Towleroad Guide to the Tube #327

MITT ROMNEY: McCain "authored the philosophy" of surge in Iraq nonsense.

OLD SPICE: First Neil Patrick Harris, now a beefcake Centaur.

CRISTIANO RONALDO: Talks to HollyScoop at last night's ESPY awards about a possible move to L.A.

THE VIEW: The women discuss Jesse Jackson's use of the N-word.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.

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News: Wicked, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mars, Mamma Mia, Ron Paul

The NYT on the potential repeal of the 1913 Massachusetts marriage law.

The Martian landscape revealed...

Cristiano Ronaldo hits L.A. on crutches and doesn't waste any time snubbing Paris Hilton.

Ron Paul's openly gay campaign chair dies of pneumonia at 49, without health insurance: "Snyder, who served as Paul’s campaign chair, died of pneumonia on June 26 after being hospitalized for about two months and after running up medical bills exceeding $400,000, according to friends and family members, who said he did not have health insurance."

A Mamma-Mia cheat sheet.

Moscow authorities ban gay picket of Iranian embassy set for July 19: "About 30 people were due to take part, Moscow gay pride parade organizer Nikolay Alexeyev told the Interfax-Religion. He said the application was submitted last Friday in strict compliance with Russian laws, but the prefecture retorted it could not guarantee the security of those taking part in the picket. 'This is a flagrant violation of the Russian constitution and laws on public actions,' Alexeyev said."

Will the knowledge that Banksy may be bourgeois make his works less valuable?

The L.A. Times profiles Paul Colichman and his growing "gay media empire": "Five years ago, Colichman and his business partner launched Here, television's only premium gay cable network. Now, with an eye toward building their empire, they recently made a $6.5-million deal to buy the popular news magazine the Advocate, style monthly Out and other sister publications. Colichman, who also owns the gay entertainment Internet portal GayWired.com, plans to expand the online presence of his new publications once the acquisition closes. 'People say, 'Why would you buy a print publication when you're really in the television business?'' said Colichman. 'But our point of view is that everything is cross-platformed now -- we are in the content business, and to generate profit you need to be everywhere.'"

Tyson shows off his tatts.

Broadway's Wicked coming to the big screen.

Chris Evans to answer questions at San Diego's Comic-Con.

First openly gay leader of a national labor union elected: "New York based United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten has been elected to succeed Edward McElroy as President of the American Federation of Teachers...Weingarten served for 10 years as UFT head and under her tenure she negotiated a 43 percent increase in educator salaries and helped organize 28,000 home childcare workers."

Andy Dick in sex and drugs arrest.

North Carolina Family Policy Council supports bullying of LGBT kids in schools...

Pew Poll: 28% say gay marriage will affect their vote. "As it did in October 2004, gay marriage ranks lowest in importance among 16 campaign issues for the average U.S. voter; overall, 28% say gay marriage will be very important to their vote, down slightly from 32% in 2004. Far more Republicans than Democrats (19 points) rate gay marriage as very important. White evangelical Protestants (49%) place the most importance on the issue. Currently, 49% of the public opposes allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, while 38% support gay marriage."

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News: Ian McKellen, Cher, The Onion, Larry Sinclair, Gay Androids

Supreme Court rules in favor of right to bear arms.

Sir Ian McKellen made a Companion of Honour by the Queen.

Cher has a stalker who tried to grab her by the wrist in Nashville.

Obama-accuser Larry Sinclair, who was arrested last week when his criminal record caught up with him following an appearance at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., is being defended by some as a "political prisoner".

Remember Britain's Got Talent's angelic bullied choirboy Andrew Johnston? He didn't win, but he did just get a £1 million deal with Simon Cowell's record label.

Houston-area homes and vehicles targeted by spray paint vandals using racial and homophobic slurs: "Fort Bend County Sheriff's detectives are investigating more than a dozen incidents of theft and vandalism involving racist and obscene words spray painted on homes and vehicles. The incidents were reported about 7:30 a.m. Sunday in the New Territory development, said sheriff's spokeswoman Terriann Carlson. 'It appears that white spray paint was used on all of the vehicles and the residences and racial and derogatory slurs such as the swastika symbol, and male body parts,' Carlson said. The slurs also targeted homosexuals, she said."

HRC President Joe Solmonese on the first congressional hearings to educate members about gender identity issues. More on the hearings from Pam.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: HIV/AIDS infection rates for drug users, prostitutes and gay men around the globe are on the rise. "'HIV is a long-term and complex disaster on many levels ... For marginalized groups across the world — injecting drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men — rates are on the increase,' said the Geneva-based humanitarian agency. Those groups, living on the fringes of society in many countries and especially in the developing world, 'often face stigma, criminalization and little, if any, access to prevention and treatment services,' it added."

West Hollywood's historic 'Tara' mansion may get new life as a same-sex wedding location.

The Onion celebrates Gay Pride.

Lesbians in Vancouver claim comedian crossed homophobic line during routine: "Ms. Pardy alleges that she and her same-sex partner were subjected to a tirade of homophobic and sexist comments by Mr. Earle. Mr. Earle denies that he discriminated, while admitting that his interactions with Ms. Pardy and her partner were heated."

A Cristiano Ronaldo fix for you.

18-year-old gay Boston drop-out Alex Quince triumphs with perfect score on the GED reading test: "A quiet teenager making A's and B's, he ran away from home, dropped out of school, and tried everything from marijuana to heroin. He struggled with his sexual orientation. When his mother called his cellphone, sick with worry, he responded with a text message. 'I'm gay,' it said. 'I'm not coming home.'"

Hugh Jackman has left the beaches of Sydney and is now stunning onlookers in St. Tropez.

Does everyone in the world have a sex tape?

A police force of 2,000 guarded today's gay pride parade in Jerusalem. If numbers are correct, that's one officer for every person who took part.

Gays in Oregon question commitment of Senator Gordon Smith. HRC's David M. Smith: "Our view of Gordon Smith is, he has been a leader on a number of our issues. His record is strong and he is very clear about it, and we appreciate everything he's done and continues to do. [But] we will not be endorsing him."

With Wall-E on the verge of release, Radar posts a brief history of gay androids.

ABC: Barack and Michelle Obama putting mark on the fashion world.

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News: Polo, Jeff Gannon, Jerusalem, Sacha Baron-Cohen, Banksy

With Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem set for Thursday, Haredim choose this year to avoid public protest.

Mario Lopez attempts to recreate a classic.

VV: Why isn't anyone fucking anymore? "The city has shut down all but two bathhouses and every known sex club in Manhattan, as well as citing bars, clubs, and private parties where inspectors find any men-on-men action. The few entrepreneurs still out there complain about apathy and different priorities among younger gay men."

Nomination of homophobic surgeon general James Holsinger may be dead: "Sen. Jim Bunning (R., Ky.), a staunch supporter of surgeon general nominee James W. Holsinger Jr., suggested yesterday that the doctor’s quest for the top U.S. medical post is at an end. During a telephone news conference, Bunning said he doubted the nomination would move forward. He cited the Democratic leadership’s blockage of several Bush administration-backed judicial appointments. 'They are not moving any positions of consequence,' he said."

May 15: Universal sets release date for Sacha Baron-Cohen comedy about gay Austrian journalist Bruno.

Banksy works exceed expectations at London urban art auctions.

Washington Times columnist >Wes Pruden cavalier over millions of AIDS deaths: "We were all supposed to be dead now, done in by AIDS, the gift of the gays. After that it was SARS, bequeathed to the world by China. Then it was avian flu, which, to be fair to the alarmists, did in fact result in the deaths of millions. The millions were all chickens, true, but chickens have feelings, too. You could ask the folks at PETA."

Rex Wockner chronicles the same-sex marriages in San Diego in photos.

Prince Harry gets in uniform to honor Britain's fallen.

Gay Polo League plays in first tournament ever.

Slate: Gay culture war about to turn chemical. "If the idea of chemically suppressing homosexuality in the womb horrifies you, I have bad news: You won't be in the room when it happens. Parents control medical decisions, and surveys indicate that the vast majority of them would be upset to learn that their child was gay. Already, millions are screening embryos and fetuses to eliminate those of the "wrong" sex. Do you think they won't screen for the 'wrong' sexual orientation, too?"

Cristiano Ronaldo and the sweet taste of success.

Keanu Reeves frolics in the surf.

LETTER: The full letter from The Rt Rev Richard Chartres to Rev Martin Dudley following Dudley's marriage of two gay priests.

Jeff Gannon now blogging at the National Press Club.

Germany divided over prospect of gay Lutheran bishop: " Horst Gorski, a senior cleric from Hamburg, is standing for the post of bishop of Schleswig in northern Germany against Gerhard Ulrich, a senior cleric from the Schleswig area. The incumbent bishop is retiring in September. Gorski is a widely respected theologian and he helped set up a centre for gay and lesbian Lutheran pastors. His open homosexuality angers some Lutheran conservatives who argue his election as bishop would leave many Christians with no spiritual home."

Pittsburgh paper: Rural gays isolated, but still stigmatized.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is a Wanted Man

Here's someone I haven't featured in a while. Cristiano Ronaldo at his Euro 2008 training session today. Real Madrid has been pursuing the Portuguese footballer aggressively, and Manchester United isn't happy about it.

Make sure not to miss the money shot, AFTER THE JUMP...

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News: Autoerotica, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mandals, Bertrand Delanoe

There may be a ruling soon on Wisconsin's same-sex marriage ban.

Autoerotica: Washington man has had sex with more than 1,000 cars.

In 2000, McCain said he'd be too old to run in 2008: "Well, in 2004, I expect to be campaigning for the reelection of President George W. Bush, and by 2008, I think I might be ready to go down to the old soldiers home and await the cavalry charge there."

'Save California' group says issuing marriage licenses to gays is the moral equivalent of gassing Jews: "Ask your county clerk if they were a Nazi officer during WWII and had been ordered to gas the Jews, would they? At the Nuremberg trials, they would have been convicted of murder for following this immoral order." UPDATE: Group edits alert.

Winehouse out, Beyonce in to record James Bond theme.

Gay rights activists condemn Gambia leader's announcement that he plans to kill all gays: "Carey Johnson of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Council said the comments were 'disgraceful'. 'What president Jammeh fails to realise is that there are a significant population of Gambians who are gay, and he has no right to ask them to leave,' Mr Johnson said. The speech was 'doubly disgraceful' because The Gambia is the host country for the African Commission on Human and People's Rights, he said. ...'Jammeh has a long history of homophobia,' said British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell. 'If he tries to carry out these threats, international aid donors are likely to withdraw their support, and foreign tourists will stay away in droves, thereby damaging the Gambian economy,' he added."

Britney Spears is in the recording studio again working on follow-up to Blackout.

Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoë takes first steps in journey that could lead him to the presidency: "In the introduction to a book of interviews, outlining a market-oriented and even Blairist future for Socialism in France, M. Delanoë hinted strongly that he would run for the leadership of the Parti Socialiste in November and probably seek the party's presidential nomination in four years' time. He was ready, he said, to "invest my convictions and energy in my country" if 'democracy and the Socialist Party call on me... to act'."

Will TV's first gay superhero Thom Creed soon make his way to your living room? "It's not campy either — it's not The Gayest American Hero. He just happens to be gay. It's just one of the many things he wrestles with."

Folks in New York's Union Square try on the season's gayest mandals.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United win the Champions League trophy!

Homophobic attack in Portsmouth, UK: "Two men have been attacked by a gang in what police described as a homophobic incident in Portsmouth city centre. The men, aged 41 and 20, were walking in Guildhall Square when they were attacked by two men and a woman who were part of a large group. One of the men received grazes to his chest and back and the other sustained a black eye and a sore neck."

Black bunny captures Provincetown's imagination.

Richard Dreyfus to play Cheney to Josh Brolin's Bush in Oliver Stone's W.

Marketing director for sperm bank catering to gays and lesbians files sexual harassment lawsuit: "In a lawsuit filed in New York, Scott Glasgow says he was pressured into sharing a bed on company trips with his boss, Growing Generations CEO Stuart Miller. The lawsuit also claims that Miller sent Glasgow pictures of himself shirtless, wearing bondage attire and holding a whip, and forced Glasgow to perform in drag on a company trip."

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Cristiano Ronaldo Scores One in Rome

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo pleased fans back at home in the team's 2-0 win over Roma last night, doffing his shirt and exchanging it with French Defender Philippe Mexes. Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both scored goals to advance the team in the Champions League.

One more shot, AFTER THE JUMP...

Previously
Cristiano Ronaldo Has Some Seductive Weapons in His Arsenal [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo: Me Look Pretty One Day [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo is Back [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Hit Where it Counts [tr]

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News: Ben Cohen, Ryerson, Bachelor, Illinois, Arctic Icecap

Bad sign for the future of the Arctic ice cap: thickest, oldest, toughest ice melting...

British rugby stud Ben Cohen releases details on a night with his gay fans: "'Moving away from the more traditional rugby testimonial theme, the Ben Cohen Testimonial Committee is holding a ground breaking event at The Dorchester in London,' his publicist Jill Tipping said. 'BENediction is an exclusive evening of fun, feasting and frivolity aimed primarily at including his legions of fans in the gay community in the testimonial celebrations. Guests are promised a 'whole host of treats and surprises making this event a real one off and not to be missed. Ben Cohen fans need to make sure that they reserve their places quickly as they are expected to snapped up fast,' Tipping said. Of course, we are not sure how far Cohen will take the concept of 'one off,' but he has never been shy about marketing his physical assets."

If you missed the first episode of this season's The Bachelor (and I have a feeling many of you did), you can catch up real quick: this mess was what it was all about.

AfterElton looks at Jimmy Kimmel and the gays.

Beckham power shops and rocks the plain white tee.

Central Illinois' only gay newspaper shuts its doors: "The Flame is out. After 111/2 years of publication, Prairie Flame, central Illinois’ only newspaper that concentrated solely on gay issues and events, has called it a day...Volunteers distributed copies of each edition over much of the state, from Springfield to the Quad Cities, Joliet, Champaign and Effingham. Circulation was more than 8,000, and there were more than 200 places where the free newspaper could be found. But production costs kept rising, and ad revenue could not keep up."

Anderson Cooper underwent surgery for skin cancer: "I’ve been off for the last couple of days. I had minor surgery on Monday. I hadn’t planned on mentioning this, but I still have stitches and you’ll no doubt notice them tonight. Don’t want you to think I got into a fist fight with Charlie Rose."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo under fire for bullfight commercial: "The advertisement, for Fuji Xerox, shows the Portuguese winger taunting the bull with a football in the manner of a matador with a cape."

Ryerson University in Toronto sees gay bashing spike: "Ryerson's queer student group is scared homophobia is spreading across campus after its door was vandalized and grafitti saying 'gays must be exterminated' was left on a bathroom stall for at least three weeks. 'I have no doubt that we were targeted,' said RyePRIDE member Jesse Trautmann about a series of students' union stickers pasted on the group's door and nearby positive space posters on March 10. The office is located on the second floor of the Student Campus Centre. 'The amount of time it would have taken to cover the entire Rye- PRIDE sign — it was intentional.'"

Group pushes for "gay village" in Ottawa, Canada.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie still together, or just playing for the cameras?

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News: T.R. Knight, Seal, Dame Edna, Portland, Dominic Monaghan

Barack Obama wins 'Democrats Abroad' primary 65.6% to Hillary Clinton's 32.7%. DailyKos: "That's 11 in a row for Obama (including the Virgin Islands)! There are 7 pledged delegate-equivalents to be awarded, in addition to 4 superdelegate-equivalents."

4 am Drunk driver in Portland somehow drives onto underground MAX mass transit system, drives for a mile before being stopped.

UEFA Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo 'dazzled' by laser beam at Lyon's Stade Gerland: "Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the club has contacted European football's governing body with a view to having the matter looked at more closely in the form of television pictures from the Champions League tie. 'We reported the matter to Uefa before the game,' Ferguson said. 'We noticed it in the warm-up and [Uefa] are aware of it.'

Gay Irish poet Cathal O Searcaigh cut from curriculum over teen sex scandal: "Education Minister Mary Hanafin said yesterday that there were "difficulties" with the inclusion of his poems on the exam curriculum. She said the issue will be examined by the body which decides which poems should be on the curriculum, the National Council on Curriculum Development. Mr O Searcaigh is the subject of a controversial documentary 'Fairytale in Kathmandu', in which the gay writer admits having sex with some of the male teenagers being financially supported by him in Nepal. Yesterday he announced he is to distance himself from any future distribution of charitable funds in Nepal."

If that's T.R. Knights 'dick in a box', I'm impressed!

More on State Representative Jason Bartlett, who came out of the closet and is now the first openly gay African American state legislator: "It does feel kind of weird to be the first African American state legislator in the United States to come out but it is what it is. It's all about being comfortable with yourself. I mean, certainly, I am not the first gay African American legislator but I am the first to come out and say I am gay."

Actress Emily Perry, who played Dame Edna Everage's 'bridesmaid' Madge Allsop for many years, has died at the age of 100: "Perry appeared on Dame Edna's ITV star-studded shows and travelled the world as part of comic Barry Humphries' stage spectaculars. Humphries told the BBC: 'It is a great loss to me, she was a close friend.' The actress appeared in the Dame Edna Experience, a comedy chat show which attracted a whole host of UK and Hollywood names, from 1987 to 1989. As New Zealander Madge Allsop she never uttered a word, and her main function was to affix badges to star guests - and bear the brunt of Dame Edna's savage comments."

San Francisco holds vigil for slain gay junior high student Lawrence King.

Heidi Klum and Seal get catty.

AfterElton talks to gay Survivor: Micronesia contestant Chet Welch, who also happens to be the most successful Miss America pageant coach: "I've always been open in my area. I've always been even though I grew up in a rural farming area of Pennsylvania. Truthfully, I've never had an issue in my life about being gay. If people had an issue, I wasn't really aware of it, or if they did, I figured that was their problem not mine. I do hope in some way I'm able to encourage other people that way, as well as I was hoping to show people that might have homophobia or issues with it in some way that it's not what it's sometimes portrayed to be."

Dominic Monaghan joins Hugh Jackman in X-Men: Wolverine as 'Beak'.

Survey of 100 gay porn actors finds lack of education and information about on-set HIV risk: "Almost 30% of gay adult industry performers in the survey were either HIV positive or didn't know their status. While most were comfortable working with HIV positive performers, many were concerned about the lack of discussion surrounding HIV and STDs on set . Over 80% of performers strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that condom-using studios provided adequate safety measures to protect them from HIV, but little more than half of the respondents felt that the they were being protected adequately from non-HIV risks like hepatitis, HPV or syphilis."

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Cristiano Ronaldo Has Some Seductive Weapons in His Arsenal

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, fully recovered from his recent black eye, bid a fond farewell to rival midfielder Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal following their 2-2 match-up on Saturday.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

You may have missed...
Cristiano Ronaldo: Me Look Pretty One Day [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo is Back [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Hit Where it Counts [tr]

(image source, source)

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Me Look Pretty One Day

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo showed up to a signing for his new book Moments trying to cover up a black eye and a forehead gash sustained during a match on Tuesday.

At least his ego wasn't bruised. He told reporters gathered there: "It's not a problem. In four or five days I will be beautiful once again."

Ronaldo was elbowed in a collision with Mirko Vucinic of Roma:

Said Ronaldo of the injury: "I don't think it was intentional. I don't like to look like this but this kind of thing can happen in football."

You may have missed...
Cristiano Ronaldo is Back [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Hit Where it Counts [tr]
Ronaldo and Rooney are Thick as Thieves [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester Utd win Premier League Title [tr]

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Cristiano Ronaldo is Back

Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted vacationing in Portugal last weekend, providing a fresh set of prurient photo fodder for the masses. Check out the latest entry for your Ronaldo pin-up album, which hit the internet at warp speed this afternoon, after the jump...

(image source)

You may have missed...
Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Hit Where it Counts [tr]
Ronaldo and Rooney are Thick as Thieves [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester Utd win Premier League Title [tr]

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News: Paula Abdul, Apes, Wiimbledon, Lost, Cristiano Ronaldo

Algerian AIDS crisis hampered by ignorance, misunderstanding: "In Algeria, where
AIDS spreads mainly through sexual contact, 10 million free condoms are waiting in warehouses of the national pharmacy but there are no takers."

Cristiano Ronaldo does a little thumb-sucking on holiday.

USA Today's Pop Candy blog has compiled the 20 most interesting comments/theories they received about Lost on their forums.

Nine U.S. tennis players, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Vince Spadea, Justin Gimelstob, Amer Delic, Robert Kendrick, Sam Querrey Michael Russell, and Robby Ginepri, wiped out in first round at French Open: "It's the first time at any Grand Slam tournament since the 1973 Australian Open that no man representing the United States will play in the second round of singles -- and it's worth noting that no Americans entered that Australian Open."

Paula Abdul whines about her former publicist, gay PR guru Howard Bragman: "I do a call-in every week for OK! Magazine on 'American Idol.' Because of my brilliant job, they want to do a cover on me. I'm being told by Howard Bragman that I'm too old and no one will ever want to do a cover." Bragman responds: "I'm not going into it. I'll stand by my reputation if she'll stand by hers."

Researchers converse with the apes: "The research we conduct here powerfully informs people about the nature of great ape intelligence. We know that humans and great apes share far more than they differ. I think we have to recognize that. If that does not compel us to preserve great apes in the wild, I don't know what can."

Tom Ford doesn't want you to fit into his suits.

Live Journal deletes hundreds of sex-themed discussion groups: "Some deleted LiveJournal communities went by names like childlove and little_children (a community permits multiple LiveJournal users to post entries, while an individual account is limited to one user). Others, however, broadly fall into the category of science fiction, fantasy or user-written 'fandom' stories--and it is those that have sparked the outcry."

Wii tennis pros alert! The first 'Wiimbledon' tennis tournament will soon be taking place in Brooklyn.

Call him sir: David Beckham to be knighted?

Swiss politicians condemn homophobic posters.

Former View host Debbie Matenopoulos weighs in on the Rosie/Elizabeth feud: "The kind of discussions that occurred between Elisabeth and Rosie are real discussions that happen in this country. The View was the only place on TV where open, heated debate happened. By airing debates like that, regardless of who gets offended, it helps the country move forward. It forced people to question their own beliefs and, perhaps, open their eyes to other possibilities. Being polite and complacent doesn't create change. No one is discussing the fact that the fight was less about politics and the war and more about Elisabeth not having Rosie's back, as a friend. Politics aside, by not defending Rosie, Elisabeth was basically saying 'I don't repect you or our relationship. That had to hurt. That was someone feeling betrayed by someone she considered a friend."

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Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Hit Where it Counts

The Manchester United phenomenon injured his groin during a training session in the rain yesterday. Medics from far and wide came running.

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Ronaldo and Rooney are Thick as Thieves

The Manchester United teammates hug it out.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester Utd win Premier League Title

Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of Manchester United won the Premier League title over the weekend without having to shake a leg after second place club Chelsea tied in their match (1-1) with Arsenal on Sunday.

It was a good weekend for the football club, which also beat Manchester City, a win which inspired the kind of celebration from Cristiano Ronaldo that we like to see.

Late last week, Ronaldo was also named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

Ronaldo, his teammate Wayne Rooney, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson have recently been the target of threatening letters filled with hate notes and white powder (since declared to be harmless).

You may have missed...
Cristiano Ronaldo's Dressing Room Mirror, Mirror on the Wall [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo: Boxing, Bongos, and What Feels Good [tr]
Looking Good at Louis Vuitton [tr]

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News: Impeach Cheney, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Iowa, Shia LaBeouf

Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich said he'll hold a news conference Wednesday where he plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney. Kucinich: ''So I'm asking you, what do you think? Do you think it's time?''

Cristiano Ronaldo is not only the "Player of the Year," he's also the "Young Player of the Year". More on Ronaldo here...

Still a long way to go in this election, but the latest national poll has Barack Obama even with Hillary Clinton: "Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, has steadily gained on Clinton, a veteran on the national political scene, over the last month and each now polled 32 percent among likely Democratic voters, the survey by Rasmussen Reports found. Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina was third in the poll with 17 percent."

The gay film Solos has been pulled from the Singapore Film Festival over graphic sex: "The board said in a statement that the film contained "prolonged and explicit homosexual lovemaking scenes including scenes of oral sex and threesome sex" which had to be removed. The cuts make up about five minutes of the 77-minute film, Ang said. She said the filmmakers had not expected the censors to demand the cuts, as the 20-year-old festival, which is seen as catering to a niche and relatively limited audience, has previously screened movies she said were more graphic. 'I was actually prepared that we may have had cuts if we wanted to organize a commercial screening, but I didn't expect that for the festival itself,' Ang said."

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers checks himself into rehab: After a non-stop succession of filming, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has entered an alcohol-treatment program. He felt a break was needed to maintain his recovery."

Facing a debt of $102,000, organizers of Seattle's Gay Pride are reportedly "scrambling" to salvage the event and may cancel it altogether. Organizer: "People can still be proud; ... it just means we're tired."

Gay civil rights bill in Iowa may be getting a second chance: "The deciding factor could be a provision that allows employers to maintain dress codes as they see appropriate, [House Majority Leader Kevin] McCarthy said. That change could help some Republicans support the idea, which would create enough support for the proposal to pass. 'If that's something that folks need on their side of the aisle in order for them to unlock their people, then that's something we're willing to accept,' McCarthy said."

Shia LaBeouf working toward becoming Shia LaBuff: "The Disturbia actor is beefing up to star in the new Indiana Jones movie alongside Harrison Ford. 'The guy is still in premium shape,' LaBeouf tells PEOPLE. 'You don't want to be standing next to Harrison Ford and not be jacked also.'"

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News: Sanjaya Ponyhawk, Alberto Gonzalez, Iowa, Billy Bean

The Iowa state Senate has approved a bill prohibiting discrimination against gays and lesbians: "Backers of the bill, mostly Democrats, pushed it to passage on a 32-17 vote. They portrayed the legislation as a needed strike against discrimination that would also make the state more economically attractive. The bill, Senate File 427, would add the words 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity"' to the Iowa's Civil Rights Act, which currently bars discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion and disability. The act specifically targets discrimination tied to employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit." The bill has been sent to the House.

Sanjaya and the ponyhawk rule American Idol, plus: "Gwen Stefani can't mentor worth a damn! What the hell kind of advice was she giving...yeah no advice! She just stood there and smiled and then told us what she really thought of your no-talent asses behind their backs!"

Radar lines up out gay athletes John Amaechi, Billy Bean, and Esera Tuaolo for a roundtable on life in the locker room. Bean: "I was actually once asked if I was a top or a bottom on a radio show, and that was the first time that I think I was embarrassed in public. When you become public, when you "come out," when you invite the public into your private life, there is a sense that you deserve to be asked that question."

No, nothing to hide: Alberto Gonzalez directly contradicts his own statements about the firing of U.S. attorneys.

Wingnut and Earth-hating Senator James Inhofe vows to stop Al Gore's global warming concert from taking place on Capitol grounds.

Cristiano Ronaldo: balcony underwear flasher.

Dina Matos McGreevey prepares to speak and a once-married gay man has a few things to say about it: "When a gay man finally decides to come out to his wife, it's a moment he's prepared for, in some cases over the course of his entire life, but in all cases, he's worked up to it, he's had time to prepare for this new reality. In most cases, he's chosen the time and the place, he's rehearsed the scene many times in his head. Furthermore, he sees it as the beginning of a new life, a mentally healthier life (or so he hopes,) the pursuit of wholeness as a human being. He goes into it prepared and on his own terms."

John McCain calls media a bunch of "jerks".

Van Hansis, who recently was nominated for a daytime Emmy for his role as a gay teen on As the World Turns, is about to get a boyfriend (on the show). (Show clips...)

Burger King set to make "historic advance" in animal welfare: "...the world's second-largest hamburger chain, said Tuesday that it would begin buying eggs and pork from suppliers that did not confine their animals in cages and crates. The company said that it would also favor suppliers of chickens that use gas, or "controlled-atmospheric stunning," rather than electric shocks, to knock birds unconscious before slaughter. It is considered a more humane method, though only a few slaughterhouses use it."

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News: Hawaii Gay Marriage, Liposuction Speedboat, Helen Mirren

Hawaii lawmakers kill civil union bill by refusing to vote on it: "More than 100 people packed the House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, many waving pink signs reading, 'Civil Unions. Equal protection, justice for all.' At least 400 people submitted extensive written or oral testimony. After five hours of testimony, though, the committee declined to vote. Representatives offered little explanation to the public, but it was a sign that the bill lacked enough support to become law."

"Aching adolescence" explored in new film Wild Tigers I Have Known: "Newly aware of his homosexual urges, Logan is too naïve to camouflage his desires by putting up a front. And the film captures his vulnerability and dismay when his classmates reject him and spread the word that he’s gay, even though his explorations haven’t gone beyond the point of staring at other boys in the locker room. Even his straight best friend, Joey (Max Paradise), a science nerd who has made an amusing list of 'ways to be cool,' begins to withdraw after Logan insists on putting on lipstick for a snapshot."

Speedboat runs on liposuctioned body fat (watch video).

Paparazzi fascinated by Helen Mirren's eating habits.

"Ex-gay" leader Randy Thomas on newly out financial guru Suze Orman: gays haven't suffered enough to deserve civil rights. "From another angle, this also does not help some in the gay activist community with their attempts to make this battle, over redefining marriage, a 'civil rights' issue. Suze and her partner worrying over their 'millions' doesn't have the same ring or impact as watching young black people being knocked down by fully opened fire hoses and mauled by tax payer funded police dogs. I don't think Suze or Tammy would ever make that comparison but some in the activist community do equate the marriage battle with the civil rights battle of the African American community and that is tragic."

Rupert Everett to be "chief of parade" at Sydney Mardi Gras. Everett: "Like JFK, but without the assassination."

Cristiano Ronaldo to be joined on Manchester United by a pair of identical twins: "When we were negotiating, Cristiano Ronaldo phoned us saying that Manchester United was a tremendous club and it was a wonderful place to play football."

Judith Light to be honored for her work for HIV/AIDS. David Mixner: "In just over a decade, Judith Light has participated in near 400 events relating to HIV/AIDS. I think it would be almost impossible to find a leading actress who has done more in the battle. Not only has she allowed her celebrity to be used to raise funds and create awareness, she personally has been a caretaker to people with HIV/AIDS. Judith Light was an activist and caregiver when few others were willing to even lend their names."

Two new drugs introduced in HIV battle.

Liz Taylor turns 75: "Taylor's voice was soft and she seemed frail as she chatted briefly with reporters, telling them her secret to making it to 75 was 'just living a very healthy, clean life.'" (photos)

Katherine Heigl leaving Grey's Anatomy? Money is the reason, not a bigoted co-star.

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