News: Melissa Etheridge, NASA, Dominic Purcell, Uganda, Eminem

NYT declares city's real estate boom over.

REPORT: Palin used another private email account.

50 years ago today, the U.S. created NASA. They've put up a gallery of images to celebrate.

This might be the most degrading job ever.

Washington Blade interview with John McCain holds few to no surprises.

Entrepreneur and political activist Jonathan Lewis pledges $500,000 to fight Prop. 8 if the entertainment industry will match it: "My family and I are issuing a $500,000 challenge to the entertainment industry. We will match the next half-million dollars that entertainment industry leaders contribute. This is an urgent time in the campaign, and we have to act now."

Keith Haring's universe explored in new film.

Grouchy old UK man charged in court for harassment of gay couple.

Boy George reality show Living with Boy George begins tonight in the UK: "The show follows George as he returns to the UK after four years in America, where he was arrested for possesion of cocaine and subsequently sentenced to do community service. George also finally comes clean on his addiction to heroin and his battles with other drugs. He also speaks openly and frankly about his sexuality and his controversial former relationship with Culture Club drummer, John Moss."

Eminem returning.

Cutest deer ever.

Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Peter Pace appointment meeting resistance at Indiana University: "Pace, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs from 2005 to 2007, publicly likened homosexuality to adultery in March 2007, calling it immoral. He later said he should have not expressed his personal views."

Gay Ugandan given refugee status in Canada. Ugandan paper calls homosexuality a moral disease. And anti-gay Christian bishops from around the world are meeting in Uganda this week to discuss their homophobia: "About 40 bishops from Africa, Australia, the United States, India, Canada and Britain are taking part in the conference, which began on Monday near the Ugandan capital Kampala."

School board in New Mexico takes control of yearbook to avoid last year's lesbian horror show.

Melissa Etheridge to marry partner Tammy Lynn Michaels: "Yes, we have four children and we're trying to find the right time. We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and begin the rest of our lives together."

Gianni Versace's mansion, where he was gunned down in 1997, now a restaurant called 1116 Ocean. The mansion also rents rooms for $5,000 a night.

Prison Break's Dominic Purcell checks himself out.

Mad Men's Bryan Batt talks to CNN about being gay in Hollywood: "There are always going to be people who look at people who are different and who disapprove [of them] either through fear or through ignorance. We have to work toward acceptance on all levels. How long ago were the civil rights movement and the women's movement? And, still today, women don't make the same amount of money as men do for doing the same job."

Paris Hilton makes gay bar visit.

The first documented case of a suicidal ant.

Liberty University to allow Soulforce Equality Ride activists on campus: "This year's visit will mark the group's first visit to Liberty since Jerry Falwell Jr. assumed leadership after the death of his father. Riders say they hope the campus' zeal for politics will allow open conversation about 'faith and fairness,' they said. 'We are in contact with Liberty students who have been waiting for the Equality Ride to return,' said Katie Higgins, Equality Ride's co-director."

Gay editor of Lapland's largest newspaper fired because of her sexuality: "Ms. Korhonen told reporters from the Finnish media today that the real reason for her sudden dismissal was because 'I live in a registered partnership – in other words my spouse is a woman'."

ACLU: Gay rights groups may have been spied on by Maryland State Police.

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Boy George's Sobering Advice for George Michael: 'Get Yourself Clean'

Boy George appeared on Britain's The Alan Titmarsh Show, and had some advice for George Michael, who was arrested in a men's room last weekend for possession of crack cocaine and cannabis, and let off with a warning.

Said George: "I'm sober now - I don't drink or take drugs and I can see that it's chaotic and miserable. I watch it from the outside and say, 'God I was there.' I made a decision last year to hve no more of that. That was it for me...I do sympathise with George... you need perspective and the only way to do that is to get away from your drug problems and get yourself clean."

He added: "If I was going give advice to George Michael, I'd say you're very lucky to do what you do and get paid for it, as we all are. You've really got to get a perspective and get away from drug problems and get yourself clean and you begin seeing things in a much more sensible way...I do sympathize with him, I do. I don't want to sit here and make laughs about him and point the finger because it wouldn't be right.

George Michael was seen packing his bags and leaving London with boyfriend Kenny Goss yesterday. Said a witness: "They looked like they were going away for some time judging by all the luggage."

The clip is sideways, sorry...AFTER THE JUMP...

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Boy George Releases 'Yes We Can' Video for Obama

Boy George has released the video for his "Yes We Can" track in support of Barack Obama. Bowie alter ego Ziggy Stardust, Amy Winehouse, and Divine all appear for some unknown reason as well...

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

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Music News: Alphabeat Parties Like It's 1988, Plus Boy George, Britney Spears, Beth Ditto, Fall Out Boy

Robbie Daw presents a weekly pop music update here on Towleroad! Robbie runs his own site called Chart Rigger.

Between 1984 and 1991, the British production team of Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman (pictured right)—better known as simply Stock/Aitken/Waterman, or SAW—cranked out over a hundred hits in Great Britain and throughout Europe, a dozen of which crossed over here in the States. (Think of them as the Max Martins or Timbalands of their day.)

SAW launched Kylie Minogue and Rick Astley's pop careers, gave Banarama and Dead or Alive their biggest hits and even somehow made Samantha Fox listenable. And when one of their jams came on the radio or over the soundsystem, the handclaps, bassline and synth chords were instantly recognizeable.

Recently, Danish group Alphabeat employed one of SAW's chief engineers and remixers from back in the day, Pete Hammond, to retool their single "Boyfriend" for its U.K. release. Warning: listening will cause those who were of a certain age in the '80s—or who have a penchant for cheesy pop—to go into a bit of a nostalgic shock.

Below:

1. Alphabeat's "Boyfriend" (Pete Hammond Mix): Keep in mind this is from 2008, not 1988.

2. Bananarama's "I Can't Help It" (1988, produced by Stock/Aitken/Waterman): Perhaps the inspiration for the "Boyfriend" mix.

3. Sinitta's "Toy Boy" (1987, produced by Stock/Aitken/Waterman): Wait for the reveal of the actual "toy boy" at the end, whom you'll recognize from Madonna's "Open Your Heart" video.

4. Kylie Minogue's "Better The Devil You Know" (1990, produced by Stock/Aitken/Waterman): Despite a more than passing resemblance to D-Mob featuring Cathy Dennis' "C'mon And Get My Love," this is widely considered to be SAW's masterpiece.

Those curious to check out more SAW will be hard-pressed to track down the bulk of their output (iTunes has a very limited selection of the Brit trio's tracks). The best bet is the import Stock Aitken Waterman Gold, which collects over 48 of the trio's productions and remixes onto three discs.

For those in the U.S., Alphabeat's music can be heard and downloaded from 7 Digital, though the Pete Hammond Mix of "Boyfriend" is currently only available on U.K. iTunes.

Injuries and a court case result from an Oasis gig in Toronto.

Am I in the minority for actually liking Rihanna's VMAs performance? People are citing her singing as a downer, but at least she sang live. At any rate, Entertainment Weekly comes in defense of her outfit.

Similarly, apparently a panel of experts are needed to assess Britney's apperance.

Boy George throws his hat into the political ring with the pro-Obama single "Yes We Can," which also boasts a cartoon David Bowie and Amy Winehouse in the video.

Can a naked Beth Ditto of The Gossip help NME win a Best Magazine Cover Ever award?

The New Kids are back on The Block.

Fall Out Boy's next album to be released on Election Day.

TODAY'S NEW RELEASES:

Natalie Cole's Still Unforgettable, featuring cover versions and standards.

Gym Class Heroes' The Quilt, with guests Estelle, Daryl Hall and Busta Rhymes.

Kardinal Offishall's Not 4 Sale, which contains his hit "Dangerous."

Jessica Simpson's foray into country music, Do You Know.

LL Cool J's Exit 13, which also features guests 50 Cent, Method Man and KRS-One.

Knowle West Boy, the eighth album from U.K. rapper Tricky.

Metallica's Death Magnetic, produced by Rick Rubin. It's the band's first studio album in five years.

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News: Syrian, Luke Macfarlane, Batman, Seattle Opera, Outfest,

Killer of Daytona Beach cross-dresser sentenced to life in prison.

Becks is a Sharpie in new print campaign.

Gay Syrian Jojo Jako Yakob to be deported from Scotland: "It has now emerged that an immigration tribunal has turned down his request to stay in the UK, despite accepting that Yakob is gay and that Syria criminalises and represses homo– sexuality."

He came out shirtless: Matthew McConaughey has a child.

Kenyan bishop threatens to quit over gay marriages: "The Reverend Thomas Kogo, a bishop at the Eldoret ACK Diocese, has issued the quit notice, saying he could not support a church that condones homosexuality. Kogo, who has just returned from a pilgrimage in Israel, said the faithful must uphold the sanctity of the Anglican family. He said those advocating for gay marriages were driven by desire for money and wealth. 'God recognises marriage between man and woman, and there is no way we will accept homosexuality and gay marriages. The Bible is very clear on the matter,' he said."

Boy George speaks to Newsweek about denial of visa: "I am hardly a threat to national security. I am just a performer trying to do his job. I have called America home at different times in my life. I love America, and the American people have always treated me with love and kindness since I went there as a 19-year-old boy with my band Culture Club."

Turkish oil wrestling!

SAS Scandinavian Airlines launches dedicated gay website: "The website is unique in its personalised aspect, providing a ‘gay’ counterpart to the popular SAS crew tips, offering tips from SAS’ own gay crew members on the best offerings in Stockholm and Copenhagen."

Gay and lesbian Christians to protest Pope Benedict's arrival in Sydney: "The protest, calling for equality for gay and lesbian followers, will take place at the Pitt Street Uniting Church this Sunday, coinciding with Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in Sydney. Catholic writer and educator Michael Kelly said gay and lesbian people had been marginalised and condemned by mainstream churches, particularly the Catholic Church. He labelled the 'version of Christianity that is coming to Sydney' as propaganda. 'We call on gay and lesbian Christians ... to join us in standing up for the goodness of being gay, and not allow right-wing religious propaganda to silence our faith, hope and love,' he said."

Batman refuses to work with Robin.

Brothers and Sisters' Luke MacFarlane interviewed at the Rome Fiction Festival.

L.A.'s Outfest film festival begins tomorrow. Here's the official site. It's opening with the gay hockey film Breakfast with Scot. Also, here's a new piece from indieWire on the state of queer cinema...

Indian actor walks off talk show after being asked about sexual orientation: "What sort of a question is that Sajid? First you call me for your chat show, and then ask me such stuff!"

American Idol's 'gay stripper' David Hernandez spotted sucking female face in San Diego.

Seattle Opera announces three LGBT nights for upcoming season: "At these designated performances, patrons may pay $100 for discounted main-floor orchestra seating, private intermission receptions (with wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts) and admission to preshow lectures. The inaugural event — an Aug. 22 presentation of 'Aida' — will be hosted by Seattle Opera trustee JJ McKay and Washington state Sen. Ed Murray. Tickets for the evening are on sale now." (site)

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News: Out of the Mouths of Generals, Boy George I Don't Think He's Got It, MySpace Rocks the Vote, Jesus Take the Wheel & More

Wesley Clark stands by his dressing down of John McCain.

The U.S. doesn’t find Boy George appealing—so his first tour in ages is officially off. I guess America doesn’t know a good drag queen when we see one.

No charges for Virginia men who managed to get married thanks to bridegroom Justin ("juh-STEEN") being very in touch with his feminine side.

MySpace and Rock the Vote launch a DemROCKracy Band Competition to amp up the youth vote. The band enticing the most voter registrations through MySpace’s user registration tool (found here) can win prizes, including a chance to perform "on a major concert stage."

I Know Who Drilled Me: A Montana woman admits to a long-ago affair with Lindsay Lohan’s father Michael and wants her 13-year-old daughter acknowledged as his. God…there's another Lohan out there?

Arresting San Francisco Pride Weekend images. (Some NSFW.)

Jesus Christ…another alternative for disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters. (Though the media has given this guy a free pass, too, grumble.) Feeling the heat, Obama ups the ante. Obama and Jesus...potential running mates?

Burning Up: Madonna's childhood home burns under suspicious circumstances just as her Sticky and Sweet Tour rehearsals are heating up. But a divorce? A sampling of A-Rod? You’re getting cold.

Bette Midler’s wedding snaps from her 1984 Las Vegas ceremony arrived in her hands only this month. What do you expect when you say "I do" in a place called the Starlight Chapel?

The Outfest 2008 box office is now open at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood. If you’ve never gone and are close enough to go, go—I had a blast the year I went.

Derek Jeter loses the beard.

Huntington Beach police officer Adam Bereki has settled his suit against the city, which alleged he endured repeated gay harassment by his co-workers. He'll get $150,000 upfront and $4,000 a month in disability for life. Even though the city admits no wrongdoing and none of the accused officers have been penalized, spokesman Lt. Dave Bunetta says, "Anyone being harassed or victimized will not be tolerated by the police department." I wonder if he realizes what he's saying was literally true in this case?

Check out this warm backstage remembrance of Katharine Hepburn (who would be 101 this year) by Tim Ranney, who interned on her play The West Side Waltz in 1981. Her advice: "Obey all the rules, and miss all the fun."

The best reason yet to vote for Barack Obama.

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News: India, Tony Kushner, Jerusalem, Don Imus, Bash'd

Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis forbids liberal Catholic church from holding gay pride prayer service: "St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis has held the event for several years in conjunction with the annual Twin Cities Pride Celebration. The archdiocese is instead suggesting that the church hold a "peace" service Wednesday with no mention of rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Archdiocese spokesman Dennis McGrath says the gay pride prayer service is inimical to the teachings of the Catholic church."

Global warming expert Hansen: Earth close to the tipping point.

This used to be her playground: Madonna and family go to Yankees game.

Grease RIP: A Rydell High death.

Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner to marry in California: "Mark and I are going to get married in California very soon. Then we’re going to be recognized in New York as legally married."

New Bedford, Massachusetts, where two-and-a-half years ago 18-year-old Jacob Robida terrorized a local gay bar with a hatchet and a shotgun, held its first gay pride over the weekend, which attracted 250 people.

Jerusalem gay pride a "go": "The High Court of Justice rejected Monday afternoon a petition filed by right-wing activists Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel against holding a gay pride parade in Jerusalem. As a result, the parade will take place as scheduled this coming Thursday."

Don Imus under fire again for racist comment.

Gay activists in India plan mass gay pride action: "The marchers plan to sing, give speeches and hold candlelit vigils in simultaneous parades in New Delhi, Calcutta and Bangalore on Sunday, said Gautam Bhan, a writer and gay rights activist involved with organizing the marches. While several dozen activists have marched in the eastern city of Calcutta in recent years, these would be the first gay pride parades in New Delhi and Bangalore. Bhan said the activists want to raise awareness of the issues facing the gay community in India."

Bash'd: a rap opera that fights back against anti-gay violence, playing in NYC: "With exceedingly bawdy lyrics, two rapping angels, T-Bag (Mr. Craddock) and Feminem (Mr. Cuckow), recount the tragedy of a Canadian couple, Jack and Dillon, who meet in an Edmonton club, fall in love and wed. But when Jack becomes the victim of violence, their idyll collapses."

New Yorker: Is "angry" Keith Olbermann changing TV news?

Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev sued over Moscow Pride: "Organisers of Moscow Gay Pride today applied to the city’s Tverskoi District Court accusing Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev of 'inaction on their letter' concerning the staging of the march for tolerance – and respect for the rights of freedoms of homosexual people in Russia – in Alexandrovskiy Sad, part of the Kremlin."

Jodie Foster in tussle with paparazzi.

PhD: Memoir of a gay stripper. “The truth was that stripping had long called out to me. It offered something different from my grad school grind of dealing with students, grading papers, and sitting through seemingly endless seminars.”

Obama curtails use of altered presidential seal.

James McAvoy on the perils of six packs and protein: "[The abs] were not a special effect. It was the result of a lot of time at the gym — which I hated. I was also trying to take these super protein supplements and they gave me incredible bouts of flatulence which wouldn’t have endeared me to the rest of the cast. But I’m back to normal."

Boy George takes his orchid for a walk.

A few notes and photos from the Provincetown International Film Festival.

New York Senate Majority Leader Republican Joe Bruno announces he won't seek reelection: "It also means a seat that had been considered a safe one for Republicans will not necessarily be a sure thing this fall. With all New York lawmakers' two-year terms ending in December, Republicans are defending their narrow 32-30 majority in the Senate, the party's last stronghold in state government. Democrats now hold the governor's post and dominate the Assembly by a 106-42 margin."

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State Dept. Denies Boy George a Visa

Boy George, who was planning a summer concert tour and a free show for the New York Department of Sanitation, with whom he swept the streets as his punishment for cocaine possession back in 2006, has been denied a visa from the State Dept.

He told Paper magazine:

"I'm pretty devastated because I am so excited about this forthcoming tour and having my visa application denied seems unfair after I swept the streets of New York spotless. There are a number of public figures who are openly using drugs and they have no problem with immigration and I have seriously turned my life around and I feel great right now and this is just another reminder of how bad things were. I committed a crime and I happily paid the consequences and I should be allowed to move on and get on with what I do best and that is performing and making people people dance and cry!"

The IHT reports: "His managers said in a statement Monday that the visa denial was not because of his past brush with the law in the U.S. but was because he is awaiting trial in London."

George has also penned a song for Barack Obama, which you can listen to at Paper as well called "Yes, We Can".

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Boy George to Perform Free Concert for NYC Sanitation Department

Boy George yesterday announced he'll perform a free August 17th concert for workers at New York City's Department of Sanitation, with whom he was sentenced to work following his 2005 arrest for cocaine possession.

George released a statement through his publicist: "The people I worked alongside showed great kindness to me at a very difficult time, and I wanted to thank them all in a way that would show my appreciation"

George turns 47 on Saturday. He'll be touring the U.S. this summer.

The shot above right, is from last night's opening of thee RS lounge in London, where he DJ'ed. More on that at Popbytes.

And as a bonus to yesterday's 1984 vintage Madonna clip, check out the clip of a Boy George look-alike contest in Sydney, from the same year, AFTER THE JUMP...

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Boy George Hawks T-shirts as Vendor at London Street Market

Boy George, who faces trial in November for the alleged imprisonment of a male escort, was spotted by UK tabloid The Sun hawking his B Rude fashion line of T-shirts at a London street market:

"The 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?' singer, 46, looked bored and miserable as he tried to shift the budget clobber from a battered trestle table. In shades and a shapeless hoodie, bald George slumped in his chair at Spitalfields Market, East London. On offer were £10 T-shirts, vests and hooded tops — all emblazoned with his B-Rude label. One shirt carried the slogan: 'Paris Hilton S*cks'. George told The Sun: 'It’s been all right — quiet today though. I’m bored and cold but we have to do a Friday stall to get a pitch on Sunday.'"

Culture Club's video for "Time" AFTER THE JUMP...

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Boy George Tells Court: Not Guilty of Imprisoning Male Escort

Dressed entirely in black, Boy George appeared for a 20-minute hearing at Snaresbrook Court in East London today, and spoke few words except to state his name, his "not guilty" plea, and tell the magistrate he understood the terms of his bail, according to the Times:

"The singer spent time talking with lawyers before leaving the court building, thanking fans who turned up to offer support. He said only 'no comment' to waiting press before leaving in a black Volkswagen people carrier. He was bailed to reappear for trial at the same court on November 24."

Boy George has been ordered to stand trial for false imprisonment of a male escort. The Norwegian escort, Auden Carlsen, cliamed in April 2007 that pop star-DJ-fashion designer Boy George had met him on the dating site Gaydar and called him to his flat where George and another man chained him by a hook to a bed, took photos of him in kinky sex gear, and threatened him with whips and sex toys. The escort, Auden Carlsen, has claimed that he agreed to go to George's flat at midnight as a £400 photographic model and not as an escort.

Boy George denies chaining escort to wall [times online]

Previously
Boy George Ordered to Stand Trial for Bondage Kidnap Charges [tr]
Boy George Officially Charged for Imprisoning Male Escort [tr]
Brother of Boy George Comments on Bondage Kidnap [tr] [tr]
Male Escort Accuses Boy George of Bondage Kidnap [tr]

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Boy George: Amy Winehouse Reminds Me of Me

Boy George, who kicked off his first British tour in 10 years last night, said he relates to Amy Winehouse because they both spent time at the same police station and she reminds him of an earlier version of him:

"I love Amy Winehouse. My favourite thing was seeing her going into Shoreditch police station (in connection to a bribery plot) because that's where I was nicked. It's obviously the pop star cop shop. She looks as it she should be in 'Hairspray', the pencil skirt, the beehive, always slightly dizzy. She reminds me of myself in the early days of Culture Club. She really inspired me to sing again. For me, the measure of a great singer is whether they make me cry. I love George Michael's voice but he never made me cry. Amy makes it sound effortless, but she's not faking it. It comes down to a complete package, feeling it, doing it, living it."

I guess I do see what he's talking about.

Previously
Boy George Comes Out of Hiding [tr]
Boy George: I Wanted to Hide Under a Rock, I Was Mortified... [tr]

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Boy George Comes Out of Hiding

Boy George, who last week in a lengthy interview with the Daily Mail told the tabloid "I hate talking about me" appeared on UK show This Morning to do just that, giving a short interview before a performance of "This Little Light of Mine".

When asked if a new album is in the works, George responded, "That will come once I've gone out there and repaired my reputation...I've decided that yes, I'd like to stay out of trouble."

Tomorrow he's set to begin a concert tour around England (his first in ten years) called "Songs That Make You Dance and Cry".

George told the Manchester Evening News: "I'm not coming out to do a nostalgia show. Nostalgia is a word which stinks of desperation. There are a lot of people who think I am desperate and they are very wrong. I feel this is a good time to do this. It's not motivated by money. They're small shows. We'll barely cover costs. I haven't made any money out of being a musician in - God knows - 20 years. I have to accept that in the past couple of years, all people have heard of me are bad things. So I've got to show them I'm not some seedy road-sweeper, that actually I am a proper artist and songwriter and I've got a great voice. And I think I forgot that as well. I got pre-occupied with other things and lost confidence in myself...I think at this stage I don't really have a career I need to save."

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Boy George: I Wanted to Hide Under a Rock, I Was Mortified...

Boy George is set to begin a series of intimate concert dates around Britain on a tour called called Songs That Make You Dance and Cry. He talked to the Daily Mail about his arrests, his bitchiness, being gay, and his favorite thing in the whole world.

George, who was ordered in November to stand trial for allegedly falsely imprisoning a male escort (which he can't discuss), says he's tired of living a public life and says he's fine being "a shadow of his former self."

Says George: "That's how I like it, and how I want to be seen. I hate talking about me. I think people have a fixed idea of me now. They think my life is miserable. But that's not the case. It's really sad if people see me [as seedy]. Just because somebody has kinky tastes doesn't mean that they're seedy. People who know me and love me would never call me that...I wanted 2007 to end, with a line drawn firmly under it, and move on. The last couple of years were s**t. I mean, I got arrested twice. I'll be 47 in June. I've had enough. It affects everything in your life. I don't ever want to see a policeman again. I have a New Year's resolution. I'm going to try hard to become a shrinking violet."

Of his arrest for cocaine possession in 2005, he confesses: "When that story came out, I wanted to hide under a rock. I was mortified. I was so disappointed in myself. But my first thought was: 'My poor mother! She's going to go crazy'. As it happens, she was great about it. The arrest had been so scary and I thought people were going to hate me. Once I was sweeping the streets, though, everyone was amazing - even the police."

The singer has also used heroin, another chapter he deplores: "Do I regret the heroin habit? Of course I do. It's not something I'm proud of. I used to be so arrogant about it until I realised that I was also destroying the people who loved me the most."

George says he's sorry if he seems angry, but his bitchiness is something he's hoping to put away: "Do I seem angry? Well, I can get angry but I come from a very angry family. I thought [my father] was going to kill me [when I told him I was gay. But he just sort of went: 'Don't care. You're my son. I love you... I open my mouth and bitchy things come out. I'm really trying to curb that. It doesn't make me look good. I was reading some things I'd said and I sounded horrible. I had a big row with Elton John and David Furnish about some queeny remark I'd made. But I regretted it and apologised to David. He was so sweet about it. It was Elton. I thought: 'Oh my God!' He thanked me for saying sorry to David. As a result, I made up my mind then that I didn't want to be seen as a bitch anymore. So I've stopped. End of...Now I confine my bitchy comments to my private life!"

The tabloid also asks him about relationships, and, more specifically, civil unions: "I suppose they're a good thing, although that's not something I'd want to do. In a way, it would feel a bit like trying to be the same as straight people. But I like being gay. I'm a very good queer. You grow up being called a poof at school - and by the teachers, I might add - and then, suddenly, you're meant to feel accepted. Well, I can't. It's impossible."

And finally, he reveals what makes him happiest: Being cuddled. That's my favourite thing in the whole world."

Boy George: why I like being a shadow of my old self [daily mail]

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News: Sperm Donors, Brad Pitt, Axel Hotel, Australia

New York sperm donor ordered to pay child support to lesbian couple.

Departing ambassador slams State Department and Condoleezza Rice for DISCRIMINATORY policies: "For the past three years, I’ve urged the Secretary and her senior management team to redress policies that discriminate against gay and lesbian employees. Absolutely nothing has resulted from this. And so I’ve felt compelled to choose between obligations to my partner — who is my family — and service to my country."

Buffalo, New York man charged with third-degree assault after punching a man for making "an open display of homosexuality."

Peter Andre says that in the 80's he had a crush on Boy George and thought he was female: "She is hot. I thought I was going to marry this woman."

Studies of HIV positive gay and bisexual men reveal high rates of unprotected sex: "The research team found that 37.3 percent of the men said they had engaged in unprotected anal intercourse over the past three months. In 41.3 percent of these cases, unsafe sex took place with another HIV-infected partner, but in 31.4 percent of cases the unprotected behavior took place with a partner whose HIV status was unknown. In 23 percent of cases, the infected man engaged in unprotected sex with a partner he knew to be HIV-negative, the study found." The CDC also reported that "more than twice as likely to be infected with the AIDS virus than their white counterparts," although the reason why wasn't immediately clear.

In London to accept his GAY award, Jesse Metcalfe puts on his prettiest face and assaults a paparazzo.

Starting point: Same-sex couples in Victoria, Australia will soon be allowed to register their relationships. "Attorney-General Rob Hulls said legislation tabled in Parliament yesterday would allow the couples to record their relationship with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr Hulls said the register is not gay marriage or a civil union, but would improve access to entitlements, such as superannuation, without de facto and same-sex couples having to prove repeatedly that they are in a committed relationship. 'These reforms provide that Victorian laws, in most cases treat de facto and same-sex couples the same way as married couples,' he said."

Daniel from America's Most Smartest Model is now doing Mayonnaise ads.

Fort Worth Baptist Church postpones decision on including photos of gay members in a 125th anniversary pictorial directory: " Broadway Baptist Church has debated whether the directory should include gay couples, or gay people individually but not as couples, or whether to omit all individual and family photos. Members were to vote Sunday after morning worship. But in a clear indication that they are divided over how accepting to be of homosexuality, they met for an hour and then postponed any decision until deacons make a recommendation on Feb. 24." Bigotry can be so indecisive.

"Etiquette enforcer" on the Long Island Railroad is also apparently a homophobe: " The latest chapter began March 28, as Clifford took his a seat on the 8:02 a.m. train from Long Beach, in a spot where he might stretch out his 6-foot-4 frame. Nearby, a young man talked loudly on his cellphone to a girlfriend, a railroad no-no. Clifford got upset only after the guy started yammering to Girlfriend No. 2. 'I asked him to keep it down. The kid just ignored me. I started arguing with him, 'Shut the f- - - up!' I said, 'F- - -ing faggot,' or whatever.'"

Little pink houses: Brad Pitt calls New Orleans home. And in other Pitt news, Radar wonders if the gaudy ring on Brad's right hand is a symbol of his spiritual solidarity with the gays.

New Axel Hotel is defining moment for gay and lesbian tourism in Argentina: "That Buenos Aires would be chosen for such a marketing experiment is a result of a marked change over the past several years in the acceptance of gay men and lesbians in Argentine society. This city of three million people has come a long way from the years of military dictatorship, when being openly gay could lead to jail. Five years ago this was the first major Latin American city to legalize same-sex unions, and this summer it was host to a World Cup for gay soccer players, a first in the region."

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Boy George Ordered to Stand Trial for Bondage Kidnap Charges

Boy George appeared before a judge in London on Thursday and was ordered to stand trial for false imprisonment of a male escort. The Norwegian escort, Auden Carlsen, claims that pop star-DJ-fashion designer Boy George had met him on the dating site Gaydar and called him to his flat where George and another man chained him by a hook to a bed, took photos of him in "kinky gear", and threatened him with whips and sex toys. The male escort, Auden Carlsen, also claimed that he "only agreed to go to his flat at midnight as a £400 photographic model and not as an escort."

George was ordered to appear again before the court on February 25, and was released on bail on the condition that he does not attempt to contact Carlsen.

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Boy George Officially Charged for Imprisoning Male Escort

George O'Dowd is back in trouble.

Last April, Norwegian male escort Auden Carlsen claimed that pop star-DJ-fashion designer Boy George had met him on the dating site Gaydar and called him to his flat where George and another man chained him by a hook to a bed, took photos of him in "kinky gear", and threatened him with whips and sex toys. The male escort, Auden Carlsen, also claimed that he "only agreed to go to his flat at midnight as a £400 photographic model and not as an escort."

Now, George has been officially charged by Scotland Yard for false imprisonment of the 28-year-old man and must appear before the Thames Magistrate next week.

At the time, Carlsen said: "It’s ironic that his biggest hit was 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?' — because I’m sure he did want to hurt me. I was convinced I was going to die...George said he was popping out for milk at 5am. I heard him come back and I walked into his bedroom wearing just my white underpants and a T-shirt. I was jumped on by George and another man. George handcuffed me to a hook by the bed as they held me down."

Carlsen reportedly escaped by ripping the hook he was chained to from the wall, and fleeing the apartment to a nearby newsstand where he called police.

Last May, George's brother Kevin O'Dowd defended his sibling: "The bloke (Carlsen) has done a far bit of modelling for our clothes shop, so how can what he said be true? George isn't at all annoyed at the allegations, in fact, he thinks it's hilarious. Yeah, he was arrested, but the police are always going to follow it up when someone makes a complaint like that."

Apparently some legitimacy was discovered in that follow-up.

Previously
Male Escort Accuses Boy George of Bondage Kidnap [tr]
Brother of Boy George Comments on Bondage Kidnap [tr]

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News: Hobbits, Marcia Brady, Gay GOP, Nude Sunbathing

Remains of human "hobbits" discovered in Indonesia.

L.A. Times no fan of Boy George's fashion line: "Been wondering what clever Boy George is up to lately? Of course, you haven't. Despite that, here's a sneak peek at his latest endeavor -- a retro punk clothing line called B-Rude. We don't really want to hurt him (or his feelings), but this bright neon, ripped, safety-pinned sportswear is so been there/done that. It's a blatant rip-off of the late designer Stephen Sprouse's '80s collections...he only person I could see wanting to wear this stuff is teen idol/punkette poseur Avril Lavigne. Hey, she's already got the crass finger flip down pat."

Political fallout for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders unclear following his tearful press conference yesterday in which he changed his position and threw his support behind a resolution urging the California Supreme Court to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

Provincetown beachgoers receive retroactive nude sunbathing tickets from Cape Cod National Seashore undercover police.

The Bahamas Christian Council battling to keep LOGO off the air on Cable Bahamas. BCC PrResident John Humes: "I don't think it would be in the best interest for Cable Bahamas to proceed with incorporating this channel. There may be a market there but we already have enough problems with what we have now [in terms of channels on Cable Bahamas]. And to bring a gay agenda into the mix, we will not stand by idly and allow that to happen, for sure."

Britney Spears' patience with the media is wearing thin.

200 rally in Hollywood marriage equality protest at Arnold Schwarzengger's Walk of Fame star.

Salon's Gay Guide to the GOP: "On one end, there is Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor who has lived with gay friends, favors gay domestic partnerships, and sometimes dresses in drag. At the other end, there is Alan Keyes, who calls lesbians 'selfish hedonists,' even though his only daughter is a lesbian. There exists, shall we say, a veritable rainbow of variation in between."

Brady Bunch shocker: Behind-the-scenes "sexual hijinks" between Marcia and Jan.

World Cup of gay soccer to kick off in Buenos Aires.

20/20 to cover "ex-Gay" conference Love Won Out tonight: "It's about people who have to make tough choices in their lives."

UK schools urge police intervention in cyber-bullying cases: "The threat of legal sanctions on top of school disciplinary measures, including the confiscation of mobile phones and temporary bans or restricted access to the internet, is recommended in far tougher guidance to combat the increasing incidence of this form of bullying. Research for the new campaign found one in three 12-15-year-olds reported having been cyberbullied, a higher proportion than other surveys. Teacher unions, too, say members are being subjected to demeaning and offensive attacks through pupils' videos and comments on websites."

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Brother of Boy George Comments on Bondage Kidnap

Boy George's brother Kevin O'Dowd remarked on the singer's reported arrest over the weekend for allegedly chaining up a male escort against his will. The escort, Auden Carlsen, reportedly ripped his shackles from the hook he was chained to and fled the singer's flat after George brandished whips and sex toys and said "Now you'll get what you deserve."

Said Kevin O'Dowd: "The bloke (Carlsen) has done a far bit of modelling for our clothes shop, so how can what he said be true? George isn't at all annoyed at the allegations, in fact, he thinks it's hilarious. Yeah, he was arrested, but the police are always going to follow it up when someone makes a complaint like that."

Carlsen said he went to George's flat as "a £400 photographic model and not as an escort."

(image courtesy of pretty on the outside)

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For our previous Boy George coverage, click here.

Boy George has reportedly had another run-in with authorities if reports from Brit tabloid The Sun are accurate.

The singer, who spent much of 2006 dealing with repercussions from his arrest on cocaine charges in 2005, was reportedly taken to a police station and questioned over the weekend after a Norwegian male escort claimed the singer met him on the dating site Gaydar and called him to his flat where George another man chained him by a hook to a bed, took photos of him in "kinky gear", and threatened him with whips and sex toys.

The male escort, Auden Carlsen, also claimed that he "only agreed to go to his flat at midnight as a £400 photographic model and not as an escort."

Said Carlsen: "It’s ironic that his biggest hit was Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? — because I’m sure he did want to hurt me. I was convinced I was going to die...George said he was popping out for milk at 5am. I heard him come back and I walked into his bedroom wearing just my white underpants and a T-shirt. I was jumped on by George and another man. George handcuffed me to a hook by the bed as they held me down."

According to The Sun: "He said George got rid of the blond man then produced a box of whips and sex toys — telling him: 'Now you’ll get what you deserve.'"

Carlsen said he escaped by ripping the hook he was chained to from the wall, and fleeing the apartment to a nearby newsstand where he called police.

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