Brian Paddick: He's a Celebrity, He Got Out of There

Britain's gay former top cop and former London mayoral candidate Brian Paddick, who has spent the last few weeks on the UK reality show I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, was kicked out of the jungle camp last night:

"Brian and Star Trek legend George Takei, 71, were voted in the bottom two. George consoled him and gave him a kiss after the result was announced. Brian said: 'I thought George might have more support. I thought I’d pick up a few more votes for sleeping in the jungle jail.' Asked why he went on I’m A Celebrity, Brian said: 'For a long time I’ve done serious stuff — 30 years in the police. So I thought why not do something trivial? I’m going to spend time with my wonderful partner but I won’t go into details.'"

The former top cop had no qualms about baring all on the show, either.

Paddick was greeted upon his exit by his longtime partner Petter Belsvick. The two are planning a civil partnership.

Watch his exit, AFTER THE JUMP...

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News: Shane Mercado, Kalamazoo, Nicolas Sarkozy, Bad Christians

Cincinnati Christian University’s chief financial officer Robert Williams arrested on gay 'sexual imposition' charges.

Aussie Idol star Anthony Callea says coming out has had minimal career impact: "You really have to be comfortable with yourself before you make that step. Everybody has an opinion. People say, 'You should have been up front about it', but you need to be comfortable. You don't want to get to 30 or 40 and be dealing with your sexuality. I wanted to do it my way. I didn't want my label or management to be a part of it, I wanted to write my own statement and express what I've gone through and dealt with."

Beyoncé and "Single Ladies" YouTube superstar Shane Mercadocome face-to-face at premiere of Cadillac Records.

Kentucky police officer convicted of murder of gay student who was his lover.

Former gay prostitute turned Christian extremist Bill Whatcott terrorizing Edmonton, Alberta residents with gay hate and anti-abortion flyers.

Roman Catholic priests told not to offend gays with "heterosexist" language.

Lance Bass on the move?

Kalamazoo, Michigan approves gay rights ordinance: "The city of Kalamazoo has stepped beyond existing state and federal laws, making it illegal to use sexual orientation to discriminate in housing, public accommodations and employment. The Kalamazoo City Commission voted 7-0 Monday night to adopt an expanded anti-discrimination ordinance that makes it a municipal civil infraction to discriminate against gays, lesbians and transgender citizens."

Graham Norton to join West End La Cage Aux Folles revival.

Nicolas Sarkozy doesn't have many new ideas, apparently.

David Gregory to host Meet the Press.

Thatcham, UK man warned he may go to prison for harassing his gay neighbors: "Philip Prior, aged 44, of Malthouse Close, was found guilty of harassing his neighbours Stephen Guy and Glynn Morton. Reading Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Prior shouted homophobic comments, sang anti-gay songs and pinned gay pornographic images to the outside of his neighbours’ home. Mr Prior denied the offence claiming that any song he had sung was for his entertainment only. The court heard on Wednesday of last week how Mr Prior regularly changed the words in song lyrics to make them sound anti-gay, which he would sing loudly in his garden. Giving evidence, Mr Guy said he and his partner were subject to regular taunts from the defendant. The taunts grew so bad that the couple started making notes of the dates, times and details of all the comments."

Gay UK man kills lover on houseboat, stages cover up, court hears.

Report: Patrick Swayze's health failing. Swayze responds.

One of Gossip Girl's allegedly gay duo spotted swapping spit with female co-star.

Brad Pitt rebuilds New Orleans.

Producer Jon Peters slapped with male sexual harassment suit: " In a lawsuit filed this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, Brian Quintana - a co-producer with Peters on the upcoming 'Superman: Man of Steel' - alleges that Peters subjected him to 'continuous and pervasive sexual harassment.' The suit states there were 'multiple instances where he was physically, sexually harassed by Peters, including being groped by male individuals at Peters' behest.' Peters would 'wrestle and rough up [Quintana] in a sexual manner... fondle himself in front of [Quintana]...often place his hand on [Quintana's] leg in a sexual manner,' as well as 'touch' his buttocks, the suit alleges. In addition, according to the suit, Peters demanded that Quintana 'drive male individuals onto the set for the purposes of granting sexual favors for members of the cast and crew [and] cover up allegations that . . . Peters engaged in sexually inappropriate acts in front of children.'" (via boy culture)

Researcher: "Undesirable" gay men engage in riskier behavior.

California priest instructs parishioners to go to confession if they voted for 'pro-abortion' Obama.

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Boy George on Male Escort: 'I Certainly Wasn't Going to Kill Him'

Jurors heard today that Boy George chained male model/escort Auden Carlsen (above, leaving court last week) to his bed because he thought Carlsen had stolen photos from his computer to use on his website:

"'I absolutely admit I had him in the handcuffs, so he wouldn't go anywhere while I checked the computer. I certainly wasn't going to kill him, that's hardly going to do my career any good is it?' he told police. O'Dowd, 47, met Norwegian male escort Auden Carlsen over the Internet and the pair arranged to meet for a pornographic photo shoot...Carlsen has accused O'Dowd of chaining him up on their second meeting at the singer's east London flat and beating him with a chain. O'Dowd admitted to police that he had hit Carlsen before, but only through choice. 'You can't spank anyone if they don't want you to,' he said, asserting that on the occasion in question he had not punched or assaulted the escort. 'Those are serious handcuffs, there was no reason to beat him up when I'd put him in those,' he said. 'I was just so angry. It wasn't about me doing anything, I just wanted to make sure he did not leave my house.'"

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Boy George Trial Begins Over Alleged Imprisonment of Male Escort [tr]

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16-Year-Old May Be Responsible for Murder of Gay Londoner

On Monday I posted news of David Cooper, a gay 28-year-old London man who was brutally murdered in his flat after a night out. Now comes word that a 16-year-old has been charged in the crime:

"The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear in court charged with the murder of David Cooper in Woolwich, on 19 November. His body was found by two men at Sir Martin Bowes House in Calderwood Street. A post mortem examination gave the cause of death as head injuries. The youth will appear in custody at Camberwell Green Juvenile Court."

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Gay Man Dead in Brutal Attack Following Night Out in London

A 28-year-old British man is dead in what police suspect may be a homophobic attack following a night out in London.

"David Cooper’s body was found in his home by two friends in Sir Martin Bowes House, Calderwood Street, last Wednesday (November 19). Emergency services were called but the 28-year-old gay man was pronounced dead at the scene at around 2pm. According to police he had been viciously assaulted and suffered serious head injuries. Police want to speak to anyone who saw Mr Cooper on Tuesday night (November 18) through to the early hours of Wednesday morning (November 19). Detective Chief Inspector Clive Heys is leading the murder investigation. He said: 'At present we’re investigating the possibility that Mr Cooper has died as the result of a homophobic attack. But it should be stressed that we retain an open mind regarding its motive.' According to police, Mr Cooper met up with friends in the Old Compton Street area of Soho on the Tuesday evening and would like to speak with anyone who saw him or the people he was with. He visited a number of venues including Compton's bar, Village bar and G-A-Y bar from about 6.30pm that evening. The last confirmed sighting police have of him is around 11pm when he left the Friendly Society bar."

According to police, "Three men were arrested in connection with the inquiry. Two have been released with no further action and one has been bailed to return next month pending further inquiries."

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Boy George Trial Begins Over Alleged Imprisonment of Male Escort

Boy George was in court again today as his trial for false imprisonment of male escort Auden Carlsen began, the Daily Mail reports:

"Prosecutor Heather Norton told Snaresbrook Crown Court that Mr Carlsen was a male model and occasional escort who was advertising on the Gaydar website. Boy George, real name George O'Dowd, first hired Mr Carlsen in January 2007. He took photographs of the Norwegian model, at the time 28, in erotic poses, the court heard. Ms Norton said Mr O'Dowd's attitude towards the model changed once the photo shoot was over, and that he accused Mr Carlsen of tampering with his computer. He contacted police about his suspicions, but did not name Mr Carlsen. Mr Carlsen returned to O'Dowd's flat after the two men seemed to resolve their differences. Ms Norton told the court on the night of the alleged attack in April last year, O'Dowd was waiting in the bedroom with another man and forced Mr Carlsen to the floor. Ms Norton said: "Mr O'Dowd produced handcuffs and placed one end over Mr Carlsen's right wrist. The other handcuff was placed to a hook that was affixed to a wall above the end of the bed." Mr Carlsen escaped after a brief struggle and ran away to alert police, the court heard. O'Dowd, 46, denies false imprisonment. The trial continues."

Boy George Tells Court: Not Guilty of Imprisoning Male Escort [tr]
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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News: Aaron Harvey, Sundance, Brad Pitt, Home Depot, Cleve Jones

Former Memphis police officer pleads not guilty to civil rights charges in the videotaped beating of transgender woman Duanna Johnson while she was in custody: "Johnson, a biological male who lived as a woman, was being booked on a prostitution charge when the incident happened. A videotape of the beating was broadcast on Memphis TV stations and online in June, leading to McRae's firing. His former partner, James Swain, 25, was also fired." Today is the National Transgender Day of Remembrance.

It's what being single does to a girl.

Guy Ritchie won't take a cent.

Two men plead not guilty to gay bashing murder of Liverpool teen Michael Causer.

Obama taps Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security secretary. Politico: "Napolitano is a border governor who will now be responsible for immigration policy and border security, which are part of Homeland Security’s myriad functions. Napolitano brings law and order experience from her stint as the Grand Canyon State’s first female attorney general. One of the nation’s most prominent female elected officials, she made frequent appearances on behalf of Barack Obama during the campaign. She was reelected to a second four-year term in 2006."

Brad Pitt comes face-to-Skype with a Bradaloonie.

The truth about Phyliss Burgess, the old lady who had her cross stomped at the Palm Springs 'No on 8' rally.

Detroit sports radio personality loses football bet, comes to work in drag.

An interview with Aaron Harvey, whose work was the inspiration for the now well-known Shepard Fairey "Defend Equality" image: "I landed on a design that was certainly not new, but was new this go around -- a raised fist of solidarity, with a twist: this fist also had a wedding band on it. The color scheme was also deliberate. The official "No on 8" campaign was using a green check in their campaign which I felt was a visual oxymoron. I knew red needed to be part of the design. When I showed it to friends and colleagues some of them said 'Oooh that's kind of angry, how are you going to persuade people sitting on the fence with that?' Well, for me, it wasn't about persuading the other side. It was about my side, and getting my side to realize there was something they needed to get up and defend!"

Pete Wentz on having his man part manscaping revealed to the world: "Honestly, I felt slightly overgrown in those pictures. If I had taken them for public consumption, I would have done it differently—groomed a little closer, better lighting."

Huckabee: Prop 8 did not ban same-sex marriage, it affirmed traditional marriage.

Campaign to move Sundance Film Festival out of Utah launches website.

New York's Triborough bridge renamed for Robert F. Kennedy.

Wentworth Miller to be out of work soon?

Time Out New York interviews activist Cleve Jones: "I think there are lots of Harveys out there, but the movement has changed. The charismatic individual leaders who were able to get things done by the sheer force of their personalities—we don’t see them anymore. In Harvey’s day, we didn’t have infrastructure. We just had individuals with big ideas and big mouths. When Harvey ran for office, we had to raise $30,000 to get him elected, and that was a challenge. Today there are hundreds of gay organizations around the country that routinely raise and spend millions a year. We didn’t have community centers, churches and youth groups, and of course, we didn’t have HIV/AIDS. I think people like Harvey and myself are really anachronisms. Probably the last leader of that style was Larry Kramer."

Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus on electing Republicans: "If a retailer has not gotten involved with this, if he has not spent money on this election, if he has not sent money to Norm Coleman and these other guys, [then those retailers] should be shot; should be thrown out of their goddamn jobs."

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Prince Harry Keeps His Fellow Soldiers Entertained in the Field

According to The Sun, "The picture was taken in a lighter moment during a recent gruelling exercise in Canada for Harry, 24, and his Blues and Royals colleagues. Last night a source said: 'This is typical of Harry. He loves to be one of the boys. This is not the kind of pose you will see him pull for official Royal photographs.' Lieutenant Wales — as Harry is known — is a popular member of his regiment."

No doubt.

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News: NY Dems, Jesse Metcalfe, India, David Archuleta, Soulforce

New Jersey gay marriage political debate looms.

NY Governor David Paterson blasts rebel Democrats. I posted about this yesterday.

OUT 100 cover revealed.

Jesse Metcalfe drinks, plunges 40 feet off nightclub balcony.

Lansing, Michigan church target of protest by gay "anarchists": "The disruption came from a group which calls itself Bash Back, and involved demonstrations outside the church and inside the sanctuary while services were under way, said Mt. Hope Church communications director David Williams. Members of the group inside the church shouted pro-gay slogans, threw leaflets, unfurled a banner and pulled a fire alarm, then hastily departed, Williams said. There were no injuries, he said. Williams said the episode was over in just a few minutes. Eaton County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrived quickly, Williams said, but no arrests were made. No one from the police agency was available today."

"Extreme" fan's body found near home of Paula Abdul.

No thanks, Fred: Major networks to air stealth Focus on the Family ad.

Arguments conclude, Delhi high court set to rule on decriminalizing homosexuality.

George Clooney on marriage equality: "At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black."

Sotheby's contemporary art auction jumps recession: " The sale, at which the majority of successful bidders were American, took in $125 million, including commission, against a low estimate of $200 million, a benchmark established before the September onset of the crisis gripping world financial markets. Records were set for Philip Guston, John Currin and Richard Serra as 68 percent of the 63 lots on offer found buyers -- to the relief of Sotheby's officials."

David Archuleta brings "Crush" to TRL.

Killers of gay British man have sentences cut by eight years: " Igor Irinel, 22, and Sorin Abuculesci, 34, tied up Sri Lankan Mohamed Raheem and left him to suffocate to death at his flat in Sardeson House on the Holderness Estate on June 2 last year. After spending the night with Mr Raheem after meeting him in a gay bar, Irinel ransacked his flat with the help of his brother before badly beating and finally murdering Mr Raheem. After being found guilty by a jury in April this year, Irinel and Abuculesci were respectively sentenced at the Old Bailey to a mimimum of 30 and 28 years in prison."

Death toll in Congo violence nears six million.

Soulforce equality riders arrested at Union University in Jackson Tennessee: "The arrests occurred during the next-to-last stop on the 2008 Equality Ride, an outreach bus tour of 15 religious schools across the South by Soulforce Q. The organization is the young-adult division of a group that fights discrimination against gays with nonviolent protest. Police arrested 21-year-old Zak Rittenhouse of Frankfort, Ohio; 22-year-old Manny Lampon of New York City; and 22-year-old Jarrett Lucas of Minneapolis, Minn., a co-director of the 2008 Equality Ride, on trespassing charges. The arrests came after campus security warned them to leave an area declared off-limits to the riders."

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Jules, World's Most Lifelike Robot, Speaks

Jules is the world's most lifelike robot.

"Human face movements are picked up by a video camera and mapped onto the tiny electronic motors in Jules' skin. It can grin and grimace, furrow its brow, and 'speak' as the software translates real expressions observed through video camera 'eyes'. 'Jules' then mimics the facial expressions of the human by converting the video image into digital commands that make the robot's servos and motors produce mirrored movements. And it all happens in real time as Jules can interpret the commands at 25 frames per second."

More on how he was created here.

Watch the clip, AFTER THE JUMP...

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New Boyzone Video features Stephen Gately and His Husband

Or his "civil partner" if you want to get technical about it.

Boyzone claims they're the first "boyband" to feature a gay couple in a video for their new single "Better". Actor/singer John Barrowman recently released a video featuring a gay couple as well.

Said Gately to the BBC: "For me, it's just me being me and I don't think there should be a real big issue about the whole thing anyway. I just think it's just a beautiful video and I think it works superbly for the song. I'm hoping this video will have a good, positive, all-round reaction."

Gately joined with his husband Andy Cowles in a civil partnership in 2006.

Watch the video, AFTER THE JUMP...

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News: New York, Michael Crichton, The View, Dress Shirts,

Empire State Pride Agenda's big New York election victory: "Last night was a big victory for ESPA and Van Capelle, who made no secret of the fact that the group's biggest targets were two of the GOP senators who lost their seats: Ceasar Trunzo and Serf Maltese. Both were solid 'no' votes on marriage. But just because the Senate is now in Democratic hands does not mean that marriage is a sure thing."

Brit retailer Selfridges sees run on Obama-style slim suits and white dress shirts.

No doubt you've been wondering what happened with Elisabeth Hasselbeck and the ladies of the View the morning after the election.

Connecticut Democrat Jason Bartlett wins second term.

Gus van Sant's Milk gains relevance following Prop 8 debacle. Alex Billington: "I wish Focus Features had this movie out in theaters now, because it's a film all Americans needs to see, especially after what happened with Proposition 8 here in California. Sure, it's not going to convince that many people to change their minds nor will it drastically change the way this country thinks, but when a film is able to capture so vividly the beliefs in which Harvey was fighting so strongly for, it deserves to be recognized and admired."

Madonna announces Obama victory at concert.

New test for anal cancer may save thousands: "A Nov. 5 news release on the test said that it is thought the rate of anal cancer in gay men is about 37 out of 100,000--an incidence that the news release noted is about equal to the rate of cervical cancer among women until the introduction of the pap smear, which allows for early detection and, along with it, medical intervention. But there is a greater rate of anal cancer among HIV positive gay men, the release said: about 75 out of 100,000."

Marc Jacobs nixes annual holiday party: "Due to the financial climate, I had to make the decision to cancel the 2008 holiday party. It pains me as this has been a Marc Jacobs tradition for the past 18 years. Hopefully it will be reinstated next year." Last year Jacobs arrived as a Camel toe.

Would you buy shoes from Chuck Bass?

Man who stabbed gay accountant to death in public toilets in Britain found guilty of murder: "Mark Malone, 30, of Clements Road, Walton, was unanimously convicted of murdering Peter Jeffrey Akers by a jury at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. Mr Akers, known as Jeff, who was 50 and lived with his partner in Wallington, south London, died from a single stab wound to the back after being attacked at the Cowey Sale toilets next to Walton Bridge on February 19. The court had heard how Malone plunged a kitchen knife into his victim's back in a 'totally unprovoked' attack. He fled the scene and later told his brother-in-law: 'I hope the guy dies.' It is the second time Malone has been convicted of a gay hate crime. In 2003, he was found guilty of beating up an autistic man who smiled at him in Truro, Cornwall, later saying: 'My impression of the geezer was he was gay.'"

Author Michael Crichton dead at 66.

British woman dressed as 'The Joker' headbutted in anti-gay Halloween attack: "The 34-year-old had been out to a fancy dress party and was walking home along Wilbraham Road in Chorlton when two men began following her. As she turned onto Keppel Road one of the men began shouting threats. Then as she neared the Olympic Taxi firm office, he began shouting homophobic abuse before mounting the attack which left her with a serious eye injury and bruising."

Cops rough up partying Obama hipsters in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Ginnifer Goodwin and Nicholas Hoult join cast of Tom Ford's A Single Man.

Yes on 8's pre-election web onslaught.

Transgender voters faced issues at the voting booth.

Anderson Cooper shares his TV-watching habits with Ellen.

Gay sports magazine Sports Out Loud changes its name to Compete: "While in the process of choosing a new name, the publishers of Sports Out Loud were inspired by Billie Jean King. During a conversation, King spoke of her toughest competitor being herself. The Compete name speaks to the common drive to overcome personal limitations in sports and in life. 'The decision to re-launch Compete was made to recognize the gay athlete's desire to compete and achieve. The magazine has proven that it appeals to athletes and non-athletes alike,' said Eric Carlyle, co-founder and publisher."

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News: Ryan Reynolds, Sao Paulo, Halloween, Kay Hagan, Viagra

Ron Reagan endorses Obama.

Ryan Reynolds beefs up the NYC marathon.

Two Swedish women married in India: "The young women, Sara and Sandra had been living together in India's national capital, New Delhi for past one year and 'solemnized' their marriage according to the Vedic rites and rituals. The newly married couple said that they were extremely happy to get married in the city of Taj Mahal, the monument of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World."

Lesbian engagement on All My Children: "That day, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. And I knew that I wanted to have a home with you and Miranda, and a future together. And so today, I am asking you my beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Bianca... will you marry me?"

Will & Grace creator Max Mutchnick marries.

Harrison Ford dressed as a peapod for Halloween while Maroon 5's Adam Levine took a sexier route.

Hawaii verifies Obama birth certificate.

New play about gay Iranian teens executed in 2005 to open in Chicago: " The play tells the story of two boys coming of age, and struggling with their identities as Arab Iranians, and as typical teenagers longing to discover their place in the world. Ayaz Marhouni and Mahmoud Asgari, the two fifteen year old boys who may have been gay or may have been experimenting with their sexuality – like many teenagers do, get caught in a compromised position, publicly humiliated and tried in the Iranian legal system."

New York voters targeted with robocalls claiming to be Gay City News with an endorsement for the Democratic candidate in certain districts.

Students kiss for gay rights in Sao Paulo.

North Carolina Democrat Kay Hagan is suing Elizabeth Dole for defamation over her "Godless" attack ad.

New McCain Keating 5 revelations on investigations on alleged leaks by the Senator: "All five senators--including McCain--had testified under oath and under the U.S. penal code that the leaks did not come from their camps. The leaks were also prohibited by rules of the Senate Ethics Committee; according to the rules of the Senate, anyone caught leaking such information could face expulsion from the body. These, then, were not the usual Washington disclosures: Discovered, they could have stopped the career of any Washington politician in his tracks."

Boy gunned down while trick-or-treating: "An ex-convict who thought he was being robbed gunned down a 12-year-old trick-or-treater, spraying nearly 30 rounds with an assault rifle from inside his home after hearing a knock on the door, police said Saturday."

Tom of Finland retrospective opens in Liverpool.

Joaquin Phoenix says good-bye to acting .

Homophobic attacks on the rise in Scotland.

Netherlands: Cannabis being laced with Viagra.

Straight man bringing discrimination suit against employer over "gay taunts" from colleagues who suggested he was gay because he lives in Brighton: "Stephen English, who is heterosexual, says he was called a 'faggot' and 'Mr Franglais' by fellow members of staff at the blind and awning firm where he worked. He alleges that the barbs began after a sales manager discovered that he went to boarding school and now lived in the Sussex seaside town, which has a large gay population. Mr English, who has been married for 20 years and has three teenage children, decided to take legal action after his attendance at Brighton's Gay Pride parade wearing "skin-tight Lycra cycling shorts" was mentioned in the Thomas Sanderson Blinds in-house magazine."

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David Beckham Proud to be the 'Gayest Straight Man in Britain'

British GQ asks David Beckham how he feels about having some label him the "gayest straight man in Britain and the blackest white man."

Answered Becks: "Yes, I like that. When someone said that about me, it made me laugh and I was quite proud of it. To have that kind of effect on so many different people around the world, I was honoured. When people talk to me about being a gay icon I think of it as a great honour."

He also says he'll wear whatever he damn pleases: "Ive always been into clothes and fashion. It wasnt a vain thing, its just that I love looking smart. I dont do things for people to latch on to. If I see something I like I wear it no matter what I think people are going to say about me. I dont do it for a statement, I do it because I like wearing different things."

(thanks robbie)

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News: Robert Downey, Jr., Florida, Daniel Craig, Dogs, Cindy Sheehan

Schwarzenegger releases positions on California ballot measures.

Life? Electricity seen on Saturn moon.

Brit tabloid: Madonna made Guy Ritchie sign a marriage contract which included rules on how they should argue and what words they could use.

Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes.

Cindy Sheehan's night with Sean Penn at the Milk premiere.

Homophobic little league coaches un-suspended: "Garbacik’s [the superintendent who originally suspended the coaches] decision came after a two-month investigation that started with complaints a 12-year-old baseball player was being harassed. The boy’s parents contacted Garbacik in June after finding out their son was being called names such as 'gay, fag, homo and queer' by other players. Kaletha told Garbacik he was aware of the comments, but called it 'joking and humor' and 'just boys being boys.'"

Attorney General: Justices of the Peace in Connecticut must marry same-sex couples.

Manuel Muñoz wins Whiting Award for story collection The Faith Healer of Olive Avenue.

TIME: The Gay Mafia that's redefining politics.

Florida writer for the Huffington Post Carol Anne Burger murders former lover, then kills herself: "Burger killed her former lover by stabbing her 222 times with a Phillips-head screwdriver and then took pains to hide her crime, police said Wednesday. Jessica Kalish, who shared a house with Burger despite breaking up with her more than a year ago, was found last Thursday stuffed in the backseat of her gun-metal BMW sedan, abandoned behind a medical office at 2300 S. Congress Avenue. Her blood was splashed around the rear end and undercarriage of the car, as if her killer had tried to load her into the trunk. The driver-side window was shattered."

Ellen DeGeneres goes after Zac Efron's coiffure.

Long Island gay plumber poisons his ex-wife: " The mother of two, Maureen Steeves, 41, suffered massive damage to major organs and is brain dead. She isn't expected to recover. David Steeves said he hatched the plot to poison her because 'I can't stand the thought of her being with someone else,' according to Suffolk County police."

Daniel Craig is back as James Bond. Quantum of Solace premieres in London.

UK announces new rules barring spreaders of "extremism, hatred, and violence" from entering the country: "One of the main targets of the crackdown will be militant Muslim extremists, such as the radical preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed who is already banned from returning to Britain under existing rules. The curbs could also apply to extremists from other religions as well as neo-Nazis, animal rights activists and those with virulently anti-homosexual views whose inflammatory words might incite violence."

A fuzzy balls letdown.

U.S. Civil War vs. 2008 Election maps. (via Sullivan)

Gay man attacked in Plumstead UK suffers broken collarbone.

Researchers: Dogs only animals that can read emotion in human faces. "Research findings suggest that, like an understanding best friend, they can see at a glance if we are happy, sad, pleased or angry." Or when there are sausages coming.

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News: Obama, Connecticut, Stop-Loss, Michael Phelps, West Side Story

Tonight's half-hour Obama TV spot airs at 8pm EST. The spot was rejected by CNN. Also, "Hibberd reports that Fox News was not approached by the Obama campaign. The ad is slated to air on MSNBC, making it the only cable news outlet to run the ad. NBC, Fox, CBS, and Univision will also broadcast the ad. Despite reports to the contrary, a Fox Broadcasting executive told Politico's Ben Smith that the network did not move the World Series for the campaign ad, and that the first pitch was never slated for earlier than 8:30 PM. Rather, Fox made a "business decision" to air the ad in lieu of the pre-game special." Here's a preview of what you'll see.

The headline says it all: Obama Addresses Crowd in Downpour; McCain Cancels.

Michael Phelps paid $100,000 to swim laps at L.A. pool party?

Same-sex marriages begin next month in Connecticut: "Attorneys involved in the gay marriage case said Tuesday that couples can begin picking up marriage license applications sometime on or after Nov. 10. A judge at the New Haven Superior Court, where the case began in 2004, still must decide the precise date."

Barney Frank is John McCain's new target on the campaign trail. Frank: "I'm flattered by this. But I don't think I'm the single most important member of the House after Nancy Pelosi. There are also a lot of straight white men who are committee chairmen."

Early turnout: Some Georgia voters waiting 8 hours in line to cast ballots.

Governor Charlie Crist extends voting hours in Florida: "He just blew Florida for John McCain."

VOTE: Judge rules Ohio homeless voters may list park benches as addresses.

Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Snoop Dogg, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Justin Timberlake, along with Sacha Baron Cohen as “Borat,” Zach Braff, Colin Farrell, Neil Patrick Harris and others spoof 'Don't Vote' PSA.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck wins among view ladies for most death threats received.

It really is a thin line, between love and hate.

USA Network de-gays cheerleader movie Bring it On: "Not only did they remove the coming-out scene where he says he speaks fag "fluently," but also the bit at the end where he meets another cute guy backstage at the nationals. However, USA saw fit to leave the homophobic slurs (Eliza Dushku being called a dyke, one straight jock calling another a fag) intact."

What will they think of next: Melrose Place to return.

Gay bar to reopen in Lincolnshire, UK: "Lincoln's only gay bar is to reopen this week – following the disappearance of the previous landlords. Christopher's bar in Newland closed its doors in mysterious circumstances when the two licensees left earlier this month. But a new manager has now been found. Andrew Dickinson will open the bar at 8pm on Friday with a Hallowe'en event."

SLDN hits out at military's continued use of 'stop-loss' policy: "The continued use of stop loss illustrates how the discharge of over 12,500 qualified service members under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has greatly strained military readiness at a time when our armed forces are already stretched far too thin around the globe. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' undermines the military's ability to attract qualified personnel of all backgrounds in order to keep pace with increasing deployment needs."

Cast announced for West Side Story Broadway revival: "Heading the cast will be Matt Cavenaugh (A Catered Affair, Grey Gardens) as Tony, Karen Olivo (In the Heights) as Anita, Cody Green (Movin' Out) as Riff and George Akram ("Stuck on You") as Bernardo. Twenty-one-year-old Argentinean actress Josefina Scaglione, who created the role of Amber Von Tussle in the Argentinean production of Hairspray, will make her Broadway debut as Maria."

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News: Kay Hagan, UFO, Sean Hayes, Sex Education, Diddy

The Human Rights Campaign has released its annual scorecard, measuring support for equality in the 110th Congress.

Michael Phelps to get his own reality show?

Backstage war on The View over Elisabeth Hasselbeck's pro-McCain T-shirt: "If you do that again I will burn you down."

Researcher: HIV can lie dormant in a single cell.

Diddy goes "Black on Black" for L'Uomo Vogue.

After uproar over Roger Ebert's review of gay indie film Tru Loved (because he wrote it after only watching 8 minutes of it), Ebert goes back and reviews the whole thing: "A good number of my blog commenters pointed out that I picked on a small indie film. They are right, and I wish I hadn't. I discuss this in the new blog entry posted today, 'Definitely read me second!' Here I want to observe that it's a miracle any film gets made. Millions of tiny pieces have to come together. It takes courage and resolve to pull it off, especially on a limited budget. Stewart Wade, the writer and director of 'Tru Loved,' has achieved that miracle. Attention must be paid."

Filming to commence on Big Gay Musical.

Anti-gay offensive launched against North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Kay Hagan by NC Republican Party: "A new mailer in support of incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole claims that Hagan's agenda, with the help of 'liberal judges,' will be to advance a 'radical homosexual agenda' which includes same-sex marriage, removing 'Under God' from the Pledge of Allegiance, and forcing the Boy Scouts to accept gay and atheist troop leaders."

Sean Hayes and Anne Hathaway hold secret reading, may be headed to Broadway in a revival of Promises, Promises: "Craig Zadan and Neil Meron opened the reading by introducing their producing partners John Gore and Beth Williams (Broadway Across America) and Harvey and Bob Weinstein. Assuming the show moves forward, this will be Zadan and Meron's Broadway producing debut after making the hit movies of Chicago and Hairspray. The production will also be a re-teaming with the infamous Weinsteins after they all worked together on Chicago during the Miramax days...We're told that Hayes and Hathaway stunned the audience with their performances (both singing and acting) and that they garnered many huge and consistent laughs throughout--as well as a few tears."

Tabloid: Pink cloud baffles Londoners.

UFOs over Turkey!

Yeti footprints!

Ugliness on the set of Ugly Betty.

Gay former Vallejo Councilman Gary Cloutier talks to high school students a year after his failed mayoral bid: "Cloutier, who delved into local politics in 1999, said he's always embraced his sexual orientation in office, but said that never defined him as a politician. He also criticized the media for paying too much attention during the mayoral campaign to his gay identity and Davis' race. The contest was often framed by some news media as a first for Vallejo no matter what - either the city would get its first openly gay mayor or first African-American mayor."

Lucas Grabeel's character in High School Musical 3 still coded gay.

Sex education to be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools in the UK: "Children will learn about body parts and the fact that animals reproduce from the age of five, puberty and intercourse from the age of seven and contraception and abortion from the age of 11. Schools will not be allowed to opt out of the rules but the government is promising separate guidance to faith schools, which could find elements of the new curriculum at odds with their spiritual beliefs. The schools minister, Jim Knight, said they would still have to teach the curriculum - which includes contraception, abortion and homosexuality - but will separately be allowed to continue to teach religious beliefs about sex."

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Cannibal Murderer Mr. Gay UK Sentenced; Will Plan Restaurant Menu

Former Mr. Gay UK Anthony Morley was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison yesterday for killing his lover Damien Oldfield and eating part of his flesh after cooking it.

But apparently he won't be idle behind bars:

"Last night Morley’s best pal Michael Graham, 25, revealed the cannibal had agreed to help him run his new restaurant from behind bars. Mr Graham will receive weekly food consultations from the killer – a former chef at a Leeds hotel – when he visits him in the city’s Armley Prison. He said Morley will design the menu and give him cooking tips for his Citrus restaurant in Leeds. Mr Graham said: 'He’s a brilliant chef, much better than me, so it makes sense to learn from him. Tony can do a lot for the place even though he’s on the inside. I can’t understand why he did what he did but it won’t put me off. He’s made me countless meals and they’ve all been wonderful. Customers can be assured all our meat will be fresh from the best butcher in town."

Bon appetit.

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Former Mr. Gay UK Found Guilty of Murdering, Eating Lover

A jury deliberated for two hours and 20 minutes before delivering a guilty verdict against Anthony Morley, a former Mr. Gay UK who killed Damian Oldfield, slashing his throat and stabbing him as he slept before cutting, cooking, and eating part of Oldfield's thigh:

The Times reports: "On the day of the murder the pair texted each other and Oldfield — who was the first winner of the Mr Gay UK title in 1993, even though he had a girlfriend — said that he was not happy with his sexuality. In the texts to Mr Oldfield, from Bramley, Leeds, the defendant said he would like them to try again but that he wanted to take things slowly. The two men met in Leeds before going back to Morley’s house, where he cooked a meal for Mr Oldfield. The pair went to bed after drinking alcohol and, Morley claimed, his victim told him nothing was going to happen between them.But he said he woke up to find the other man was performing oral sex on him. The court has heard that Morley was scarred for life after he was groomed and raped by an older man when he was young and that the incident left him confused about his sexuality. He told the jury that he had had a flashback to that incident. He said that he felt betrayed by Mr Oldfield’s actions and feared he might be raped. Morley said he did not know why he went on to kill and claims to have no memory of the following attack, other than feeling pain when he cut his own finger with his knife. He said he also could not remember carving and cooking sections of Mr Oldfield’s body but said he might have done it because he thought he was preparing a piece of meat at work. When police searched the house they found a chopping board with six pieces of human flesh, cooked so they were raw in the middle and browned on the edges. A bundle of fresh herbs, a knife used to chop them, some olive oil and a dish of seeds were found on the work surface near the cooker and a frying pan was on the hob with the remnants of fried herbs and oil in it."

Morley was arrested after the murder, covered in blood, at a take-out shop near his home. Sentencing is on Monday.

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Eastenders Gay Kiss Threatens British Audiences

A romantic kiss between Christian Clarke (John Partridge ) and Lee Thompson (Carl Ferguson) on the British soap Eastenders has sent conservative viewers into a frenzy.

The Daily Mail reports: "In a statement the BBC defended itself by saying it was down to parents to decide whether the content of the show was suitable for children to watch. But some viewers were left deeply unimpressed. One viewer wrote on the BBC’s Points Of View internet messageboard: 'I am appalled by the display of homosexual kissing before the watershed shown on EastEnders. This is disgraceful whilst young children are watching and sets the wrong example.' Another, Pat, wrote: 'I had to explain to my seven-year-old son what was happening. He now think