Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1119

TWERKIN: For Christ.

ANGELO BADALAMENTI: Describes the creation of the Twin Peaks theme.

INTERVENTION: Kate Beckinsale, Judy Greer and Andrea Savage want more government...in their bodies.

THE DICTATOR: Sacha Baron Cohen hopes to offend with a new red band trailer.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

News: Venus, Rufus Wainwright, The Avengers, Meow, Hillary

The Avengers has massive record opening weekend debute of $200 million+.

Stateline: A gay marriage map.

The time that Bea Arthur smacked down Rufus Wainwright.

California GOP Assemblymen spew "idiotic drivel" in opposition to protections for LGBT citizens: "Last week, lawmakers approved three bills that apply existing state programs to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender business owners, government workers and foster children. This week, they will weigh in on what may be the year's signature piece of gay rights legislation, a bill that would prohibit 'gay-to-straight' therapy for minors."

Shemar Moore hits the beach, flexes.

Hundreds march in Halifax for Raymond Taavel: "Taavel, a popular gay activist, was beaten to death outside a gay bar on Gottingen Street. His shocking murder rocked the community after the police charged Andre Denny, a psychiatric patient on a one-hour pass from the hospital, with his death...The crowd, filled with a mix of friends and strangers, marched united through downtown Halifax and finished with a service at St. Mary's Basilica."

Obama praised for global commitment to LGBT rights: "While U.S. gay groups express frustration at Obama's refusal to sign an executive order banning discrimination against gay employees of federal contractors and his 'evolving' view on same-sex marriage, international organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch praise the steps the Obama administration has taken worldwide."

Colin Farrell in pajamas.

Famous fat cat dies of respiratory distress: "We were in a race against time to get the weight off Meow before he developed complications from his morbid obesity and we lost."

Ron Paul still chugging along: "Thanks to Mr. Paul’s supporters, he will arrive in Tampa, Fla., for the Republican convention this summer with more delegates than many media tallies would suggest. That will not give him a real shot at the nomination, but it might give him the ability to make a ruckus while he is there."

American hostage pleads for life in video released Sunday by al-Qaeda: "My life is in your hands, Mr. President," Weinstein said in the video. "If you accept the demands, I live; if you don't accept the demands, then I die."

Hubble telescope to use Moon as a mirror to capture Venus passing in front of the Sun.

Gwen Stefani, No Doubt announce release date for new album.

Underwater hotel to open in Dubai. Images.

Hillary Clinton says she'd like to see a woman become President, but not her: "I would like to come back to India and just wander around without the streets being closed. I just want to get back to taking some deep breaths, feeling that there are other ways I can continue to serve."

Iowa justices ousted after legalizing same-sex marriage to receive Profiles in Courage award from JFK Library. "The three judges will receive a sterling silver ship's lantern symbolizing a beacon of hope."

Frank Bruni speaks to one of them.

Signorile: Joe Biden was for marriage equality before he was against it. "... Who exactly was supposed to be appeased by Axelrod's tweet [taking back Biden's support for gay marriage]? The Christian right, which isn't voting for Obama and believes he is for gay marriage no matter how many tweets Axelrod sends? Or is it independents, who really couldn't care less about this issue but see another episode in which an indecisive, fearful leader doesn't take a stand, the opposite of the kind of leader independents like to vote for? Is there really a group of voters out there that would switch votes from Obama to Romney because the vice president -- who is unlikely to ever become president -- vaguely supports marriage equality? The answer is no on all counts. And that's how you know it's a gay panic -- an irrational fear of all things gay that has politicians acting on impulse rather than reason. ..."

Rev. Dr. William Barber, Clergy Condemn Amendment One: VIDEO

A must-watch speech from Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, the head of the North Carolina NAACP, who has been an outspoken opponent of Amendment One for months, condemning the measure yesterday at a press conference of clergy assembled from around the state.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

AP Covers Battle Over NC Amendment One: VIDEO

This NC red-capped bigot saw something terrifying on the TV that inspired him to action on Amendment One:

"I saw the picture from Iowa where the legislature voted for gay marriage there and I saw two little girls jumping up and down with two lesbian women and that's when I realized our greatest danger is to change the marriage laws."

Watch the AP's report on Amendment One, AFTER THE JUMP...

(via good as you)

'Morning Joe' Debates the White House's Precarious Position on Marriage Equality: VIDEO

David Gregory and Chuck Todd appeared on Morning Joe this morning to discuss Biden's remarks on same-sex marriage, the effect they have on Obama's position, and whether they will "force" his evolution on the matter.

Asks Joe Scarborough: "When is the president going to be as brave as Dick Cheney?"

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here's an earlier clip of discussion over Biden's remarks as well:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

Colorado GOP House Speaker Says He's 'Under No Obligation' to Bring Up Civil Union Bill as Clock Ticks Down

Colorado House Speaker Frank McNulty is considering stalling the civil unions bill, currently waiting to be heard by the House Appropriations Committee, even though the votes are there in the House to pass it, the Denver Post reports:

The Highlands Ranch Republican said leadership is under no obligation to bring the bill up for a debate after it gets out of the House Appropriations Committee, which will have the hearing tomorrow. The bill must have what is called a second reading, or its debate, before the full floor by Tuesday so it can be officially voted on Wednesday, which is the last day of the session. If that doesn't happen, the bill is dead.

McNulty says he is being lobbied heavily:

McNulty pointed out that last year the Democratic-controlled Senate let bills die on the calendar. "Understandably, this bill is a lot higher profile than bills that died last year," he said.

The Post spoke with former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman who is trying to convince McNulty to go ahead with it: "I care about the health of the Republican Party and blocking something the vast majority of voters support and that will undermine family values and undermine freedom seems to me to be both bad policy and bad politics."

Here's McNulty's info (via btb)

Twitter: @RepMcNulty
Email: fmcnulty@comcast.net and frank.mcnulty.house@state.co.us
Facebook: Frank McNulty
Phone: 303-866-2346

UPDATE: Civil union supporters are holding a rally at 10am tomorrow morning.

On Tuesday, May 8, supporters of the legislation will rally on the West Steps of the State Capitol and call for a full up-or-down vote in the House.

If we want civil unions to be debated in the House (where it has enough votes to pass), we need to show House leadership how widespread support for civil unions is -- so please join us and WEAR RED to show your support!