcAWxaKvXHVd6y67c603n3GYf0836FOE1V0u2Ltu0TnKp9JIMy_MNW-TIKrz5mItxi3A8I37aoFKl_-eFI_SKoPwJSRTnyucCWwoPwTEHnyFmQ5juzKPZumw7Wj2sl8/s1600/74693_468528055915_532065915_6220323_7073600_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Cp03un5f4O3XZcAWxaKvXHVd6y67c603n3GYf0836FOE1V0u2Ltu0TnKp9JIMy_MNW-TIKrz5mItxi3A8I37aoFKl_-eFI_SKoPwJSRTnyucCWwoPwTEHnyFmQ5juzKPZumw7Wj2sl8/s400/74693_468528055915_532065915_6220323_7073600_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553628385824726162" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMASXiXQ1A2dN903m1zJBuscdDd4hHH4wLaYELmdsdRO44c5Rs7R2ovkOAJQwvcB6lLhfLmV_mFaaIaDARv6cudwsmYwhG60iTTcR1ojDi6ulTuEw5zJyfe7d-rDDgful0QkdV4_bfyLU/s1600/58014_10150110149917324_524467323_8073257_5571193_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMASXiXQ1A2dN903m1zJBuscdDd4hHH4wLaYELmdsdRO44c5Rs7R2ovkOAJQwvcB6lLhfLmV_mFaaIaDARv6cudwsmYwhG60iTTcR1ojDi6ulTuEw5zJyfe7d-rDDgful0QkdV4_bfyLU/s320/58014_10150110149917324_524467323_8073257_5571193_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553626773129230098" /></a>I can't think of a better Christmas present - today after 17 horrible years of witch-hunts, lies and ruined lives - Don't Ask, Don't Tell has officially ended with a signature by President Obama.<br /><br />A crowd of LGBT activists looked on, and I snagged a few of their shots from Facebook to share with you.<br /><br />It was one of Obama's campaign promises to repeal the ban of gays in the military, and activists had been criticizing him for dragging his feet. <div><br /></div><div>With the GOP taking over Congress come January, the clock was ticking. It was denied, until the House put a separate bill together. Then Obama backed the tax cuts, and suddenly the DADT repeal flew through the House and the Senate.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(pictured above, activist Robin McGehee with her son to the left, and Davix Mixner to the right. Also in background - Dustin Lance Black, Oscar winning screenwriter of Milk)</span></i></div><div><br />With the signature, we still have to wait for the joint chiefs to figure out how to implement, and then wait for 60 days.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3quLsug-0q7gdlJM0GueCG2wVy7TIJ9R_qVsV_kZzQ3AKXjsvE_KAVX3yWokQcN1HLzLLKjJVZ2_DLnPB-Lz2D3KSzqtrui2BuhwRK2GK5R42cCQWjNQiin9qkI-aoisECycvMBDxyas/s1600/164596_616229798514_13300362_35441421_5616285_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3quLsug-0q7gdlJM0GueCG2wVy7TIJ9R_qVsV_kZzQ3AKXjsvE_KAVX3yWokQcN1HLzLLKjJVZ2_DLnPB-Lz2D3KSzqtrui2BuhwRK2GK5R42cCQWjNQiin9qkI-aoisECycvMBDxyas/s320/164596_616229798514_13300362_35441421_5616285_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553626874684083458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Log Cabin Republican ED R Clarke Cooper - an Army man - salutes the president after the signing</span></i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwor-rpkeBFxl6KFiTAKE8xJju2c3hEapUWR3oaoZZ4adTFSUEt4LYFz04Bwege0OcqJ4O2X0p7ewcjn6D4kUR7PwTRGQRhXSGcBr2AvQG7gIf_esUkb-IsnCZyAywOfNLGygDLQUXwg8/s1600/165660_478214739359_88564194359_5428559_5427515_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwor-rpkeBFxl6KFiTAKE8xJju2c3hEapUWR3oaoZZ4adTFSUEt4LYFz04Bwege0OcqJ4O2X0p7ewcjn6D4kUR7PwTRGQRhXSGcBr2AvQG7gIf_esUkb-IsnCZyAywOfNLGygDLQUXwg8/s200/165660_478214739359_88564194359_5428559_5427515_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553627398656695778" /></a><br /></div><div>Several of the activists that tied themselves to the White House fence several times this year in protest were there to witness the signing, including PTA mom-turned-activist Robin McGehee and discharged West Point Grad Dan Choi. The latter had to be involuntarily hospitalized just two weeks ago by the VA after having a break down he attributed to both the the duplicity of allies in congress and the criticism from LGBT activists for his tactics. Today, Harry Reid gave Choi back his West Point ring. <i>(see photo to left, care of National Equality March)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Last night there was a last ditch effort by the Republicans to block the repeal in the Senate by tacking on verbiage in a defense authorization bill, which fortunately failed. </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The U.S. now joins countries including Israel, Canada and Great Britain who also allow gays to openly serve. Senator McCain called it "A very sad day", but you know, he can kiss our asses.</span><br /></i><br /><br /></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-89276319552238218482010-12-06T11:29:00.000-08:002010-12-08T09:31:57.322-08:00It Gets Better: The Benefit Gala for The Trevor Project rocks the Hollywood Palladium at Trevor Live<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6Xq6od7nR8UhXjEXA5bXH7DlENO2jKNufdqCOsTxRheTbMO6XtqmUR24Scadaj0zx-fAmkfx4ohri0B9YM8kcrin6AJIImJdC-uSzwgN7-_ht0gV7sOyBboCl88SXAMhDpBQE62TLiA/s1600/darren-criss-trevor-live-01-gi-500.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6Xq6od7nR8UhXjEXA5bXH7DlENO2jKNufdqCOsTxRheTbMO6XtqmUR24Scadaj0zx-fAmkfx4ohri0B9YM8kcrin6AJIImJdC-uSzwgN7-_ht0gV7sOyBboCl88SXAMhDpBQE62TLiA/s320/darren-criss-trevor-live-01-gi-500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547662347383988754" /></a>As Kathy Griffith so rightly announced from the stage, "You don't say 'no' to the gays", and indeed the celebs turned out en masse to help celebrate and support the work of LGBTQ organization The Trevor Project last night.<div><br /></div><div>If you haven't heard of <a href="http://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project</a>, you've surely seen the It Gets Better videos floating around the internet (Obama made one) in response to the recent rash of teen suicides. This viral activism was started by Dan Savage for The Trevor Project which hosts a national teen suicide hotline, along with educational programs and outreach to help reach LGBTQ youth in crisis.</div><div><br />Check out the opening number, which set the tone for the entire evening - Darren Criss, the new kid on the GLEE block, singing with Katie Perry.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTppOkb1qJw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTppOkb1qJw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ed3fsSGg6-2ABg_ZLMlYY62fiwVKToEZAfNESvK1aC0Dl_b-tg5Jmkr7-Esm93ZjckmyCWDgyns2P__wSKRHDeoeRvPT4O1j4CKpYDguofiqm-DlIec06fdbMQbpidj2okmQ5mg5p5o/s320/trevor-project-show-red-carpet-12062010-65-820x1055.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547662332262119282" /><div>Executive Director Charles Robbins started off the evening with a wonderful introduction explaining the organization, it's services, history and impact. One could think an evening dealing with suicide could quickly turn maudlin, but Robbins speech celebrated the victories and show director Adam Shankman's (<i>Hairspray</i>) production was a loving tribute to the victories in LGBT lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>I especially liked how Robbins started off the entire evening with a quote from one of my favorite lesbians Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."</div><div><br /></div><div>Among those performing included husband and wife team Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs with a mash up of Cole Porter and Ebony/Ivory, where they played around the themes of mixed marriages: "I could star in <i>Yentl</i>, I could star in <i>Roots</i>". Katy Perry kicked off the night with a fantastic performance of Teenage Dreams accompanied by GLEE's Warblers and that hunky new Darren Criss. </div><div><br /></div><div>An homage to marriage came with the musical number by James Marsden and Neil Patrick Harris, which was accompanied by photos first of classical Hollywood scam marriages (Liza Minelli/David Guest, Spence/Heidi) then gay marriages (Ellen/Portia, Elton/David).</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0idHLVXH6a9tOJ3k9-jjscKyq9_wJp2PG43KDeD68mOQDThF8-lvqaN1JtPjbV1MtkIHA3PNEzw3SEjas6jmTutekwwfhnCtAWejE_WDOs-jQn7t9np06X439HfLzR_Z7VTKnTn_1LU/s320/CSH-0653362.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547672144440366770" /><div>David Arquette sang "Single Ladies" with Dave Navarro, alumni from the casts of Rent did a stirring rendition of "Seasons of Love", Queen Latifah belted out her showstopper from <i>Hairspray </i>"I Know Where I've Been" and comedian Sarah Silverman sang a song I think was called "Cunt" (that was the most used word in the lyrics at least).</div><div><br /></div><div>Recent <i>Entertainment Weekly</i> cover girl Jane </div><div>Lynch gave an award to Kathy Griffith who was </div><div>off the wall funny and outrageous (as usual). Griffith recently announced that she's going to donate her salary from her upcoming Gibson Amphitheatre show to Trevor, and commented, "I see Google and Levi's gave $15,000 - well they can suck my dick, I'm giving way more and I'm an individual." She then lifted up her award and announced, "That's right I bought this award!"</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXwB_PSJCETQSwBef8GY98_Cmqz79cdjipxM6UVknCmnBE0M1uqBv_xQcL1XwtKihQddpurLzhIDezKz4crSPcHLB_8M2R0auuuRQH5D9ngO1yvs1LC6Kjmp8t4bItuWgO3F8Xaq-xv8/s1600/6a00e009804e1388330147e06d8d7f970b-800wi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXwB_PSJCETQSwBef8GY98_Cmqz79cdjipxM6UVknCmnBE0M1uqBv_xQcL1XwtKihQddpurLzhIDezKz4crSPcHLB_8M2R0auuuRQH5D9ngO1yvs1LC6Kjmp8t4bItuWgO3F8Xaq-xv8/s320/6a00e009804e1388330147e06d8d7f970b-800wi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547672691453738306" /></a><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfaSMPQqNuMVUk8C1gu3tBmG8c-v29fYBh5KEMmLafrH7JBPnPDqhFAJa0Z0xQSBcUN1lo8jt7Xtox_AsDnlO-oj0nCC3FL6LvRoemZpZZSZUbNMFfSPMheCO4MMKgNYPUfQMVAfPcBI/s320/trevor-project-show-red-carpet-12062010-04-820x772.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547662325062192802" /><div>Levi's also received an award during the evening for their years of LGBT support, including their work in the 1980's during the HIV/AIDS early days. Someone leaned over to me at our table and said, "Makes you want to buy Levi's doesn't it?" after the presentation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hot Hollywood hunk Josh Duhamel presented with Fergie - not his girlfriend - Jesse Tyler Ferguson from <i>Modern Family</i>, who cooed over the hottie. Jessica Alba and Justin Long also made an appearance introducing a mother and son who were highly affected by The Trevor Project. The mother/son spoke about calling the Trevor Project hotline - a call that ultimately saved the boy's life. They were both in tears, and the crowd stood to their feet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other celeb presenters included Anna Kendrick and Emma Stone (two of my favorite young up and coming actresses) and Amy Poehler.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also heard from a young lady who had been so bullied and rejected by her family, that she moved onto the streets, turned to drugs, joined a gang and was raped - all before finding her way of that environment. "If it can happen to a nice girl from Beverly Hills," she warned as she told her story. She is currently a volunteer at The Trevor Project having committed her life now to helping other young people avoid tragedy.</div><div><br /></div><div>LGBT teens are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide. Sarah Silverman explained it pretty well invideo response to the recent rash of teen suicides..</div><br /><div><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WM6xbW1DZyM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WM6xbW1DZyM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Here's some photos from the rest of the evening:<br /><div id="PictoBrowser101206121114">Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer</div><div id="PictoBrowser101206121114"><br /></div><div id="PictoBrowser101206121114"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheTrevorProject?v=wall">Get connected with The Trevor Project at their Facebook page.</a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser/swfobject.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var so = new SWFObject("http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser.swf", "PictoBrowser", "500", "500", "8", "#DDDDDD"); so.addParam("quality", "low"); so.addParam("scale", "noscale"); so.addParam("align", "mid"); so.addVariable("ids", "72157625418289751"); so.addVariable("names", "Trevor Live 2010"); so.addVariable("userName", "gppict"); so.addVariable("userId", "27311399@N03"); so.addVariable("source", "sets"); so.write("PictoBrowser101206121114"); </script>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-52556323719483978602010-11-02T11:18:00.001-07:002010-11-02T11:23:57.868-07:00Democratic Voting Guide<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMarjxdZ8ch1JtsLfAbRqN2450tNxUCqYZ8z5m8RhlnJxR5SC-yPyslxwTN7N5QOQ1x0Gq6IAEyRLpTuM0vHY4ASAFwREDLDZlgZXN5mbo_bYC1sq5DCER-GtwmoKMM5HUbB8lM1WhCLo/s1600/69320_910552877605_3423981_49674748_3149150_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMarjxdZ8ch1JtsLfAbRqN2450tNxUCqYZ8z5m8RhlnJxR5SC-yPyslxwTN7N5QOQ1x0Gq6IAEyRLpTuM0vHY4ASAFwREDLDZlgZXN5mbo_bYC1sq5DCER-GtwmoKMM5HUbB8lM1WhCLo/s320/69320_910552877605_3423981_49674748_3149150_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535018481155313138" /></a>If you're LGBT, in this election cycle there is no other way to vote in California than Democratic, since the GOP has vowed quite vocally to fight to take away our rights.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.eqcapac.org/site/c.5oIBJNPwGjIWF/b.6300209/k.229D/November_2010_Elections_Voter_Guides.htm?auid=7284834">Click here for Equality California's Voting Guides.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.cadem.org/vote?id=0007">Click here to access the California Democrats voting guide for the Propositions.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://library.constantcontact.com/doc201/1100500032637/doc/yM76GCSfUX4NceUT.pdf">Click here for the Stonewall Young Democrats' voting guide.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.hrc.org/documents/HRCEndorsements_for_2010_3(1).pdf">Click here to see the Human Rights Campaign's national candidate endorsements.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-51510358333254414492010-10-29T16:26:00.000-07:002010-10-29T16:27:43.443-07:00Gay Photo of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3jB_1Dj2aB4vZheA2V8zhCr_2nFBsAkIUbWxcs4nmkNSdPWjuuTww2Lex8wHGTIHR-PA8FQd5f8tssVGdTyIN-_I6F1qL8yxe08hYllOeO9j2QVP3Z1I4GHYBs_RWiMMQ0LxxOxKz18/s1600/67574_442551398403_775773403_5340686_8088034_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3jB_1Dj2aB4vZheA2V8zhCr_2nFBsAkIUbWxcs4nmkNSdPWjuuTww2Lex8wHGTIHR-PA8FQd5f8tssVGdTyIN-_I6F1qL8yxe08hYllOeO9j2QVP3Z1I4GHYBs_RWiMMQ0LxxOxKz18/s400/67574_442551398403_775773403_5340686_8088034_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533613733747789154" /></a><br />courtesy of the McDonald's drive thru.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-40152047529604873112010-10-22T18:24:00.001-07:002010-10-22T18:25:17.315-07:00Outfest Legacy Awards - Photos and Video<div id="PictoBrowser101022182301">Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer</div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser/swfobject.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var so = new SWFObject("http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser.swf", "PictoBrowser", "500", "500", "8", "#DDDDDD"); so.addParam("quality", "low"); so.addParam("scale", "noscale"); so.addParam("align", "mid"); so.addVariable("ids", "72157625095756527"); so.addVariable("names", "Outfest Legacy Awards 2010"); so.addVariable("userName", "gppict"); so.addVariable("userId", "27311399@N03"); so.addVariable("source", "sets"); so.write("PictoBrowser101022182301"); </script><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wggpQo01Vhg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wggpQo01Vhg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-57092911094457254442010-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:002010-10-14T10:35:34.220-07:00Gay Video of the WeekJoel Burns from Ft Worth takes a moment at a council meeting this week to address the issue of gay bullying - with a surprisingly honest and heart wrenching address that has become viral on social sites such as Facebook because of it's deeply moving and personal address of the issue.<div><br /></div><div>A must watch.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ax96cghOnY4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ax96cghOnY4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />If you haven't done so already, please take the time to record and post your own "It Gets Better" campaign video and post it to the internet. The "It Gets Better" campaign was started by Dan Savage to support The Trevor Project by creating videotaped messages to lgbt youth incorporated with personal messages urging them to stay strong and reach out for support during tough times.<br /><br />In the last few weeks, thousands of celebrities and and common folk have uploaded their own videos. From the funny, to the heartfelt, from straight teenagers to Ellen Degeneres, these viral videos are everywhere and from everyone.<br /><br />Hear Dan talk about the program on NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130519806<br /><br />Join their page on FB at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/It-Gets-Better-Project/158071744210603?ref=ts<br /><br />And upload your video on their web site: http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-58406247905688608242010-09-22T07:50:00.000-07:002010-09-24T16:58:21.858-07:00Melissa Etheridge to Perform at VIP Luncheon for Barbara Boxer in LA - Attend with me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk50Y-RErdL5P1DqIxGD6IS2Hblj2OkKuGN5Ypl_gtj_4_JDACOjWWr16qkANOO7gJAsL0skyi9sTzsmdennI7c8oJSWZ-InMW7p_R4Hi_HuxcBDlgWaPOiCKMYzyetlNb3_bUWs_Er4/s1600/melissa_etheridge240.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk50Y-RErdL5P1DqIxGD6IS2Hblj2OkKuGN5Ypl_gtj_4_JDACOjWWr16qkANOO7gJAsL0skyi9sTzsmdennI7c8oJSWZ-InMW7p_R4Hi_HuxcBDlgWaPOiCKMYzyetlNb3_bUWs_Er4/s200/melissa_etheridge240.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520632185344000706" /></a>Out rock singer Melissa Etheridge is set to appear <i>and</i> perform at a small VIP fundraiser for Barbara Boxer this Saturday at a private home in the fancy-schmancy Los Angeles suburb of Hidden Hills.<div><br /></div><div>There's two reasons why you need to click on the link below and purchase a ticket (while they last, attendance is limited!).</div><div><br /></div><div>1) You know we need to start dropping all our cash into LGBT friendly candidates or we're even more screwed than we are now. You might as well give and get something fabulous while you're doing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) She's single ladies. Ah-hem, you know.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.actblue.com/page/sept25">Click here to purchase your tickets for either $200, $2400 or $5,000 and a special student rate is also available.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The event is hosted by Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you there, kitty cats!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09oiS1PyRYKACvQX07CH7paJOx9wmjR1dM2sH8O2qdTk48o-0VmVoZW085Wp5raBTWC8X2vBdml9_6moufx7o_0IdIc9P2gUQ7ikqkKaDCTe587RIpN0IhP_Xh4emQ5lfb8yjauS2-1I/s1600/Boxer:EtheridgeInvite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09oiS1PyRYKACvQX07CH7paJOx9wmjR1dM2sH8O2qdTk48o-0VmVoZW085Wp5raBTWC8X2vBdml9_6moufx7o_0IdIc9P2gUQ7ikqkKaDCTe587RIpN0IhP_Xh4emQ5lfb8yjauS2-1I/s400/Boxer:EtheridgeInvite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520631885490087394" /></a><i>(click on image to enlarge invitation)</i></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-59262065925478257262010-09-20T13:30:00.001-07:002010-09-20T13:53:39.030-07:00Lady Gaga goes on Personal Mission to Overturn Don't Ask, Don't Tell - brings her little monsters along<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6wynvkaxtu_1A9eXmcYMf9tEAaczYdxtMLk5nXTCxRTm-5SO8Pnvz0RCL_2QhEjp8fEVY1DjUIihgSA3s0Pyz9gv_eatPmEkFe91z7eiJn2D1fTwOMQEmi0iSdj7Wq6hBg__Ay-XUpU/s1600/lady-gaga.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6wynvkaxtu_1A9eXmcYMf9tEAaczYdxtMLk5nXTCxRTm-5SO8Pnvz0RCL_2QhEjp8fEVY1DjUIihgSA3s0Pyz9gv_eatPmEkFe91z7eiJn2D1fTwOMQEmi0iSdj7Wq6hBg__Ay-XUpU/s320/lady-gaga.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519096053127251074" /></a>This has got to be the most strangely life affirming development for me in American politics in a while. <div><br /></div><div>And from a woman who wore a raw meat dress to an awards show recently, where she thanked "the gays" upon accepting one of her numerous trophies for her recording and video work.<br /><br />Lady Gaga - the most followed entertainer on Twitter - has made it her personal mission to fight to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. And she's urging her loyal fans, who she calls her "little monsters" to do the same with tweets that ask them to call their Senators.<br /><br />So many of her Little Monsters, aka fans, phoned Senate Majority Leader Reid, it even evoked a response from him, and now she's taking on Senator McCain who has committed to leading a filibuster of the Tuesday DADT vote:<br /><br /></div><div>From the tweet desk of Ms Gaga:</div><div><br /><i>"SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN is attempting to stop the DON'T ASK DON'T TELL repeal vote this tuesday, with a filibuster. A Filibuster is a way to obstruct the Senate Floor from discussing or voting on a given LAW, + is essentially a tactic to hijack our debate. All hands on deck Lil Monsters: Key senate vote this Tues. on #DADT repeal. We need 60 senators. Call your senator now."</i><br /><br />With these tweets, I strongly suspect she is doing more to educate the youth of America on the fundamentals of how the government works than the public school system. She's like the School House Rock of our generation!<br /><br />Gaga is even performing at a rally today in Maine - the state where their GOP Senators are currently wavering on whether to support the planned filibuster of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act which needs 60 votes to move it to the Senate floor for a vote tomorrow.<br /><br />SEE THE GAGA CONCERT IN MAINE LIVE TODAY AT 4 pm Pacific here:<br /><br /><object id="flashObj" width="486" height="412" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=62502656001&playerID=35031947001&playerKey=AQ%2E%2E,AAAACC1lJjE%2E,eO0k1bjplev7hHfUUYFU18RDQIpJKzMJ&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=62502656001&playerID=35031947001&playerKey=AQ%2E%2E,AAAACC1lJjE%2E,eO0k1bjplev7hHfUUYFU18RDQIpJKzMJ&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />To read more about this from the<a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/09/lady_gaga_takes_on_john_mccain.html"> New York Magazine, click here.</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to Itunes now to buy her latest album. Odd as she is, this is really an incredible use of her fame for a very much needed law. Our gay brothers and sisters need our help = they cannot speak out for themselves and they are being crushed in a million ways because of this horrid DADT policy. Kudos to Gaga.</div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-25616368276302013402010-08-07T12:03:00.000-07:002010-08-07T12:07:44.990-07:00Lily Tomlin to Perform August 7th<a href="http://www.helpbilly.org/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Oou-cJOy_Q0sYWl6YrHzf1je1TlF2hLpXEqknQdTJ_B9LwGJxl9734ma73k2JLhafu2e0a_52oBC0sFtcGgOGAQk_-Ih1tSeAJ7bAZ4LTE-kpc5IfDHoR3PrtSjAmCDPZP7TLiFixZA/s400/lily-lazoo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502745958356416978" /></a><br />Out lesbian icon Lily Tomlin to perform at a benefit to free Billy from the LA Zoo. Inconic out comedian and writer Bruce Vilanch will also perform.<div><br /></div><div>This is beyond a good cause - I'm mortified that this poor elephant is stuck at the LA Zoo. If you are a fan of Lily's, please attend. It is such a worthy cause. Click on invite above for more information or to purchase tickets.<div><br /></div></div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-81008958971262947682010-08-07T08:46:00.000-07:002010-09-20T14:02:56.241-07:0036500 Reasons to See RENT at the Hollywood BowlI went to this show on Friday night and it is just fantastic! I'm going again on Sunday night, and I highly recommend it.<div><br /></div><div>Neil Patrick Harris directs this production, with new arrangements.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not all the performances strike it over the moon, but as a whole, definitely a moving experience and some really fun, stand out numbers.</div><div><br />Click on the photo to purchase tickets and also, check out the youtube video of one of the performances from Friday evening.<a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4257"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlwA65xi2BOtNz9uXSnKycMVgJvHFYy-hYj5MX3G975n_SbZMX4Dp9S5fbRaIAVEu6VAMOi2pG899KFkotn-tcZRft8RCueOzo7boRTBxbYgouMfy9O-lGDX3OL9LO_Hy4CVxLAVO__s/s400/rent_415x150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503174499024011714" /></a><br /></div><br />Clip from Friday night's performance: TAKE ME FOR WHAT I AM<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iQvU9MCUr0Q&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iQvU9MCUr0Q&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-14777798792642201852010-08-04T13:43:00.000-07:002010-08-04T13:55:17.328-07:00RULING- PROP 8 UNCONSTITUTIONAL!I downloaded a pdf of the ruling, and here are some of the highlights:<br /><br />___<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxR5thGodZPFhpKrE7_37brk3YzfA4SCmGQyBhzXdKBqfwrf1C7jUq9oLaj8PcGXvZtdkrkT3eAAcwCUr5B55JNSZk4uRYtDMiPEXQ38N4mfW1h5MEi-lnzT0BM7Zg9oBEvH1Aj2MlwY/s1600/ruling.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxR5thGodZPFhpKrE7_37brk3YzfA4SCmGQyBhzXdKBqfwrf1C7jUq9oLaj8PcGXvZtdkrkT3eAAcwCUr5B55JNSZk4uRYtDMiPEXQ38N4mfW1h5MEi-lnzT0BM7Zg9oBEvH1Aj2MlwY/s320/ruling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501661024004746818" /></a>Moral disapproval alone is an improper basis on which to<br />deny rights to gay men and lesbians. The evidence shows<br />conclusively that Proposition 8 enacts, without reason, a private moral view that same-sex couples are inferior to opposite-sex couples. FF 76, 79-80; Romer, 517 US at 634 (“[L]aws of the kind now before us raise the inevitable inference that the disadvantage imposed is born of animosity toward the class of persons<br />affected.”). Because Proposition 8 disadvantages gays and lesbians without any rational justification, Proposition 8 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.<br /><br />CONCLUSION<br />Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in<br />singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.<br /><br /><div>Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than<br />enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-<br />sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California<br />has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and<br />because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its<br />constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis,<br />the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. <br /><br /><br />REMEDIES<br />Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence<br />that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection<br />rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional<br />violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition<br />8. California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex<br />couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same-<br />sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result,<br />see FF 64-66; moreover, California officials have chosen not to<br />defend Proposition 8 in these proceedings.<br />Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the<br />Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of<br />judgment permanently enjoining its enforcement; prohibiting the<br />official defendants from applying or enforcing Proposition 8 and<br />directing the official defendants that all persons under their<br />control or supervision shall not apply or enforce Proposition 8.<br />The clerk is DIRECTED to enter judgment without bond in favor of<br />plaintiffs and plaintiff-intervenors and against defendants and<br />defendant-intervenors pursuant to FRCP 58.<br />IT IS SO ORDERED.<br /> <br />VAUGHN R WALKER<br />United States District Chief Judge</div>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-86821279765874641252010-07-27T12:20:00.001-07:002010-07-27T12:20:30.925-07:00THE VIEW Makes Stunning Discovery - Older Lesbians Just Could Not Find A Man<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="437" height="347" id="viddler"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/simple_on_site/f1ac2042" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="flashvars" value="fake=1"/><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/simple_on_site/f1ac2042" width="437" height="347" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="fake=1" name="viddler" ></embed></object>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476860843906740632.post-73385277119776119992010-07-19T08:50:00.000-07:002010-07-19T08:56:58.294-07:00A MARINE STORY Sweeps LA Outfest Awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIO0vf6ZAPC2CZ4RNSZ0NJvaIuMj_AYGoe3B1N7D9hGwY4DQzI5QDVHkTfkp-Wxumv8cyfw-NPigcEJvtMXabD78T_iicaQT4mxDHB8SngCpz3gkeWpOQKoSSPld2YeJAmq6fxFwlgy8/s1600/amarinestory.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIO0vf6ZAPC2CZ4RNSZ0NJvaIuMj_AYGoe3B1N7D9hGwY4DQzI5QDVHkTfkp-Wxumv8cyfw-NPigcEJvtMXabD78T_iicaQT4mxDHB8SngCpz3gkeWpOQKoSSPld2YeJAmq6fxFwlgy8/s200/amarinestory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495645529062308466" /></a>OUTFEST ANNOUNCES 2010 AWARD WINNERS<br />28TH LOS ANGELES GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL<br /><br /><br />LOS ANGELES, CA (July 18, 2010) - Outfest, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media, has announced the award winners of its 28th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.<br /><br />Special Programming Award for Freedom<br />Sponsored by ONEHOPE Wine<br />THE TOPP TWINS, Directed by Leanne Pooley<br /><br />Special Programming Award for Artistic Achievement <br />Sponsored by The Los Angeles Athletic Club<br />UNDERTOW (CONTRACORRIENTE), Directed by Javier Fuentes-Leon<br /><br />Special Programming Award for Emerging Talent<br />Sponsored by Kodak<br />Drew Droege, Actor<br /><br />Audience Awards<br /><br />Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Short Film<br />Sponsored by CRE – Computer Rentals & AV Solutions<br />I’M JUST ANNEKE, Directed by Jonathan Skurnik<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9VTItFnEfnTlxGBTEgW2MrktRuzH1x6i3BD5vOg_3p0FEEAQ88i3SL6KyH012TkUnP7qlZepKcOA5GyVnfYvtLVI4BoW3ElXeNMZCLYjDd6ejTZw89ibPuQHwCk3JTaWg8o9Nf-4PxE/s1600/35286_407575569335_15786849335_4165864_7966524_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9VTItFnEfnTlxGBTEgW2MrktRuzH1x6i3BD5vOg_3p0FEEAQ88i3SL6KyH012TkUnP7qlZepKcOA5GyVnfYvtLVI4BoW3ElXeNMZCLYjDd6ejTZw89ibPuQHwCk3JTaWg8o9Nf-4PxE/s200/35286_407575569335_15786849335_4165864_7966524_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495646675115927970" /></a>Audience Award for Outstanding Dramatic Short Film<br />Sponsored by Entertainment Partners<br />YOU MOVE ME, Directed by Gina Hirsch<br /><br />Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film<br />Sponsored by Yellow Cab<br />FOREVER’S GONNA START TONIGHT, Directed by Michelle Lawler<br /><br />Audience Award for Outstanding Dramatic Feature Film<br />Sponsored by Overture Films<br />A MARINE STORY, Directed by Ned Farr<br /><br />Audience Award for Outstanding First U.S. Dramatic Feature Film<br />Sponsored by HBO (cash prize of $5,000 from HBO)<br />THE FOUR-FACED LIAR, Directed by Jacob Chase<br /><br />Jury Awards<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Short Film<br />Sponsored by Stella Artois<br />CLOSE (POD BLUZKA), Directed by Lucia Von Horn Pagano<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Short Film<br />Sponsored by Wolfe<br />SAMARITAN, Directed by Magnus Mork<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film<br />Sponsored by The Directors Guild of America<br />STRANGE POWERS: STEPHIN MERRITT & THE MAGNETIC FIELDS, Directed by Kerthy Fix and Gail O’Hara<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding International Dramatic Feature Film<br />Sponsored by Absolut<br />THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS ANNE LISTER, Directed by James Kent<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film<br />Sponsored by The Standard Hotel, Downtown and Sunset Blvd.<br />Dreya Weber, A MARINE STORY<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO77DO6qdd4ZwUTAW_m7tYEPrGz-p4lJ3GiujlRF3RJaoIzONG03c6Ycqv2SUs6RYoDSUdZ7k1gkloDcnOncVcSMVFPRx7LjmSEKLoYz0gWkeOW0Y5WnLyJ59qCJ6icFaeGojWiSwiWQQ/s1600/37587_414038303357_557158357_4671920_570923_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO77DO6qdd4ZwUTAW_m7tYEPrGz-p4lJ3GiujlRF3RJaoIzONG03c6Ycqv2SUs6RYoDSUdZ7k1gkloDcnOncVcSMVFPRx7LjmSEKLoYz0gWkeOW0Y5WnLyJ59qCJ6icFaeGojWiSwiWQQ/s200/37587_414038303357_557158357_4671920_570923_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495645884916387106" /></a>Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film<br />Sponsored by Ramada West Hollywood<br />Stephen Guarino, BEARCITY<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Screenwriting<br />Sponsored by APA Talent and Literary Agency<br />Douglas Langway and Lawrence Ferber, BEARCITY<br /><br />Grand Jury Award for Outstanding U.S. Dramatic Feature Film<br />Sponsored by Lexus<br />A MARINE STORY, Directed by Ned FarrJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05667736109146978548noreply@blogger.com1