News: Ann Coulter, Indonesia, Piano, Marc Jacobs, Pat Buchanan

Piano found in perfect working condition deep in woods of Cape Cod: "The Baldwin piano, which had a matching bench, was set up as if someone was about to sit down and play, reported WCVB-TV in Boston. Despite efforts by police to locate its owner, or at least explain how it came to be in a conservation area, police Monday said no one has contacted them...The piano is so heavy that it took more than a half-dozen men to load it onto a truck."

Ann Coulter's mouth wired shut. Image from a conservative women fur calendar.

SICK: Indonesian province moves forward with microchip implant proposal for people with HIV/AIDS. "Since the plan was initially proposed, the government has narrowed its scope, saying the chips would only be implanted in those who are 'sexually aggressive,' but it has not said how it would determine who fits that group. It also was not clear how many people it might include."

Britney Spears rolls the Stone back.

Amy Winehouse back in the hospital.

Brazil's DOM magazine halting publication.

Westboro Baptist Church flee after being met by hundreds of student counter-protestors in Omaha: "Students threw hamburgers and bottles of lemonade and milk at several members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., students said after the protest. A video of the protest was” recorded by 16-year-old student Mason Hartwell that” showed one counterprotester on the ground, seated with his hands behind his back and flanked by two law enforcement officers."

For the Gaybies: Marc Jacobs-designed Bugaboo stroller. "What would you pay for this hot new limited edition stroller? What if we told you there are only 15 available? How about if you knew it was designed by Marc Jacobs? If $1500 was the number you came up with, you know your luxury sedans."

Hillsborough County, Florida swears in first openly gay commissioner: "Democrat Kevin Beckner took the oath of office before a standing-room-only crowd that spilled into the first floor at County Center. Like the two other commissioners sworn in, Beckner thanked his parents and supporters. He singled out a 96-year-old activist who collected 400 signatures to get his name on the ballot and another woman who campaigned for him while battling cancer. As he joined a commission that three years ago voted to ban gay pride displays on county property, he also recognized his partner of 10 years."

A-Rod to help stuff Madonna's turkey.

Some 16-year-olds have all the luck.

New iPhone app helps you calculate whether or not you might be in danger of getting a DUI or endangering someone should you get behind the wheel after a holiday party. If so, it will call a taxi for you. Of course if you're that gone, will you have the foresight to use it?

World's largest cruise ship hits the water.

New documentary explores gay rights: "The rebirth of the gay rights movement and the battle over legalizing same-sex marriage will be the focus of the new indie documentary 'A Non-Issue?' The doc will follow Dr. John Corvino, a philosopher, lecturer and author of 'The Gay Moralist,' as he crisscrosses the nation engaging and debating those most against gay marriage."

"Ex-gay" groups receiving government subsidies in The Netherlands.

A look back at Pat Buchanan in 1977.

SX interviews Matthew Mitcham: "In a world where everyone seems to be on the make, Matthew Mitcham is a refreshing change. Unlike some other athletes that come to mind, he’s not milking his Beijing experience like a frenzied bovine. He’s not selling his story to the highest bidder, for instance, but is instead speaking to the gay press, and a community that has strongly supported him. He’s not hitting the party circuit, but has slipped back comfortably into his training at the Sydney Aquatic Centre, practising the sport he loves, spending his spare time (what little there is) doing ordinary things like catching up with friends and family, and hanging out with his partner."

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News: Robyn, 'Ex-Gays', Jack Spade, AXM, Madonna, Atlantic

Palin as President.

British gay mag AXM goes web-only.

ABC News on oral sex and throat cancer: "Men are 35 percent more likely than women to develop HPV-related oral cancer, according to the study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. But both men and women are susceptible. While scientists don't know yet how sexual orientation factors into the equation, they know the No. 1 risk factor is a high number of sexual partners."

Madonna lashes out at "emotionally retarded" Guy Ritchie at concert.

Trial underway for "gay gang" accused of spreading HIV at sex orgies: "The three accused, all HIV-positive, are charged with drugging gay men at sex orgies, raping them, and injecting them with blood contaminated with HIV. They are aged 39, 49 and 50. The three, including a nurse, are accused of intentionally spreading the deadly virus at sex parties they promoted on the Internet. They face charges of aggravated assault, rape, and illegal possession of drugs and face up to 21 years in jail."

Justin Timberlake looking for a hole.

GOP congressman Tom Davis jokes about pro-Obama voter suppression.

Pentagram on their redesign of The Atlantic: "In the end, the redesign team came back to a nameplate that was an adaptation of a design that had appeared on the magazine for more than 35 years in the mid 20th century...The designers weren’t tempted by its nostalgic characteristics; rather, they were struck by how it managed to look both contemporary and timeless. Based on the 18th century typeface Bodoni, it featured an italic A that was distinctive and perfectly captured the idiosyncratic character of the magazine."

Killings and hate crime trigger public meeting in Portland, Maine.

Bamboo Nation: An Open Letter to My Gay Friend; or Gay Marriage Is Not About Marriage. "I've been looking over our online chat transcript from last night to see if I was overreacting when I decided to abruptly end our conversation. With the benefit of hindsight, I can say that I acted rationally and, in addition, I am deeply disappointed in you."

Florida Governor Charlie Crist: GOP may be exaggerating voter fraud in Florida. "Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that he has confidence in Secretary of State Kurt Browning, who says there's only been a scattering of isolated incidents. Crist said in the closing days of any campaign 'there are some who sort of enjoy chaos.' There may be more of that going on than fraud, he said."

She Is: Beyoncé to release double> album.

London Times article on "ex-gays" which Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out says is one of the best he's read: "Ridgecrest Retreat is a white, antiseptic blot in the blue-green Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Masquerading as one of the hundreds of 'homosexual strugglers' who visit the Exodus campus, I arrived here after registering online for six days of evangelism psychotherapy."

Robyn goes "Cobrastyle".

Accessory brand Jack Spade to launch men's fashion line: "The Claiborne-owned brother label to the $90 million Kate Spade brand has also tapped former Paul Smith and Original Penguin alum Cuan Hanly as its new vice-president and general manager. Hanly, who has been on board for four weeks, is charged with spearheading the new men’s collection and enhancing Jack Spade’s retail plans. First on Hanly’s to-do list has been the creation of a capsule collection of men’s outerwear, shirts and sweaters for spring 2009."

Top Ten Kristen Wiig moments on SNL.

Michael Lucas and his partner Richard Winger to be married.

Is the T-Mobile G1 an iPhone killer?

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News: David Blaine, Brazil, Tim Gunn, Arctic Gas, Taser Death

Barack Obama and John McCain's joint statement on the economy.

Ian Thorpe dabbles in painting.

"Ex-gay" Alan Chambers to lead simulcast rallies for Prop. 8 at churches via satellite.

This doesn't look like a "suspended" campaign to me. Also, this morning, "while McCain says he was meeting with key advisors and becoming increasingly concerned about the financial crisis facing the country -- he was actually holding a special meeting with Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, the expat international financier who once supported Hillary Clinton but now is supporting McCain because she thinks Obama is 'elitist'.

Clay Aiken still a working dad.

Pepsi grants $500,000 to PFLAG. Exec director Huckaby: "PepsiCo has provided PFLAG with an enormous gift, and an unparalleled opportunity, to demonstrate the power we have to create change, no matter where we are, or who we are. Because of the Foundation's generosity and commitment, we now have the resources to produce materials for our chapters to use in their communities, and to create critically important conversations, in every corner of our country."

SICK: NYPD tasers chemically imbalanced naked man on ledge, who falls to his death.

Britney Spears wigging out again.

Study supports gay adoption: "...findings by a nonpartisan adoption group being released Thursday conclude that gays and lesbians are an important resource for children awaiting adoption. There is near "universal professional consensus" that these applicants should be judged on their qualifications, not sexual orientation."

Polish men get community service, fine, for anti-gay threats, assault: "The pair downed vodka with the couple, also Polish, before turning nasty, Bradford Crown Court heard last Thursday...Prosecutor Dave MacKay said the gay couple, from Keighley, asked the defendants to help move some of their property. All drank vodka together and Klodzinski and Szofer began making homophobic comments. Klodzinski, of Holker Street, Keighley, shouted: 'I kill gays,' the court heard. Both he and Szofer, of North Street, Keighley, were told to leave but they returned to break a window and hurl plates at the couple. One of the men was punched in the face by Szofer and kicked on the knee by Klodzinski."

Two big Broadway shows are getting the old heave-ho...

A McDonald's hamburger from 1996: how it looks today.

David Blaine completes Central Park hanging stunt.

Tim Gunn does an interview with Time Out and talks about his favorite New York moment: "We had just wrapped the taping of Project Runway season two. Season one had aired, and there were mixed reviews in the industry, including a fair amount of snarkiness about whether it was a quality program. On Bastille Day 2005, I was in my office and received a call from Lauren Zalaznick telling me we had been nominated for an Emmy. I went screaming down the halls to see the producers, who were a floor below me, shouting at the top of my lungs, 'We’ve been nominated for an Emmy! We’ve been nominated for an Emmy!' I remember it vividly. And one of the things I was most pleased about was, 'Take that, Seventh Avenue snarkiness. Take that!'"

Brazilian gay rights group Arco-Iris launches petition drive in support of law criminalizing homophobia.

Travolta to play secret agent in new Luc Besson film?

Little Britain USA is on its way...

Scientists: is melting of the arctic ice cap triggering a methane timb bomb? "Underground stores of methane are important because scientists believe their sudden release has in the past been responsible for rapid increases in global temperatures, dramatic changes to the climate, and even the mass extinction of species. Scientists aboard a research ship that has sailed the entire length of Russia's northern coast have discovered intense concentrations of methane – sometimes at up to 100 times background levels – over several areas covering thousands of square miles of the Siberian continental shelf."

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Sarah Palin's Wasilla Church Promotes "Ex-Gay" Conference

Over the weekend the MSM picked up on some news that was reported last week in Time magazine, that the "ex-gay" conference called 'Love Won Out' was being promoted by Palin's own church, which printed an ad for the conference in its church program:

"At the 11:15 a.m. Sunday service, hundreds sit in folding chairs, listening to a 20-minute sermon about the Book of Malachi and singing along to alt-rock praise songs. The only sign of culture warring in the whole production is an insert in the day's program advertising an upcoming Focus on the Family conference on homosexuality in Anchorage called Love Won Out. The group promises to teach attendees how to "respond to misinformation in our culture" and help them "overcome" homosexuality."

On Friday, the AP added it to its list of items the media may be waiting to ask Palin about: "Focus on the Family, a national Christian fundamentalist organization, has scheduled the "Love Won Out" Conference for Sept. 13 in Anchorage, about 30 miles from Wasilla. Palin, campaigning with McCain in the Midwest on Friday, has not publicly expressed a view on the so-called 'pray away the gay' movement. Larry Kroon, senior pastor at Palin's church, was not available to discuss the matter Friday, said a church worker who declined to give her name."

According to the AP, the bulletin said of the conference: "You'll be encouraged by the power of God's love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality."

Palin needs to be asked about what her positions are on "curing" homosexuality through the kind of discredited Christian therapy programs this group promotes. It's not looking like they're going to get that chance very soon. More on that in a bit.

Last week I posted some video of Palin speaking at the Assemblies of God church, her childhood church, which showed how close evangelical Christianism is getting to the White House. I also posted a list highlighting Palin's anti-gay record.

AFTER THE JUMP, the first part of a documentary on Sarah Palin's churches.

WATCH IT...

The HuffPost writes: "Sarah Palin's churches are actively involved in a resurgent movement that was declared heretical by the Assemblies of God in 1949. This is the same 'Spiritual Warfare' movement that was featured in the award winning movie, "Jesus Camp," which showed young children being trained to do battle for the Lord. At least three of four of Palin's churches are involved with major organizations and leaders of this movement, which is referred to as The Third Wave of the Holy Spirit or the New Apostolic Reformation."

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News: Tim Kaine, AIDS Bill, Cape Town, Planet Out, 'Ex-Gays'

House passes Lantos-Hyde AIDS bill which would also lift the HIV immigration and travel ban by a vote of 303-115. Pelosi statement.

Clinton campaign-runner Terry McAuliffe recommends Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for Obama VP spot: "McAuliffe was adamant in his recommendation of Kaine as the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee Tuesday, although he stressed to the News-Press after his speech, which included an informal half-hour question and answer period, that the ultimate choice will be Obama's very personal one. However, the fact that he proposed Kaine over his own candidate and long-time friend, Hillary Clinton, suggested that he knows the Clinton option is off the table."

A resourceful and somewhat hot (if you're into that bearish farmer type) sugar beet grower has found a first-rate way to scare off the crows.

27%: Bush approval rating hits new low.

David Beckham having a leg-off with his All-Star teammates?

Cape Town, South Africa outraged over homophobic newspaper column. Columnist: "There could be a few things [about which] I could take issue with Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, but his unflinching and unapologetic stance over homosexuals is definitely not among those."

Belfast Gay Pride gets approval to go ahead next weekend. Homophobic Northern Ireland MP Iris Robinson invited...

Clay Aiken blogs for the children of Somalia and Kenya.

EW talks to Big Brother gay cowboy Steven Daigle. Ed: I do want to amend an earlier post. While I noted his racist comment early on in the show, I do want to say that after several episodes he proved to be a warm-hearted player, and did change at least one housemate's mind about gay people, and I wish he would have stayed.

LGBT community to be out in force at Democratic National Convention: "National Stonewall Democrats, the national gay Democratic group, expects more than 300 openly LGBT delegates, alternates, and other participants in 'the gay caucus' next month at the Democratic National Convention. The group has been scrambling for weeks to assemble the names and numbers and still hasn’t identified them all. But from what data it has collected, it appears the caucus will include 305 delegates, at least 84 of whom supported Hillary Clinton during the primary, 74 of whom supported the presumptive nominee Barack Obama, and 147 of whom no one yet knows who they supported."

Kathy Griffin's longtime assistant Jessica has left the building.

Wayne Besen on Exodus International's annual confab of "ex-gays" in Asheville, North Carolina: "Exodus may smile sweetly and tell the mainstream media they love homosexuals. But, judging by the recent hate crimes in the Carolinas combined with the reactionary rhetoric of Exodus, it seems that they are literally 'loving' us to death."

Republicans play the gay card. Via The Gist.

PlanetOut Inc. reports accumulated deficit of nearly $100 million: " The San Francisco web portal (NASDAQ: LGBT), which is aimed at the lesbian, gay and transgendered market, reported an accumulated deficit of $99.8 million as of March 31. For that quarter, PlanetOut lost $10.4 million on sales of $4.8 million. PlanetOut was incorporated in Delaware in December 2000. It runs web sites gay.com and planetout.com."

Penn Badgley takes his brooding looks to GQ.

Report warns of AIDS crisis in the South.

National Stonewall Democrats announce endorsement of Barack Obama: "[Spokesman John] Marble said the group offered its endorsement 'with accountability as well' and said the organization will continue to press Obama on gay issues during the campaign. While gay Democrats rally behind their party’s presidential candidate, the National Log Cabin Republicans have yet to make a decision on whether or not to endorse Republican presidential candidate John McCain in his bid for the White House."

Maryland judge: Gender identity law can be rolled back by voters...

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #305

BARACK OBAMA: Kicked off his "Change That Works for You" tour in Raleigh, North Carolina yesterday. Here's the full speech. Pam Spaulding notes that Obama said he'll be partnering with Elizabeth Edwards on health care.

LOVE WON OUT: PFLAG protests the "ex-gay" conference held recently in Orlando, Florida.

JIMMY CARTER: McCain attempts to make snappy quip comparing Obama to Jimmy Carter. It fails.

CHANNING TATUM: Loves you guys.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.

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Sinn Fein Calls on MP to Resign Over "Ex-Gay" Remarks

On Friday I posted about Northern Ireland DUP MP Iris Robinson, whose remarks that gays should seek therapy to "turn (them around" were met with protest from activists and other leaders.

The comments, in which Robinson said "I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in. I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals," have sparked a furor: "John O'Doherty, a member of the South Belfast District Policing Partnership, said he has complained to police. 'People like Mrs Robinson need to learn that their comments have consequences,' he said. This is the second complaint in relation to the Strangford MP's remarks." Police are reportedly investigating.

Robinson's husband has come out in her defense: "There is a legal obligation to ensure that no-one in our society is discriminated against. I have to say that even if there was no legal obligation I would be at the forefront defending anyone who was being discriminated against. And I know my colleague the member for Strangford (Mrs Robinson) would be alongside me in that."

Today, the activist group Outrage! urged gay men to publicly "out" members of Robinson's Democratic Unionist party: "We have always supported the protection of people's privacy who lead a double life, where they are gay but maybe still have a family. However in circumstances where you are a member of a political party which openly espouses homophobia than we think it is entirely justifiable that members of that party be outed."

Robinson's remarks were in response to reports of a brutal gay bashing in the Northern Ireland town of Newtownabbey which took place last week.

Sinn Féin has called on Robinson to resign, saying she's not fit to chair the Assembly health committee.

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News: Brazil, Vin Diesel, Red Wings, Lauren Hutton, 'Ex-Gays'

Brief altercations reported at Tel Aviv gay pride: "The demonstrators held signs which read: 'Animals! You have nothing to be proud of, take your medication.'" Thousands attend...

Vin Diesel is a daddy — literally.

McGreevey lawyer during closing arguments: "She gets nothing!"

Detroit Red Wings have a friend, and his name is Stanley.

Following her Sex and the City gay sluts rant, Lauren Hutton has made another bizarre appearance, this time at Bravo's A-List awards.

Archbishop of Uganda demands that "pro-gay bishops must apologise and renounce their support for sexual perversion" in order to mend rift in Church: "The Archbishop of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, made the appeal on Wednesday, while addressing journalists at the provincial headquarters in Namirembe, Kampala. He was announcing the departure of a team of Church of Uganda bishops to the Anglican Communion scheduled for June 22-29 in Jerusalem. According to Orombi, conservative Christians worldwide, who believe in the Bible, will meet in Jerusalem to 'prepare for an Anglican future in which the gospel is uncompromised and a Christ-centred mission is a top priority.'"

Gay Brazilian soldier who came out on national TV arrested after taping show for desertion from the army. AWOL or victimized?

Gay activist slams Norther Irish politico's statement that gays and lesbians can be "turned around". Said the MP: "I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in. I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."

Meet the Top 20 contestants on So You Think You Can Dance.

Brody Jenner kicks back in Hawaii.

Isaac Mizrahi makes hair pomade at home.

Brazil's first gay cruise!

This weekend's Love Won Out "ex-gay" conference in Orlando to be protested by gay activists: "Protesters, organized by Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, will meet outside First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, where organizers say the conference is expected to draw about 500 participants. The conference coincides with Gay Days, which annually attracts thousands of gays to Orlando and Disney World."

Videos of McCain's awful speech being removed from YouTube?

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News: Brian Paddick, Sean Cody, Nick Walker, David Archuleta

Don't forget to vote for Sally Kern, Larry Craig, Jerry Sanders, Ellen Degeneres, or Al Gore in our NewNowNext award category!

Archuleta dad banned from American Idol rehearsals.

Civil union efforts in Illinois boosted by student-generated Facebook group: "At first, his site detailed the bill's progress for friends, who began inviting hundreds of other friends. Within weeks, Miatkowski and students from across the state organized online 'rallies' to flood legislators with e-mails, faxes and phone calls. Members also have held petition drives at train stations, written editorials and set up campus events. The group's efforts made enough of an impression that Illinois lawmakers mentioned it to Harris, sponsor of the civil unions bill. Harris contacted Miatkowski and other student leaders to discuss how to gather more momentum on the bill." The group's Facebook address is here.

Chris Evans leaves the foxhole.

Possibility of constitutional same-sex marriage ban pushes Floridians into action.

Mork and KT: Does wearing rainbow suspenders make you a gay icon?

Brian Paddick's diaries during his run for London mayor revealed.

Catholic leader in the Philippines says being gay not a sin, but acting on it is: "Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros, chair of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Office on Bio-ethics, said on Sunday the Church had learned to accept homosexuality as part of reality. 'We try to be compassionate and understand homosexuals and guide them towards the right path where they should not act out on their desires,' the bishop told the Philippine Daily Inquirer."

It's official: Ugly Betty moving to New York.

Are street artists Banksy and Nick Walker one and the same? That's what some people are saying.

"Ex-gay" and Exodus spokesman accuses "Ex-Gay" watchdog organizations of being hate groups. Stephen Black: "There are actual GAY hate groups who wish to silence the voices of ex-gays. These groups are like the brazenly named ‘Ex-Gay Watch’ and their klan of bloggers who use hatefully sarcastic words in addressing ex-gays."

Carson Kressley to make visit to Big Brother Australia house this week: "The pink thinker, famous from his days as a makeover queen on Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, won't be bedding down with the BB housemates, limiting his visit to a few hours of fashion critique."

British Big Brother contestant Chanelle gets the gong at G-A-Y in London.

Cycling with Scott Speedman.

Malaysian police raid gay sauna, seize 14 men, and 1800 condoms.

Justin Timberlake producing reality show called The Phone: "The series, which is based on a Dutch reality show format, begins each episode with two hidden cell phones ringing at opposite ends of a major city. Contestants who answer the phones will have five seconds to decide if they want to play along for a cash prize, and a guide on the other end of the line then gives contestants a mission to complete before time runs out. As they race through the city on their adventure, a helicopter tracks their every move. MTV described the show as a wild and cinematic ride reminiscent of such films as 'The Bourne Identity' and 'The Game.'"

Sean Cody interested in whites only"? (warning: site NSFW)

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Remember MySpace Zach who was sent away to 'Ex-Gay' Camp?

Those of you who have read Towleroad for a while may remember the story of 16-year-old Zach Stark, the teenager who made headlines back in June 2005 when he announced on his MySpace blog that he had told his parents he was gay and they were sending him to the Christian fundamentalist "ex-gay" therapy "Love in Action" camp in Memphis, Tennessee. Zach's story was followed closely that year through his release at the end of July.

For the first time, in some pre-release footage from the feature-length documentary This Is What Love In Action Looks Like we hear from Zach, now older.

Watch the clip, AFTER THE JUMP...

Previously
"Love in Action" [tr]
Zach's Father Speaks Out [tr]
Zach's Release from "Love in Action" Imminent [tr]

(via box turtle bulletin)

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News: Ling Ling, Jake Gyllenhaal, MIT, Reichen, Kathy Griffin

Smith College students protest, defeat Ryan Sorba, author of The Born Gay Hoax.

One of Tokyo's most famous is dead at 22 (that's 70 in human years).

MIT takes no action against student who threatened LGBT group after receiving an email about the group's end-of-semester celebration. Said the student's email: "If you fucking fags send me something like that once again or contact me in any other way, I swear you won’t be able to study at Sloan for some time because you will spend it at resuscitation department. If this is what you want, go ahead." (email and response)

A new Nike ad directed by Guy Ritchie.

Anglican school council in Australia formally endorses ban on bringing same-sex partners to the school formal: "Up to eight students had wanted to take boyfriends and raised the issue with a senior staff member, who passed the request to Churchie headmaster Jonathan Hensman. At the time Mr Hensman said it was not appropriate for students to take a same-sex partner because escorting a young woman to a formal was part of the boys' education. But after reports in The Courier-Mail Mr Hensman referred the matter to the school council. A brief statement posted on the Churchie website yesterday said the council 'strongly supported the headmaster's position on the school's education programs in social settings'."

Reichen Lehmkuhl splits with model boyfriend Ryan Barry, writes up list of Hollywood dating tips.

Viral campaign for The Dark Knight issues 35 mm film trailers to 12 winners of its contest, each one individually defaced by The Joker.

Presbyterian church court issues conflicted ruling in same-sex union case: "A San Rafael minister who presided over several same-sex ceremonies didn't violate Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) rules, because same-sex marriages don't exist in the church, a church court ruled Tuesday. At the same time, the Permanent Judicial Council's ruling affirmed the right of same-sex couples to have unions, a ceremony that would theoretically have a distinct liturgy. The ambivalent ruling - affirming the rights of gays and lesbians to have their relationships sanctioned by the church but not considering them equal to those of heterosexual couples - is likely to disappoint both sides in the debate."

Tenant who lived in Austrian incest house heard knocking from the basement for 12 years but did nothing: "I wish to God that I could turn back the clock. The signs were all there but it was impossible for me to recognise them. Who would ever believe something so terrible was going on right under my feet? It is a regret I will have to live with for the rest of my life."

Street artist targeting NYC subway ads.

Kathy Griffin was fired from Hannah Montana because she told Jesus to suck it.

Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick is somewhere under the rainbow.

Gay books: Publishing Triangle awards handed out.

Hometown boy makes good: Portland paper profiles Chad White.

Jake Gyllenhaal is opening a restaurant: "The so-called ‘closet chef’ is said to be in the development stages of an organic restaurant project, for which he plans to travel throughout Italy collecting ideas...The actor has always said he planned to open a high-end dining venue by the time he was thirty (he has three years left), as long as his acting career had put him in a position that would make that possible."

Dusty Springfield to be played by...Nicole Kidman?

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News: Elizabeth Taylor, Old Trees, Heatherette, 'Ex-Gay' Protests

Protest as hundreds gather in Mountain View, California to 'pray the gay away': " A traveling national conference billed as an event 'to provide help for those struggling - and those whose loved ones struggle - with unwanted same-sex attractions,' drew about 700 people to a Mountain View church on Saturday. The gathering at the evangelical Christian church, Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, also drew a small protest by members of the Bay Area's gay and lesbian community incensed by the conference topic, the longstanding controversy on whether gays can be 'converted' - or turned into so-called 'ex-gays' through a Christian 'step out' program."

Details beats up Ashton Kutcher.

Marilyn Monroe sex tape unearthed, sold for $1.5 million.

Hundreds protest marriage equality in Norway: "The protesters included immigrants and native Norwegians, and they came from the villages and the cities. All were firmly against marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples."

Royal blackmailers Ian Strachan and Sean McGuigan head to court to face charges.

Search on for Hollywood actor to play first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong.

Gay fashion duo Heatherette out of business. "The demise of Heatherette has been months in the making. The label actually canceled their fashion week show in February, though founder Traver Rains claimed at the time that he and partner Richie Rich were simply reorganizing the company and would be back in time for next fashion week. The reorganization was supposed to involve finding a new financial backer after Rich and Rains burned through the $6 million given to them by the Weisfeld Group, owner of urban streetwear outfit FUBU; a source tells Radar that the duo's efforts were unsuccessful, and that Rains and Travers have now amicably parted ways."

Have scientists found the oldest living trees?

With opening of Chaps II, leather scene returning to San Francisco's SoMA district: "On Friday, David Morgan threw open the doors to Chaps II, the most recent indication that leather is making a comeback in SoMa. 'There's a resurgence happening,' said Morgan, 39. 'A lot of people have been saying the leather scene was dead, but there just wasn't a place for people to meet up. ... Gearing up in leather and going to a bar where you're the only one dressed is kind of like a woman going to a bar in a ball gown while everyone else is in T-shirts.' Chaps II, at 1225 Folsom St., is named for Chaps, a bar that operated from 1983-85 on 11th Street, where the DNA Lounge is now located. Appropriately enough, Chaps II hosted a meet-and-greet to open the 30th anniversary Mr. San Francisco Leather contest, which concluded Sunday. Next year, one of the contest's events might take place at another leather bar, Hole in the Wall, which Morgan says plans to reopen soon."

Suicidal Tendencies or homosexual ones?

Orlando Bloom loves New York.

Elizabeth Taylor recently O.D.ed on prescription drugs and booze.

Lesbian couple told to "act straight" in UK pub: “We were told to make our sexuality less obvious. The landlord said there were complaints that the pub had too many dykes.”

POLL: Parents find men kissing more offensive than severed heads in video games.

Gay man arrested for using gay slur towards a police officer: "A gay man has been accused of homophobic breach of the peace - for allegedly calling an ex-police officer a p**f. Marc Sneddon, 38, clashed with former detective Stephen Whelehan while walking their dogs. He was charged and his partner Graham Spence - a police IT worker - was later arrested over claims he also shouted homophobic abuse on another occasion. The couple deny the claims and say neighbour Whelehan and his parents, James and Bridget, launched a vendetta of malicious complaints about them. Graham, 40, said: 'His dog attacked ours. Marc asked him to put it on a lead and got a torrent of abuse. Whelehan started calling him a 'wee f*****g p*****r'. Marc was provoked and asked whether he had a problem with his sexuality and did his wife know he was in the closet. Marc reported it to police but we were stunned when HE was charged."

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News: Charlton Heston, Rickroll, Woody Harrelson, Singapore

Canadian PM Stephen Harper urged to repudiate gay slur by Saskatchewan MP Thomas Lukiwski: "The prime minister needs to deal with this issue directly and try to put it behind him as soon as possible. I think the prime minister has to personally say, 'I don't accept these comments, I repudiate them and it's not part of the party or the government or where its mind is at on a lot of these issues right now."

New book Uncle Bobby's Wedding teaches children about same-sex marriage: "Cute guinea pigs stand in for humans in this sensitive story in which Chloe is not concerned that her favorite uncle is marrying another male, only about how it will affect her close relationship with Uncle Bobby. When he assures her that they can still have fun together, she relaxes and gets into her role as flower girl. Sarah S. Brannen takes a calm, straightforward approach to this hot-button issue, as when Chloe asks her mother, 'How can Uncle Bobby get married?' Mama answers, 'When grown-up people love each other that much, they want to be married.'"

Woody Harrelson goes skinnydipping with Owen Wilson.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in slush fund scandal: "Chris Quinn could well become the first lesbian mayor of the largest city in the United States, but she could just as well end up indicted in a fiscal scandal that threatens to unravel what has been a political career marked by political savvy and unbounded ambition."

Charlton Heston dies at 83: "Although Heston talked about and praised the "brilliantly talented homosexuals" he worked with during his career, he was often accused of being homophobic, especially later in his life. In a 1997 speech at the Free Congress Foundation's 20th Anniversary Gala, Heston was criticized by gay rights groups, including GLAAD, for derogatory remarks made toward the gay community. In the speech, Heston demonstrated both tolerance and discrimination against gays in almost equal measure. 'Many homosexuals are hugely talented artists and executives... also dear friends. I don't despise their lifestyle, though I don't share it,' Heston stated. 'As long as gay and lesbian Americans are as productive, law-abiding and private as the rest of us, I think America owes them absolute tolerance. It's the right thing to do. But on the other hand,' Heston continued. 'I find my blood pressure rising when Clinton's cultural shock troops participate in homosexual-rights fund-raisers but boycott gun-rights fund-raisers... and then claim it's time to place homosexual men in tents with Boy Scouts, and suggest that sperm donor babies born into lesbian relationships are somehow better served and more loved.'"

Censor board bans four films at Singapore Film Festival: "It said the films 'exceed the Film Classification Guidelines'. Board of Film Censors chairman Amy Chua said 'Arabs and Terrorism' and another film, 'David the Tolhildan', were "disallowed on account of their sympathetic portrayal of organisations deemed terrorist organisations by many countries...Another rejected film, 'A Jihad for Love' by gay Muslim film-maker Parvez Sharma, is about homosexual people living within Muslim communities, the festival said. In a statement, Chua said the film was disallowed because of 'the sensitive nature of the subject'."

JC ya later: Chace Crawford and Carrie Underwood broke up via text message.

The ugly homophobic truth about the RickRoll.

Protest as "ex-gay" group Exodus International holds convention in Fresno, California: "The opposing viewpoints echoed a debate that has played out across the country. The Orlando-based Exodus and a handful of other groups have sought to present what they describe as a Christian alternative to a gay lifestyle. But their efforts have inspired a backlash from people who say such an approach can lead to self-loathing. Saturday's protest was cordial. The protesters -- about a dozen -- kept their distance, and at one point, Exodus president Alan Chambers offered to bring them coffee. It was the last day of a three-day conference. About 150 people from all over California attended. It included talks by the mother of actress Anne Heche, who had a relationship with openly gay Ellen Degeneres, and Chambers, a formerly gay man who has since married a Fresno woman. They have two children."

Death by blogging: Can't say I don't relate.

Head of security for Siegfried and Roy details Roy Horn's instructions for him to cut up their deceased tiger Sahara and cremate it.

Moment of truth: Perez Hilton takes lie detector test over John Mayer make-out session.

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Focus on the Family Spreading Misinformation on APA Gay Views

Focus on the Family posted an article on their 'citizenlink' website with an exuberant Randy Thomas, executive vice president of "ex-gay" group Exodus International, claiming that the American Psychological Association is shifting in its attitude that homosexuality is inborn in a new brochure.

Thomas takes his joy from a passage that states "there is no consensus" among scientists about what makes a person gay which ultimately says no conclusions can be drawn.

What the article to the Fundie flock does not include, however, is the huge section that says "ex-gay" therapy is basically a crock.

More at Good As You...

American Psychological Association: No Consensus on Cause of Homosexuality [citizen link]
APA Brochure on sexual orientation [pdf]
Yea, 'ex-gays'? You seriously see this as a win? Odd. [good as you]

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #246

LOVE IN ACTION: Peterson Toscano talks about movies from an 'ex-gay' program.

ANTARCTICA: Scientists find huge number of new species on the sea floor.

CELINE DION: Still amazing! Highlights from her CBS special from Rich at FourFour.

FLASHBACK: The video Madonna presented to execs at Warner Bros. when she turned in her Bedtime Stories record.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.

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Adventures in Marketing

What do you think we're looking at here?

Find out, AFTER THE JUMP...

If you guessed the cover of a book on God, Gays, and the Church, you were right!

According to Pam Spaulding, this is what's inside:

* Pastoral Considerations for Homosexuality
* Post-Gay: The Transforming Power of God
* Post-Lesbian: My Testimony
* Same Sex Attraction. Is it innate and immutable?
* A Faithful Church: The Bible and Same-Sex Sex
* Civil Partnerships: Advice to UK Parishes and Clergy
* Unexpected Consequences: The Sexualisation of Youth

Expert contributions include chapters by Professor Joseph Nicolosi, former President of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, and Professor Robert A. J. Gagnon, author of The Bible and Homosexual Practice (2001).

Nothing like on the nose marketing (so to speak) to reach your target audience.

What’s Wrong With This Picture? [box turtle bulletin]
Anti-gay U.K. Anglicans' subtle marketing for new tome [pam's house blend]

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Ted Haggard Quits 'Spiritual Restoration', Cuts Ties with Church

Reverend Ted Haggard, the New Life church pastor who agreed to undergo a "spiritual restoration" aka "pray the gay away" following revelations that he was involved with escort Mike Jones, has reportedly quit that program and cut ties with his old church.

Haggard was forced from his position as the head of the megachurch following his admission of "sexually immorality" after Jones came forward saying the pastor paid him for sex over a period of three years.

The Denver Post reports: "Ted Haggard's leadership of New Life Church for many years was extraordinary and the depth of spiritual maturity that is found today in the church is in large part attributed to his leadership as the founding senior pastor," the statement said, adding that the church's 'overseers' and 'restorers' would not make further comment about Haggard's 'spiritual restoration.' New Life added that Haggard has joined another mega-church, Phoenix First Assembly of God, and that its founding pastor, Tommy Barnett, is overseeing an 'accountability relationship' with the disgraced Colorado pastor. Barnett could not be reached Tuesday night. New Life has been at odds with its former pastor since he left. In its statement Tuesday night, church officials said, 'New Life recognizes the process of restoring Ted Haggard is incomplete and maintains its original stance that he should not return to vocational ministry. However, we wish him and his family only success in the future.'"

Just one year ago today, a four-member oversight board announced that after three weeks of intense counseling that Haggard was "completely heterosexual".

New Life cuts last ties with Haggard [denver post]
Haggard Quits Re-