And The Negro Please Award Goes To....

Martellus Bennett!

So how did Martellus when this prestigous award? Well it seems Mr. Bennett wanted to show his freestyle skills off in what else? A Youtube video! Wearing an official autographed Dallas Cowboys and flashing a bottle of alcohol, the pro football player spouted off an endless round of N-words, a parade of profanities, degrading jokes about blacks and getting team owner Jerry Jones' "money." But of course he couldn't leave out the gays, and came up with this compelling lyrical line:

"Never been broke, I ain't never been a homo."

Oh Martellus, you're so talented. I bet it took the whole bottle to up with that! Such creativity!

The video was removed from Youtube soon afterwards, and Bennett was fined $22,000 by the Dallas Cowboys. Bennett then responded to controversy in what else? A rap video! Here's a sample of the 'apology' lyrics, via Outsports.com:

Why they hatin on me, it was just a song/I was only rappin, I didn’t do nothin’ wrong/But the media, they tried to do me wrong/But it’s OK y’all, ‘cause it’s still on

Wasn’t using guns, it was all in fun/I mean come on dog, it was just a song/The one crazy verse, it could have been worse/I mean I did curse, but I didn’t see a hearse/Even stars burst
I mean, I’m 21, which is no excuse/It did make the news, but the way they spoke/Man it wasn’t true/Now they talkin bad about my attitude

Uggh. Non-apologies, excuse my french, f*cking suck. If you're going to make offensive statements like those and not give a sincere apology at least be man or woman enough to stand by what you said. Non-apologies basically say: I'm sorry you were offended by what I said, but I'm not sorry for saying it and you just took it wrong. He probably didn't mean to offend anyone, but c'mon Martellus. You gotta be or get smarter than that. View the 'apology' below:

House Approves Stimulus Package

On Wednesday the House of Representative approved an $819 billion stimulus package, despite having no Republican support and 11 opposing Democrats. The bill passed by a 244-118 margin. According to The Boston Globe:

Members of both parties said that despite Obama's overtures to Republicans - including a trip this week to Capitol Hill to woo members in person - the congressional leadership of both parties approached the stimulus legislation with the same unrelenting partisan tactics Obama attacked during his campaign and inaugural address.

"It's really not a bipartisan process so I don't think you can expect a bipartisan vote," said Representative Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican. "If the president had his druthers, we would be included. . . . But they've locked us out. We've seen a very heavy-handed leadership on this."

The bill, which includes money for food stamps, digitizing health records and alternative energy technology, is expected to increase up to $1 trillion when ti comes up for a Senate vote next week.

Gay Storyline on "The Game"

I must admit, I don't watch a lot of new TV shows. I usually cling to my favorites (Golden Girls, Fresh Prince, Sex and The City, Will and Grace and Girlfriends) to shield myself from the non-stop celebration of mediocrity that is 90-95% of reality TV. The only new shows I pay attention to are My Name is Earl and The Game.

Granted, I've missed a lot episodes, but course since it's a CW show you know it only gets so much promotion, unless your name is Tyra Banks. But I digress. It seems that the show has decided to add a little splash of rainbow with a gay storyline. One of the main characters Malik, has to deal with insinuations from ex-lover Robin Givens that he's gay.

What happens from there is a little stereotypical, but I think is ultimately entertaining and suprising. The storyline is supposed to continue into this week's episode. Get into the clips below, and check out The Game Fridays at 8:30/7:30c (I might as well plug the show, they need it:).

News and Notables

Mildew Found in Peanut Butter Plant

Break out the Lysol. Last year inspectors found mildew on the ceiling and other problems at a peanut butter plant. The plant, located in Georgia, has been linked to the current salmonella outbreak.

While the plant's owner maintained that the problems were cited and "for the most part corrected on site," a New York Times article list several lapses in cleanliness.

Citing an inspection report from August 23, 2007, the Times noted at least three incidences in which "food-contact surfaces" were "not properly cleaned and sanitized."

In an apparent response to the Times article, PCA released a statement saying, "When the observations were noted during inspections by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, corrective action was taken immediately where possible and subsequently when immediate action was not possible."

Another Day, Another Ted Haggard Sex Scandal

Them bones are just tumblin' out of the closet. Another man has come forward with allegations that he and the former New Life pastor had an affair. The twenty-year old church assistant was given money in exchange for not publicly speaking about he and Haggard's relationship.

The church also paid for the man's college tuition, moving expensives and therapy.

"This was compassionate assistance. It was to help him move forward, not a settlement to keep him quiet," said Rev. Brady Boyd, senior pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Hmmm. Sounds like shut up money to me. You be the judge.

President Pushes for Stimulus Package

"We begin this year and this administration in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that calls for unprecedented action."

"Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last 26 years, and experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits."

This is the picure President Obama painted during his first weekly Internet and radio address on Saturday. Obama's remarks about the current crisis served as a push for the $825 billion stimulus package to revive the economy. According to CNN.com:

The president revealed more details of his stimulus package, which he said would add more than 3,000 miles of electric lines to transport alternative energy across the country.

Obama also said the plan would save taxpayers $2 billion by making three-quarters of federal buildings more energy efficient and would "save the average working family $350 on their energy bills by weatherizing 2.5 million homes."

In addition the White House also released a report pushing for investment in Pell Grants for college students and $2,500 tax credit for 4 million students. The president wants to have the plan on his desk for signing by Feb. 16.

"Prayers For Bobby"

A personal side note: I watched "Prayers for Bobby" twice, once on the Saturday premiere and again on Sunday. The movie was good and definitely a step up for Lifetime, but at times was gut-wrenching to watch. I found myself reliving and reflecting on the darker parts of my own teenage years, so needless to say I could relate. I think every family, especially devoutly religious ones, should see this film. While it may not completely change minds about homosexuality, it could inspire more compassion and understanding. The movie airs again tomorrow at 9/8 Central on Lifetime.

Eye Candy

Instead of singling out just one, I pick a smorgasboard of delicious man candy for your view pleasure, lol. Enjoy:).

John Lewis Defends Gay Marriage

Looks like Rev. Al Sharpton isn't the only leader supportive of marriage equality. Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, smacks down anti-gay pastors and those who think gay rights are not civil rights:

Terry Gross: (At the 22:00 mark) I want to quote something that you wrote in an op-ed piece in October of 003, and this was about gay rights and the right for gay people to marry. You wrote, “I have fought too hard and for too long against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up against discrimination based on sexual orientation. I’ve heard the reasons for opposing civil marriage for same-sex couples. Cut through the distractions, and they stink of the same fear, hatred and intolerance I have known in racism and in bigotry.” …I’ve heard some African-American leaders say that it’s wrong to make a connection between the civil rights movement and the gay rights movement because discrimination against African-Americans and discrimination against gays are completely different things. And being gay and being black are completely different things. What’s your take on that?

Rep. Lewis: Well, I do not buy that argument. I do not buy that argument. And today I think more than ever before, we have to speak up and speak out to end discrimination based on sexual orientation. Dr. King used to say when people talked about blacks and whites falling in love and getting married — you know one time in the state of Virginia, in my native state of Alabama, in Georgia and other parts of the South, blacks and whites could not fall in love and get married. And Dr. King took a simple argument and said races don’t fall in love and get married. Individuals fall in love and get married. It’s not the business of the federal government, it’s not the business of the state government to tell two individuals that they cannot fall in love and get married. And so I go back to what I said and wrote those lines a few years ago, that I fought too long and too hard against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up and fight and speak out against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

And you hear people “defending marriage.” Gay marriage is not a threat to heterosexual marriage. It is time for us to put that argument behind us.
You cannot separate the issue of civil rights. It is one of those absolute, immutable principles. You’ve got to have not just civil rights for some, but civil rights for all of us.

Terry Gross: And when you say not civil rights for some, you even mean civil rights for African-Americans and for gay people too?

Rep. Lewis: Not just civil rights for African-Americans or other minorities, but civil rights also for gay people.

Lewis was heavily involved in the movement, serving as head of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which lead many sit-ins, and were also the victims of the violent attacks displayed on national television. Lewis himself was beaten at the march on Selma by Alabama State Troopers. Clearly he, Coretta Scott King and fellow ally Julian Bond, know what they're talking about when speaking about LGBT rights.

Wow. Pro-gay comments from two powerful, straight black male leaders in less than two weeks. Change must really be comin':). Listen to the NPR podcast here.

Rod 2.0: John Lewis: "Gay Marriage Not a Threat to Heterosexuals"

BET Honors Fashions....High Class or A Hot Mess?

The 2nd Annual BET Honors doesn't air until February 9th, but pictures have already leaked from the ceremony. Let's take a look shall we?

HA! Nippy is back for the '09 haters! *Hmmph* Sorry, I had a BGC moment lol. But Whitney looks absolutely stunning and healthy (Praise God! YES!) in this gown.

I just love Mary's style nowadays. It pratically screams grown-ass woman while still being fashionable and chic. The short do' is a plus as well.Meanwhile Monica was givin' me ol' school, scarf-wearin' "Not Gon Cry" Mary J! The black boots and leather with the Jackie O shades? Fantastic.

The queen looks nice in this flowing black dress, but she looks just that...nice. Not stunning. I much prefer the other outfit she wore onstage.

The Queen looks great with a big shock of silky, electric blue. Of course she could shock (or not) the world with other suprises as well, but movin on;)...

Terrance Howard is lookin' supa dupa scrumptious in this two piece suit. I love the silver tie, which brings out a nice contrast. If only he'd stopped by a barbershop for a little line up on the way to the ceremony though. I'm just sayin'.

Ol' Ty Ty looks great in this black two piece suit. The bow tie is nice touch as well. Of course you know closet queens know how to work it out!

Ms. Union, who probably hosts the event, looks great in her many wardrobe changes. I love black as much as the next person, but two black dresses girl? C'mon, you coulda came better than that. Also step your hair game up. You've been rockin' that same prom night press for eons now.

The legendary Anita Baker looks elegant and classy as always in this black ensemble. Not sure about the sparkly stones though.

Oh Ms. Angie, Ms. Angie, Ms. Angie. You know I love you, and for your roles as Tina Turner and Bernandine from "Waiting to Exhale," I will always admire your talent. But I have to say it: why in the hell would you wear a potentially beautiful gown (I don't know because I can't fully see the damn thang) with heavy black Cruella-Deville styled coat? Then that hair. It looks like something some queen who's just convinced he knows how to do hair scrapped together in the limo. Like I said I love ya Ms. Angie. But DAMN. Your face looks flawless as always though:).

WhiteHouse.gov Site Promises 'Support for the LGBT Community'

President Obama's (damn it feel good to say that lol:), new WhiteHouse.gov website, which changed over from the Bush Administration at noon today, outlines the Administration's plan for the LGBT community in its Civil Rights section.

In short, Obama and Biden plan to: expand hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity, repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', support the passage of ENDA, support full civil union, oppose a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, expand adoption rights, promote HIV/AIDS prevention and empower women with HIV/AIDS.

Rod 2.0 praises the plan, saying "A few things worth noting. The eight-point plan for the LGBT community is exactly the same eight-point plan promised by the transition team in November, and, promised by the campaign. And, more importantly, the Obama Administration's "Support for the LGBT Community" is an easy-to-find, prominent page on the White House website. It's not hidden or buried on a departmental website. Bravo."

MLK, Barack Obama and The Dream

I started out today thinking I would write some long, complex, deep post about how Barack Obama fits into Dr. King's dream of a multi-cultural, united word free from bigotry, but how the ills King sought to fight during his lifetime--racism, poverty, injustice--continue to occur in America today.

I'm convinced that if he were alive today, Dr. King, like Coretta, would be an advocate of LGBT rights, if not on a religious ground, then at least from a civil, legal viewpoint. However, instead of me babbling on, I think it would better to play speeches from Obama and King and let you decide how far we've come and how far we've yet to go.

Thieves In the Temple

Lawd come quick and in a hurry! The Mormons (or at least the pro-Prop 8 ones) are gettin' all Mafia on us! Wonder what Donnie and Marie have to say about this?

Crossposted from Pam's House Blend:

Watch all of this seven-minute video from Steven Greenstreet with the American News Project, which uncovered evidence that the LDS is bearing false witness about the cash that they flowed into Yes On 8 coffers to foment hate and discrimination.

Activists claim that money from the Mormon Church was the deciding factor in passing Proposition 8 in California - banning gay marriage. The church claims to have only spent a few thousand dollars on the campaign, but ANP has uncovered evidence that may expose a gaping hole in that claim. Also, the IRS forbids religious organizations from "substantially" lobbying for political legislation. Did the Mormon Church violate this law?

Rants and Raves: Reality Shows

It all started with "Flavor of Love." Which begat "Flavor of Love 2." Which then begat "Flavor of Love 3." Ever since then, VH-1 and MTV have conspired to continually rape our eyes and souls with never-ending attempts to recreate the success of a house full of fame-hungry chicks (or dudes or both) wanting to find 'love' with a celebrity.

From Flavor's success unholy remakes such as "Rock of Love 1 & 2," "I Love New York," "A Shot At Love," "A Double Shot At Love," "That's Amore," and "Real Chance At Love" have spawned and unleashed a whole new crop of wannabe Myspace celebrities, reality stars and the ones who worship and just want to "love" them while getting their fifteen minutes of spotlight. Oh and let's not forget "I Love Money," a non-stop celebration of greed, selfishness and backstabbing.

And now VH-1 has decided to torture us further by Ray-J (yes Brandy's brotha!) his own show called "For the Love of Ray J."

Am I really supposed to believe that this man-slut, who's bragged about banging Kim Kardashian, Lil' Kim, Superhead and Whitney Houston, really wants to settle down and find a woman? Puh-lease. Do the producers really think we're that stupid as viewers? We're supposed to think Mr. Sexy Can I wants to be a one woman man?

If Ray-J really wants respect as an artist (and I use that term graciously), then why not make a show about your creative process, about um I don't know...YOUR MUSIC! Take us through how you work in the studio, how you write a song. Something. Maybe then people might actually take you seriously. At least those of us who don't wear training bras. But I digress.

Notice that I've only singled out certain reality shows. Why you ask? Because I don't think all reality TV sucks. The Real World, the grandaddy of them all, was great in showing the diverse lives of young people, even though it lost its way down the line (but seems to have found it's way back this season). In addition shows like True Life, Made and Charm School (yes I know it has its trashy moments, but still) actually seek show a true slice of reality or show how people try to better themselves and step out of their comfort zones.

But "finding love" shows are the epitome of fakery. First of all, why all the false pretenses? We're all adults. We know that you're really an aspiring actress/singer/model/whatever-the-hell-I-need-to-be-to-be-famous. So why put out all this crap that you really just there because you care about this person who you know absolutely NOTHING about? Just be real and say "I'm here for the cameras."

That's goes for the celebs in question too. Do you honestly think you'll find a deep, long-lasting, loving relationship by broadcasting your search on national television and challenging a house full of strangers to play striptease games, eat animal testicles and take part in a host of other unspeakable acts to prove their love to you?

All this time spent chasing fame and reviving careers could've been spent playing actual MUSIC VIDEOS, or at least shows having at least an inkling to do with music. There are plently of great artists that we're probably missing out on because Bret Michaels or two bi twins need to find someone new to shack up with. And don't even get me started on the black plague of nothingness that is "The Hills." Wanna watch a show where nothing happens? One word: Seinfield.

I don't expect MTV or VH-1 to go back to playing videos all day. Thanks to Youtube that ship has sailed. But at least throw in music shows or scripted series (actors...that's a novel idea) in the midst of the reality blitz. I guess the only consolation is that I got a chance to discover the dual loveliness that is Buddha and Punk.

The Golden Girls: Dorothy

The Golden Girls is one of my favorite shows EVER (R.I.P. Estelle Getty). And Bea Arthur never makes fails to make me bust a gut with her dry, sarcastic wit. I've probably seen every episode at least twice but the jokes never get old. Kinda like the Fresh Prince. Or do I just like looking at Will Smith? *sigh* Anyways, get into the clip of Dorothy's best one liners:

You Like Us, You Really Like Us

First with his invitation to Donnie McClurkin for gospel concert tour to gather votes in South Carolina, and then with his selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, it seems as though Obama has taken LGBT folks on an emotional rollercoaster (5 points if you can guess made that song lol:) throughout his campaign and post-election decisions.

However, an article in Chicago gay mag The Windy Times has revealed that Obama's current position on gay marriage wasn't always the same:

"Obama’s answer to the 1996 Outlines question was very clear: “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.” There was no use of “civil unions,” no compromise whatsoever. The IMPACT marriage question was a bit less
direct.

It asked if Obama would support a Marriage Resolution being considered at the time, which read in part “Because marriage is a basic human right and an individual personal choice, RESOLVED, the state should not interfere with same-gender couples who [choose] to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitment of civil marriage.” Obama
responded: “I would support such a resolution.”

I figured as much. He is a member of the United Church of Christ, probably one of the most gay-friendly and inclusive churches in the country, after all. Obama's a smart politician, and most likely knew that declaring support for gay marriage instead civil union might cost him the presidency. Hopefully Obama's position will 'evolve' back towards full marriage equality during his term.

Get 'Em Al!

I won't lie. I have some issues with Rev. Al Sharpton. Sometimes I think he (and Jesse for that matter) blow incidents out of proportion and run to the media only to increase their own profiles. But when you're right you right.

The reverend read black megachurches like a bedtime story for focusing less on poverty and police brutality and more on dictating gay folks' lives:

"There is something immoral and sick about using all of that power to not end brutality and poverty, but to break into people's bedrooms and claim that God sent you," Sharpton told a full house on Sunday.

"It amazes me," he said, "when I looked at California and saw churches that had nothing to say about police brutality, nothing to say when a young black boy was shot while he was wearing police handcuffs, nothing to say when they overturned affirmative action, nothing to say when people were being [relegated] into poverty, yet they were organizing and mobilizing to stop consenting adults from choosing their life partners."

"I am tired," he went on, "of seeing ministers who will preach homophobia by day, and then after they're preaching, when the lights are off they go cruising for trade...[emphasis mine]We know you're not preaching the Bible, because if you were preaching the Bible we would have heard from you. We would have heard from you when people were starving in California--when they deregulated the economy and crashed Wall Street you had nothing to say. When [accused Ponzi scammer] Madoff made off with the money, you had nothing to say. When Bush took us to war chasing weapons of mass destruction that weren't there you had nothing to say.

"But all of a sudden, when Proposition 8 came out, you had so much to say, but since you stepped in the rain, we're going to step in the rain with you."

Sharpton has supported full marriage equality for years, and hasn't been shy about criticizing anti-gay black churches.

"It's not a question of bringing the issue of the gay and lesbian community to the church," he said in 2006. "It's about having an open discussion because they're already there," he said. "All of us know that this is nothing new. The only thing new is to have an open discussion on how we deal with it."

"Adultery broke up more marriages than gays did," he added, revealing that a member of his family was gay and dismissing the notion that gays were a "threat" to marriage.

Ministers cruising for trade when the lights go off? Sounds like somethin' I'd say;).

Hotel Worker Fired for Being Gay

Even more proof that we need ENDA. David Hill was fired last Tuesday from his hotel job for being gay, and said the owner dared him to sue for his dismissal.

"They literally said to me because of my orientation and my alternative lifestyle, that I was not a fit for the hotel," said Hill.

The owner, Tarun Surti, remained defiant about his decision to fire Hill.

"The owner (Tarun Surti) said, 'I don't give a damn. They can sue me. I will not have any of the gays in leadership roles in my hotel.' And that's a quote," said Hill.

Although it is the hotel's employee handbook states employees should not be discriminated on the basis of gender, race, sexuality or sexual orientation, the state of Tennessee has no anti-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation or gender identity. However, Hill still plans to pursue legal action, and has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.

Hill wasn't the only gay employee dismissed because of his orientation. After speaking to the local media about his disagreement with Surti's decision to fire Hill, General Mananger Leonard Studdard was fired by e-mail. Via Pam's House Blend:

"I am here in the office and shocked to hear what you had said to the media," Surti wrote in the email to Stoddard. "If it is true that you told media that David was fired because he is gay, you obviously told them a lie. Such behavior is subject to immediate termination and I would like you to restrain from coming to the hotel."

Surti previously told O&AN that Hill was fired because the company was 'scaling down' its workforce in order to survive in the troubled economy. The ex-employees claim that they were fired after Surti received a letter from a former employee which outted the hotel's gay staff.

Hmmm. Looks like Surti's feeling the heat and changed his story. Stories like this clearly illustrate why federal anti-discrimination laws for LGBT folks are needed. The last thing anyone needs, especially in a time of economic crisis, is being canned for what someone else feels is their 'lifestyle choice.'

I'm sure if religion (which is CLEARLY a lifestyle choice) was taken off the discrimination, those who oppose ENDA would change their tune. A demonstration is planned outside the hotel (760 Old Hickory Blvd, Brentwood, TN) on Saturday, Jan. 17th.

Pam Spaulding: GM of Tennessee hotel that fired gay HR director terminated as well

You Can't Keep A Good Gay Down...

Or at least one who likes to get his drink on. Despite receiving threatening letters that their patrons would be poisioned with ricin in their drinks, customers still flocked to 11 Seattle gay bars over the past weekend.

A pub crawl was also organized on Friday to show support to the bars targeted. Bar owners have also taken precaution by posting signs warning customers not to leave their drinks unattended. Seattle police are currently investigating the letters, received last Tuesday, which said:

"I have in my possession approximately 67 grams of ricin with which I will indiscriminately target at least five of your clients. ... I expect them to die painfully while in the hospital."

Although the threats are being taken seriously, bar employee Tim Wagner said they haven't had much an effect on business.

"We have proven that we will not succumb to terrorism, threats, hatred or fear," Wagner said. People are coming out in droves to show their support to the gay businesses, and the bars that have been targeted. Business has actually been doing really well."

Silly homophobes. Don't they now that gay bars are sacred institutions that will be defended to the death, lol:)? Good for Seattle gays that they haven't allowed fear to run their lives or ruin a good time.

News and Notables

Obama 'More Determined' To Solve Middle East Conflict

President-elect Obama said the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has made him even more focused on bringing peace to the Middle East.

"When you see civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, harmed, under hardship, it's heartbreaking. And obviously what that does is it makes me much more determined to try to break a deadlock that has gone on for decades now," he told ABC's "This Week."

Obama struck back against criticisms of his silence on the conflict, explaining "the one area where the principle of 'one president at a time' has to hold is when it comes to foreign policy. We cannot have two administrations at the same time simultaneously sending signals in a volatile situation," he said.

Obama also explained handling the Israel-Gaza conflict, as well the issue of Iran's terrorist connections and nuclear plans, will take time and compromise.

King Nut Recalls Peanut Butter Due to Salmonella Outbreak

See this is why I stick to Jiff. King Nut Companies issued a total recall of its peanut butter Saturday because of fears of a salmonella outbreak, which has infected 399 people in 42 states, according to the Center for Disease Control. Salmonella had been orginially found in a 5-pound tub of peanut butter.

"We are very sorry this happened," Martin Kanan, president of King Nut Companies, said in the statement. "We are taking immediate and voluntary action because the health and safety of those who use our products is always our highest priority."

Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, South Carolina, Florida, Alaska and Hawaii currently report no instances of infection.

Oakland Riots Lead to More Than 100 Arrests

Wednesday night in Oakland, CA was marked by rioting, protests and arrests as demonstrators expressed their anger at the death of 22-year-old Oscar Grant.

Grant was shot and killed on New Year's Day by 27-year-old Officer Johannes Mehserle, who is accused of shooting Grant while he lied face down on a Subway platform. According to The Daily Voice:

Some protesters carried signs reading "Jail Killer Cops," while others (including some shown in the YouTube video below) angrily confronted Mayor Ron Dellums.

Some demonstrators chanted "No justice, no peace, f*** the police!" and "Pigs go home!"

A sidenote: While I can certainly understand people's rage and frustration over this tragedy, I don't understand why people would destroy their own community in protest. Because when the smoke clears and all the police and reporters have gone home, you still have to live, work and go to school there.

Kelly Clarkson Picks New Album Name

Kelly Clarkson has titled her fourth album "All I Ever Wanted." Due out on St. Patrick's Day, the album's first single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," seems to be a return to the pop/rock friendly sound of past hits such as "Since You've Been Gone," and "Behind These Hazel Eyes," (a personal favorite:).

I guess after My December didn't sell too well, (even though it got good reviews and I kinda liked "Never Again") Ms. Clarkson has learned to listen to Pupper Master Clive lol. I'm a Kelly fan though, so hopefully this will be a return to Breakaway form.

LGBT-Themed Projects Nominated for NAACP Awards

The NAACP Image Awards has nominated several projects that feature actors in LGBT roles or LGBT actors, such as Wanda Sykes, who is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. It's good that the organization recognizes the importance of showing all sections of the black community. Here's the full list of nominations below, courtesy of Pam's House Blend:

Outstanding Comedy Series - Ugly Betty
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - Paul James*, GREEK
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Wanda Sykes**, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Outstanding Drama Series - Grey's Anatomy, House, Lincoln Heights, The Wire
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series - Blair Underwood*, In Treatment
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Michael Kenneth Williams*, The Wire
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Sonja Sohn*, The Wire
Outstanding Reality Series - Project Runway
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture - Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom
Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series - Liz Friedman & Sara Hess - House - "Lucky Thirteen"
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture - Patrik-Ian Polk & John R. Gordon - Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom
*plays LGBT character **actor is LGBT

Emerging Artist: The Veronicas

Australian-born twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Orgliasso have been burning up the charts and blowing up in their native land since their debut in 2006. While their music, a mix of electronica, dance-pop and rock hasn't taken off in America, with songs like "Untouched," "4 Ever" and "This Love," (which I've been playing almost non-stop since I first heard it) from their sophomore album Hook Me Up, released last summer here in the States, they'll soon take over the airwaves (Or maybe they already have and I'm just late to the party, lol:). Anyways, you can listen to the duo's music here, and watch the videos for "Untouched" and "This Love" below:

Rick Warren's AIDS Work Exposed

In the ongoing controversy over the Obama administration's selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration, his work with AIDS in Africa is often cited as a reason for his invite and is championed by Obama as an issue he and Warren agree on. For the most an analysis of the specifics of Warren's AIDS efforts has not been in the mainstream media.

However, an article at The Daily Beast brings unknown facts about Warren's AIDS work--such as his emphasis on abstinence-only education and aligning himself with homophobic religious leaders such as Martin Ssempa--to the surface.

Here's an excerpt from the article about Ssempa's AIDS prevention strategies and overall paranoia:

"Warren’s man in Uganda is a charismatic pastor named Martin Ssempa. The head of the Makerere Community Church, a rapidly growing congregation, Ssempe enjoys close ties to his country’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, and is a favorite of the Bush White House. In the capitol of Kampala, Ssempa is known for his boisterous crusading. Ssempa’s stunts have included burning condoms in the name of Jesus and arranging the publication of names of homosexuals in cooperative local newspapers while lobbying for criminal penalties to imprison them."

Dr. Helen Epstein, a public health consultant who authored the book, The Invisible Cure: Why We’re Losing The Fight Against AIDS In Africa, met Ssempa in 2005. Epstein told me the preacher seemed gripped by paranoia, warning her of a secret witches coven that met under Lake Victoria. “Ssempa also spoke to me for a very long time about his fear of homosexual men and women,” Epstein said. “He seemed very personally terrified by their presence.”

Ssempa's fear has quickly manifested into intolerant action, such as leading a march in 2007 to demand harsher government punishment on gays, or spreading old myths depicting gays as predators out to seduce and 'recruit' children.

Secret witches covens. Burning condoms in the name of Jesus. A fear of gays and lesbians so extreme that the only plausible solution is to lock all those "scary freaks" up so they can't spread the gay. Gays and lesbians and bisexuals oh my! Rick, Rick ,Rick. You gotta pick better buddies than this. I wonder if the hundred gay friends you have would approve. Read the rest of the article here.

Prayers for Bobby

"Prayers for Bobby," a movie based on the book of the same name, will air on Lifetime January 24th at 9pm et/8 ct. Via MyLifetime.com:

Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Sigourney Weaver stars in this emotional true story about a 1970s religious suburban housewife and mother who struggles to accept her young son Bobby being gay. What happens to Bobby is tragic and causes Mary to question her faith; ultimately this mom changes her views in ways that she never could have imagined.

After her son's suicide, Mary Griffith went through several years of soul searching and introspection, eventually making peace with Bobby's death and becoming a crusader for gay and lesbian youth. She currently runs a chapter of PFLAG from her home.

From viewing the trailer, it looks like the movie will be a tear-jerker (obviously so, with its subject matter) but ultimately uplifting. You can view the the clip below:

News and Notables

Obama Names Openly Gay Man as Office of Management and Administration director

Brad Kiley, currently director of operations for the Obama-Biden transition team, has been appointed to a senior position in the administration. Kiley's appointment serves as some compensation for the lack of LGBTs in the President-elect's cabinet. According to GayPolitics.com:

In this role he will oversee all aspects of administrative services to all entities of the Executive Office of the President (EOP), including direct support services to the President of the United States. These services include financial management, human resources management and research assistance. He will represent the EOP before congressional funding panels.

Kiley was recommended for the job through the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute's Presidential Appointments Project.

Gov. Richardson's Withdrawal Upsets Latinos

Richardson's withdrawal from the commerce secretary position has left some Latinos disappointed, with many viewing the New Mexico governor as their most high-profile representative.

"We are hugely disappointed. It's a stunned community out there," said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

"He is a very well-recognized leader not just in the Latino community but in this country and he has a long record of public service," she said.

Richardson's exit, caused by an ongoing ethics investigation, leaves only two Latino cabinet members, Labor secretary-designate Hilda Solis and Interior secretary-designate Ken Salazar, to serve in the Obama administration.

Prince To Release Three Albums in '09

The Purple One plans to roll out three new albums this year, all without the assistance of a record label, according to Billboard.com.

Two of the new discs, currently titled "MPLSOUND" and "Lotus Flower" are already in the works. While "MPLSOUND" promises a collection of "electro flavored, trippy, experimental pop songs," while "Lotus Flower" will be more guitar driven. New tracks included "Dreamer," "Colonized Mind," "Wall of Berlin" and a cover of "Crimson and Clover," originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells and made popular by Joan Jett.

*Irrelevant sidebar: I would LOVE to know what moisturizer Prince uses. His skin looks like a 10-year-old girl's. However, that taco meat on his chest is not the bizness lol.

Billboard.com: Prince To Roll Out Three Albums This Year

CNN.com: Richardson withdrawal disappoints Latinos