Drone Captures Awesome Footage Of Erupting Volcano: VIDEO

Ever wanted to hover above a volcano while it erupts? Probably not...until now. YouTube user Shaun O'Callaghan uploaded footage taken by a DJI Phantom quad-copter drone as it floated above the Yasur volcano on the island of Vanuatu, and the results are stunning.

Check out the smoke and ash, AFTER THE JUMP...

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SXSW 2014 - Witness The Technology That Will Make Holodecks A Reality:VIDEO

While at the SXSW Gaming Expo, we spoke with Jordan Williams the President and CEO of Captured Dimensions, a company that uses image capturing technology to create three-dimensional figurines, holograms and computer images.

According to Williams, 3D imaging will inevitably lead to the creation of real-world virtual environments like the one seen on Star Trek’s holodeck. As the technology improves and becomes gains more video capability, it could also help render realistic 3D digital images of the human anatomy, complex costumes, archeological sites, famous sculptures, theatrical sets or even wholly artificial environments viewable through devices like the Oculus Rift.

See? We told you 3D imaging was the future…

See the interview with Williams AFTER THE JUMP...

21-Year-Old Gay 'Conservative Republican' Runs For Idaho State Legislature: VIDEO

Idaho's District 18 has a first on its hands. Dom Gelsomino, a Republican candidate for the district's state legislature seat, also happens to be openly gay. However, he hopes that if elected, people will recognize that as a self-described "conservative Republican" he is in the legislature to do a job and to vote, not to tout his personal life.

ABC 6 reports:

With gay rights as one of the hottest issues at the Idaho Statehouse many have viewed the issue as partisan - that “adding the words” went down party lines. Gelsomino says not if he's elected.

“I would support 'Add The Words' where religious institutions, organizations and businesses would be exempt, as would be the federal and state-owned businesses, buildings or organizations," he says.

His opponent, Democrat Representative Phylis King is the co-sponsor of the current 'Add The Words' bill and she tells On Your Side she's not concerned with Gelsomino's sexual orientation.

“I think that's his business,” says King. “What I want him to do if he wins is to be a really good legislator and to work as hard as I do."

...

"Despite my personal life, it's how I will vote that's going to matter," he says.

What do you think about Gelsomino's ambitions? 

Check out news coverage (autoplay), AFTER THE JUMP...

South Carolina House Votes to Financially Punish Colleges That Assigned Gay Books

The South Carolina House refused on Monday to restore book purchasing budget cuts assigned to College of Charleston and University of South Carolina Upstate after the two institutions of higher learning taught literature dealing with homosexual content. Totaling nearly $70,000, the cuts reflect the amount of money the institutions spent on buying texts for the freshman class this year. Some saw the cuts as censorial attempts to limit what can be taught in colleges, while the majority argued vehemently that teaching Alison Bechdel's Fun Home and a book about an LGBT radio station, Out Loud: The Best of Rainbow Radio promoted "a lifestyle" that they do not agree with.

Associated Press reports:

When it comes to public colleges, legislators should be debating funding and building construction, not "pushing our own moral agenda on these institutions of higher learning," said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (right), D-Orangeburg.

"Are we saying we don't trust the college students enough to expose them to something they may not have seen before? We can't let you read anything other than what we believe?" she asked. "What about the notion of freedom to have different views? Isn't this what we go all over the globe fighting for?"

Some thought, however, that making the books mandatory reading took it all a step too far.

Rep. Garry Smith (right), whose subcommittee made the reductions, said he wanted to make a point after college officials declined to give students an option to read something else. He said he wouldn't oppose the books if they were part of an elective course. He called it promotion of a lifestyle.

"Freedom comes with responsibility. These universities did not act responsibly," said Smith, R-Simpsonville.

Rep. Wendy Nanney, R-Greenville, said opponents of the cuts argue for a diversity of ideas but don't want to consider conservatives' viewpoint. After House Speaker Bobby Harrell rejected Smith's suggestions to project illustrations from "Fun Home" on the House screen, Nanney said, "It's not appropriate to even put up in this room but we're giving it to 18-year-old kids?"

Sadly, it might just be that Representatives Smith and Nanney are less mature than the "18-year-old kids" who read the texts.

College of Charleston President George Benson said the university is committed to academic freedom, and any university education must include the opportunity for students to engage controversial ideas...

"Our students are adults, and we will treat them as such," Benson said. "Faculty, not politicians, ultimately must decide what textbooks are selected and how those materials are taught."

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1537

BILLY EICHNER: In the audience.

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH: Photobombing U2, set to the Jaws theme.

JOE MANGANIELLO: Talks Magic Mike with Ellen.

LE'VEON BELL: Pittsburgh Steeler for PETA.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

News: Dianne Feinstein, Lizard Head, Fred Karger, SCOTUS

Dianne Feinstein upset that CIA was allegedly spying on the Senate.

Grant Gustin is The Flash.

Chris Pine busted for DUI in New Zealand.

Disney announces EDM spin-off of studio hits: " adding some electro-infused magic include Avicii, Mat Zo, BT, U.N.K.L.E., The Japanese Popstars, Au5, Negin, Shinichi Osawa, ShyKidx and more."

Publishing Triangle announces award finalists for annual literary awards.

Signorile: How NOM was banished to the basement at CPAC. "It seemed to me that the majority of 20-somethings at CPAC just don't care about the issue and, quite frankly, don't want to be bothered by it."

Cristiano Ronaldo pays for 10-month-old's $83,000 brain surgery: "Ronaldo makes about $461,000 a week after taxes, so the expense isn't all that much for him. But it's still a remarkable gesture from a guy who has a reputation for being a bit of a prima donna."

Jake Gyllenhaal gets bum naked on set of Everest.

Robert Pattinson and Dane DeHaan double up on a motorcycle.

Ezra Klein's news and policy site hires Brandon Ambrosino, homophobes' favorite gay writer.

Bob Shrum on Obama, Eisenhower, and Russia: "On Ukraine, Republicans who would attack Obama for anything have offered reactions that range from empty, expedient, and incoherent bellicosity to sheer inanity. And the spasms of Republican recrimination have been profoundly ahistorical. For the better part of the century, American presidents have comprehended that not every injustice can be redressed or redeemed by inviting even greater tragedy."

SCOTUS says no to dispute between Episcopal Church and a conservative northern Virginia congregation that left over its position on gay issues. "The breakaway congregation claimed a right to keep the church building and surrounding property, and in 2008 a Fairfax County judge sided with it. But the Virginia Supreme Court overturned that ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration. In 2011, the same judge who first sided with the conservative congregation sided with the Episcopal Church. Monday’s decision by the Supreme Court leaves that ruling intact."

Greek Nazis target international LGBT activist and mayoral candidate for Athens, Gregory Vallianatos.

Ricky Martin films World Cup promo in Rio de Janeiro.

Customer says she found lizard head in salad from NYC deli Guy & Gallard.

Friends mourn man who was a pillar of Edmonton's gay community: "Karahalios – who was better known by those close to him as ‘Coco’ and ‘Jimmy’ – was found dead at his home in Oliver on Saturday. Police confirmed on Tuesday that his death was a homicide, but have not revealed any other details."

Head of Barbados Family Planning Association speaks out for gay women: “These women to a large extent are voiceless, faceless, nameless and are forced to live in the shadows and fringes of society.”

Fred Karger to be deposed by DOJ and NOM in IRS case: "The deposition is a result of a federal lawsuit brought by NOM against the IRS in National Organization for Marriage v. United States of America, et al.  In its lawsuit, NOM singled out Karger because of the ethics complaint he filed against the anti-gay organization with the California’s Fair Political Practices Commission...Karger will be deposed on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the U. S. Attorney's office in Los Angeles."