News: Barack Obama, Tea, Malaysia, Village People, Wedding March

Sarah Palin repeats "Bridge to Nowhere" lie for 10th time...

New Obama ad questions McCain's honor.

Fifth annual gay and lesbian 'marriage march' crosses Brooklyn Bridge.

Ultra-orthodox vigilantes are Jerusalem's brutal bullies: " Some residents say the self-styled "modesty squads" are spreading terror among those seen as straying from the strict moral code demanded of the ultra-Orthodox in the more conservative neighbourhoods of the Holy City. There life revolves largely around the study of holy texts and a strict dress code that has men sporting black coats and wide-brimmed hats and women covering their heads, arms and legs."

Britney Spears' new album will be called Circus and is set for release on December 2.

Prince William wants to be a full-time military man.

< Dennis the Menace comic toned down in late 80's to avoid accusations of gay-bashing: "Euan Kerr, who edited the children’s comic between 1984 and 2006, admitted that he took some of the menace out of Dennis in the late 1980s. 'I definitely felt a sense of responsibility in making sure the characters did nothing that was easily imitable,' he told The Times. 'The evidence is that kids understand a comic is a comic and that it isn’t anything like real life. But the relationship between Dennis and Walter was always one that worried me.' Executives at D. C. Thomson & Co, publishers of the Beano, decided that the victimisation of Walter could be interpreted as offensive."

San Mateo County to formally oppose Proposition 8: "The Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a resolution opposing Proposition 8, as the ban on gay marriage is known on the ballot, at its Tuesday meeting. Barring any unexpected positions, the decision will bolster positions taken by the board in previous years. While none of the resolutions carry any legal weight, the stances send a clear message to the county of where its elected leaders stand in the contentious election battle."

Jennifer Hudson to marry I Love New York contestant "Punk".

Cristiano Ronaldo wins gold shoe, reveals golden bod.

Robert Greenwald: Release John McCain's health records.

Malaysian police raid massage parlor catering to gay men: "An anti-vice police team led by Chief Insp Mohd Rozi Aziz raided the well-known centre at about 10pm on Saturday and found the men, in their 20s and 30s, in various rooms getting massages. Six of the men were released, while the remainder -- the operator and masseuses -- were arrested. The centre had been raided at least three times over the past year. OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said the operation codenamed Ops Rose was aimed at curbing immoral activities and 'cleaning' up places such as these."

Village People get their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Scientology test center.

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Obama Met by Heckler, Supporters at Unscheduled Western Wall Visit

Someone was tipped off about an unscheduled visit by Obama to the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, for he was met by a crowd of dozens, including one heckler who yelled "Obama, Jerusalem is our land! Obama, Jerusalem is not for sale!" nearly the entire time he was there.

ABC News' Jake Tapper writes: "He kept yelling this for Obama's entire 10 minutes at the Wall, refusing to stop despite repeated entreaties to do so from the crowd. Obama chatted with the men with whom he'd come to the Wall, before walking to the Wall to place a note he had previously written between the Wall's cracks. He put his hand on the Wall, bowed his head and appeared contemplative. The heckler, not an Obama fan, continued yelling. Obama turned from the Wall and walked back to his crowd. Some young men tried to drown out the heckler, chanting, 'Obama! Obama! Obama!' After shaking some hands, Obama got back in his motorcade and headed to the airport. 'It was rowdier than the last time I was there, you know?' Obama told reporters on the plane. 'I mean, people were sort of, like, holerin' (sic). You know I was expecting more reverence.'"

Raw video of Obama's visit to the Western Wall, AFTER THE JUMP...

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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: Peter Pace, Jellyfish, Oregon, Gilbert Baker, Moscow

Bush awards former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair and homophobe Peter Pace the Congressional Medal of Freedom.

Will Smith superhero movie re-branded by construction worker in London's Leicester Square.

Sick: Brutal trans-bashing by Memphis police officer caught on video. "The video, recorded February 12th, shows Duanna Johnson in the booking area at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center after an arrest for prostitution. The tape clearly shows a Memphis police officer walk over to Johnson - a transsexual - and hit her in the face several times. 'Actually he was trying to get me to come over to where he was, and I responded by telling him that wasn't my name - that my mother didn't name me a 'faggot' or a 'he-she,' so he got upset and approached me. And that's when it started.'"

Uh oh, there's a new Spears in town.

Gaytona.com: where gay and Nascar meet.

Experts: Mass proliferation of jellyfish a sure sign that environment is out of whack.

Oregon opponents of gay rights laws abandon efforts to repeal them: "Organizers conceded Monday that their initiatives to repeal two Oregon gay rights laws will not make the November ballot. The fact that the initiatives are stalled offers more evidence that opponents are losing support, say gay rights activists, who were also celebrating the legalization of same-sex marriages in California on Monday."

Provocation: Right-wing group asks Israeli Supreme Court to ban Gay Pride in Jerusalem: "In a petition to the court, the small National Jewish Front called the event 'a provocation,' while the municipality filed a brief saying it too objected to the parade, scheduled to be held on June 26. 'We are against this parade which harms social relations,' city spokesman Gidi Schemerling told AFP."

Members of the clergy in Albany today rallied to protest Governor David Paterson's decision to recognize same-sex marriages preformed out of state.

An interview with rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker: "I love going to cities around the world and seeing the rainbow flag, knowing that it's a safe place where I can be myself...In 1978, when I thought of creating a flag for the gay movement there was no other international symbol for us than the pink triangle, which the Nazis used to identify homosexuals in concentration camps. Even though the pink triangle was and still is a powerful symbol, it was very much forced upon us. I almost instantly thought of using the rainbow. To me, it was the only thing that could really express our diversity, beauty and our joy. I was astounded nobody had thought of making a rainbow flag before because it seemed like such an obvious symbol for us."

Mario Lopez is impressed with himself.

Recommend picks from the California Tourism Commission for places to have your wedding or honeymoon.

Mickey Rourke spent his Father's Day with a dude in a thong.

Hockey jock doesn't speak, but carries a big stick (warning: site NSFW)

District Court of Moscow dismisses complaint by activists that gay pride ban was unlawful: " During court hearing, Nikolai Alekseev, principle the organiser of Moscow Pride, said that the Russian legislation does not give the authorities the right to ban any public event if it does not contradict the Constitution. According to the law, he told the court, authorities are obliged to offer an alternative place or time for the conduct of such an event if it is not possible to stage it in the place where planned."

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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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News: David Beckham, Estrogen, Gambia, Rupert Everett, Alzheimer's

Is estrogen the secret to containing the spread of HIV?

Seconds, please: Is David Beckham the hottest waiter of all time?

The two Spanish nationals detained late last week in the west African country of Gambia have been released: "Two Spanish men detained in Gambia for allegedly making homosexual proposals to taxi drivers have been released after five days in jail, a Spanish official said Wednesday. The men were released late Tuesday and left the West African country, said Nicola El Busto, an official with Spain's embassy in Gambia. El Busto declined to give further details, and Gambian authorities could not immediately be reached for comment."

Gossip Girl couple shops, scowls.

Redwood City, CA man who hurled gay slurs, patio table at neighbors, pleads not guilty in court: "Herbert Santos-Coy is facing multiple felony hate crime charges after he allegedly physically attacked his two neighbors on March 30. If convicted he faces up to eight years in state prison, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office. Santos-Coy was arrested by Redwood City police after he allegedly came into the carport where the couple was working on their car and began yelling homophobic slurs at them, according to the district attorney's office. He then repeatedly struck one of the victims in the face and swung a wrought iron table at the couple, which missed, according to prosecutors. When police arrived, Santos-Coy resisted arrest, according to police. He was allegedly drinking at the time of the altercation."

In California, assemblyman Mark Leno is expected to become the first openly gay state Senator in California history.

Does Brad Pitt have good taste in tables?

Wisconsin Supreme Court calls suit brought against gay group by Christian activist Reverend Grant Storms frivolous: "Anti-gay activist Rev. Grant Storms of New Orleans sued gay rights group Action Wisconsin after it took excerpts from a 2003 speech Storms made in Milwaukee and claimed he was advocating the murder of gays. Storms' lawsuit was dismissed in 2005, and he was ordered to pay court costs and attorneys' fees. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld that decision, which had been reversed by an appeals court. The high court's 4-3 decision means Storms' attorney James Donohoo will have to pay more than $87,000 in court costs and fees because the court said he should have known the lawsuit was frivolous."

There must be something about the name Kern.

An interview with Banksy?

Alzheimer's patients are kept from wandering off from a German nursing home by a fake bus stop outside the center: "It sounds funny but it helps. Our members are 84 years old on average. Their short-term memory hardly works, but the long-term memory is still active. They know the green and yellow bus sign and remember that waiting there means they will go home. We will approach them and say that the bus is coming later and invite them in for a coffee. Five minutes later they have completely forgotten they wanted to leave."

That lesbian kiss at Safeco field in Seattle I posted about last month is getting a lot more attention. Sirbrina Guerrero, who was almost kicked out for it, is now speaking out.

Rosie O'Donnell and Howard Stern had a little chat yesterday.

Six in ten Americans say same-sex marriage a private choice that should not be regulated by the government: "As same-sex couples line up to get marriage licenses in California on June 17, the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found that 63% of adults say same-sex marriage is 'strictly a private decision' between two people. That the government has the right 'to prohibit or allow' such marriages was stated by 33%, and 4% had no opinion."

Religious Knesset members initiate amendment to ban gay pride in Jerusalem.

Rupert Everett's anti-American rant: "I'm totally off the States now. The reaction to 9/11 and then George Bush - really, they've got very blobby as a nation. Now they (the Americans) are whiny victims whose language is entirely taken from two TV shows - Friends and Sex And The City - and there's nothing sexy about them any more. And that kind of semi-blindness about the rest of the world, which was attractive when America was exciting, is really unattractive now."

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Israeli MK: Gay 'Plague' Should Be Isolated Like Bird Flu

Israeli Knesset member Nissim Ze'ev, supporting proposed legislation to ban gay pride parades in the city of Jerusalem, suggested that gays and lesbians should be put in rehab centers to be treated.

Ynet News reports: "During a heated Knesset debate Sunday, MK Zeev claimed that the proposed legislation was aimed at assisting homosexuals and lesbians who want to start a family. He said that if it was up to him he would put gays in rehabilitation centers 'along with drug addicts and alcoholics'. Zeev went as far as comparing the gay movement to a 'plague that may destroy Jewish Israel', adding that this 'plague" should be dealt with 'just as the Health Ministry is dealing with bird flu.'"

According to Ynet, the proposed law "would enable the Jerusalem Municipal Council to ban gay parades and rallies for considerations of disturbance to public order, offending the public's sensitivities or for religious considerations."

In response, signs were hung in front of the homes of Ze'ev and MK Eli Gabbay by members of Hadash party's "Red-Pink Patrol". The signs read: "In this house lives an MK who is trying to outlaw the citizens' right to march and protest on the streets of Jerusalem," one of the posters read. This anti-democratic bill is targeting not only the homosexual, lesbian, transgender and bisexual communities, but also human and civil rights in general."

Jerusalem's gay pride has been marked by protest and violence in past years. Last year, a man was nabbed by Israeli police prior to the parade for planning to set off a bomb. The city also saw demonstrations by hundreds of Haredim in the days leading up to the gay pride festival. Ultra-orthodox rabbis have also placed curses on those who would participate.

MK Zeev: Gay 'plague' could destroy Israel [ynet]

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News: Oprah and Obama, iPhone, Kid Rock, Neo-Nazis, Jane Wyman

Oprah event raises $3 million for Obama campaign: "Among those present at the event featuring two of the most famous Chicagoans in the world: actors Lou Gossett Jr.; Cicely Tyson; Forest Whitaker; Ellen Pompeo; Sidney Poitier; Linda Evans; Tyler Perry; Chris Rock; Hill Harper (who attended Harvard Law with Obama); music producer Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds; Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, football quarterback Rodney Peete; Winfrey beau Stedman Graham; radio personality Tom Joyner; sports legends Ernie Banks, Bill Russell and Dave Winfield; tennis great Jimmy Connors, and model Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber."

Harrod's department store in London brought in a live Egyptian cobra on Monday to guard a pair of $120,000 ruby, sapphire, and diamond-encrusted Rene Caovilla sandals at their unveiling. The snake has since been returned to its owner.

Reagan ex-wife and actress Jane Wyman is dead at 93.

Apple sells 1,000,000th iPhone, 74 days after introduction.

Woman found shot dead outside gay nightclub in Bethlehem, Pennsyvania: "Bethlehem Police Lt. Joseph Kimock said Robberson's body was found at 7:16 a.m. Saturday when officers responded to a report of a person passed out in a vehicle behind Diamonz. Lehigh County Deputy Coroner David Krause pronounced the woman dead about 45 minutes after officers found her. Krause ruled the death a homicide. An autopsy will be conducted Monday."

In Jerusalem, police arrest cell of cell of young Israeli neo-Nazis accused of attacking gays, religious Jews, drug addicts and foreign workers: "Eight immigrants from the former Soviet Union have been arrested in recent days in connection with at least 15 attacks, and a ninth fled the country, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said, in the first such known cell to be discovered in Israel. All the suspects are in their late teens or early 20s and have Israeli citizenship, Rosenfeld said. A court decided Sunday to keep them in custody." More from the Daily Mail...

And more from the VMAs:

Trent hits the VMA party circuit.

Britney Spears damage control team goes into action.

Kid Rock and Tommy Lee show what grown-ups they are...

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News: John Stamos, AIDS and HIV, Megan Mullally, Jerusalem

The state of the AIDS epidemic is currently getting worked over in the blogs. Andrew Sullivan, who reiterated his theory in a recent issue of The Stranger that 1996 was the end of AIDS, has inspired a strong reaction from Gabriel Rotello responding to Sullivan's claims in The Huffington Post. Sullivan, in turn, has fired off another reply.

Producer of new Stephen Fry documentary called HIV and Me says that interviewee George Michael won't get tested: "George says he does not believe in tests. He says he finds the wait for results too harrowing and that he hasn’t had a test since at least 2004 due to his fears it might be positive."

CNN opinion poll reveals shifting attitudes about the nature of homosexuality: "Fifty-six percent of about 515 poll respondents said they do not believe sexual orientation can be changed. In 2001, 45 percent of those responding to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll held that belief. In 1998, according to a CNN/Time poll, the number was 36 percent. In addition, 42 percent of respondents to the current poll said they believe homosexuality results from upbringing and environment, while 39 percent said they believe it is something a person is born with -- a close division that reflects the national debate over the issue. However, those numbers are greatly changed from the 1970s and '80s, in which fewer than 20 percent of Americans said a person is born homosexual. In a 1977 poll, the number was 13 percent." Another new poll reveals that young Americans are leaning left...

Megan Mullally will play the role popularized by Madeline Kahn in the new Mel Brooks stage musical Young Frankenstein to open on Broadway this fall.

Protests by ultra-orthodox Haredi jews against this year's gay pride in Jerusalem cost the city $100,000. city council member Saar Netanel: "It is impossible that tax payers in Jerusalem bare the brunt of the illegal protests carried out by the haredim. It is obviously legal to protest against the gay pride parade, but damaging municipal property is violent and illegal."

John Stamos in drunken Aussie talk show appearance?

Paris Hilton's jailhouse scrawl.

NPR: Wealthy gay donors a new force in politics. Patrick Guerriero, former head of the Log Cabin Republicans and now mogul-turned-philanthropist Tim Gill's political director: "I think what folks like Tim Gill are trying to do is to basically level the playing field. I think a lot of folks who believe in basic equality were caught blindsided when the issue of marriage equality was used as a wedge issue in elections around the 2004 cycle. And what happened was a lot of really decent, fair-minded legislators were thrown out of office based on those issues."

OUT magazine is looking for nominations for this year's "Out 100".

Summer drinks: imbibe.

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #147

ULTRA-ORTHODOX ANTI-GAY PROTEST: During yesterday's Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade. Looks fun, don't it?

THE SIMPSONS: The trailer for the long-awaited feature film, due July 27.

ROSIE AND ROSS: Videoblog chatter via Celebrity Hijinx.

PRAIRIE DOG: The most famous prairie dog on the internet. Drama queen.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here!

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Police Nab Bomber Prior to Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade

As Jerusalem braced for a gay pride event that in the past has been bloody and violent, police seized a man with a bomb before he could get to the thousands participating in today's parade.

Said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld: "Police stopped a 32-year-old religious Jew who was carrying a homemade explosive device."

Others, who managed to break through the massive police presence, estimated to be 7,000 strong, were arrested and taken away.

Reuters reports: "A rally planned to take place at the end of the parade was cancelled...following a dispute between the organizers and the Jerusalem city authorities. Police have arrested more than 130 ultra-Orthodox Jews in recent days after learning of plots to disrupt the march and during protests in Jerusalem and religious Jewish towns, where officers used water cannon to battle stone-throwing protesters."

In April, a medium-sized bomb was detonated in protest of the planned parade, injuring one person. Earlier this month, Haredi rabbis placed a curse on those participating:

"To all those involved, sinners in spirit, and whoever helps and protects them, may they feel a curse on their souls, may it plague them and may evil pursue them; they will not be requitted of their transgressions from heavenly judgment."

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Tensions Rise in Jerusalem as Gay Pride March Approaches [tr]
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Tensions Rise in Jerusalem as Gay Pride March Approaches

A Haredi protest over the weekend against this week's planned gay pride parade in Jerusalem had an extremely low turnout, despite these photos which show a sea of Haredim in the Mea Shearim neighborhood.

The Jerusalem Post reports: "The evening protest was marked both by its surprisingly low turnout - estimated by police to be around 10,000 people - and unusual calm for such a heated issue. The relatively small number of protesters marked a stunning defeat for the haredi organizers of the protest, who had expected as many as 100,000 people to turn out in force, and reflected the differences of opinion in the haredi world whether clashes with police at the event would serve their cause, with some Rabbis pointedly ordering their students to stay away from the event."

A police force of 1,000 was on hand to quash any violence. According to Haaretz, "From a stage set up on a main street, protest organizers said 'he who considers himself commander of the Jerusalem police force must prevent the parade and avoid bloodshed.' During the three-hour rally, demonstrators heard speeches by rabbis, said prayers, blew shofars and lit black candles as a sign of mourning."

Following the rally, a policewoman was reportedly hit with a stone and injured, and property was damaged as close to a hundred young ultra-Orthodox jews attempted to block Jerusalem's Sanhedria junction in protest.

Ynet new reports some new developments this year as well. On city walls where the Haredim post fliers condemning the gay pride event and calling for violence, rival fliers have appeared:

"The flyer, signed by 'Citizens for an equal, sane Israel' called upon all citizens of Jerusalem to take part in the parade, caused an outraged among the ultra-Orthodox community. Beginning in the traditional pashkevil manner, the flyer called upon its readers to "hail the call of the shofar," but continues in the none-traditional way by 'warning against the hate and incitement…God have mercy of those who slander against their brethren.…Let us come with our masses to this great, peaceful, dignified and democratic march and defy the minority inciting us to violence,' continued the flyer. 'Hatred is a dangerous, infections (sic)_ disease. Let us all prove that Judaism does not mean fascism and bloodshed.' The pashkevil, illustrated with a drawing of two men holding hands, ends with a call to the city's residents, of all religious affiliations, to take part in the parade."

A 500-meter parade route has been approved for Thursday night's march, which is scheduled to take place between two central city parks. Police are on high alert, with "7,000 police officers and 166 private security guards will provide security for the march down King David Boulevard and the rally afterwards at the Liberty Bell Garden."

Recently
Rabbis Place Curse on Jerusalem Gay Pride Participants [tr]
Jerusalem Gay Tourism Campaign Angers Religious Lawmakers [tr]

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News: Milo Ventimiglia, Sim City, Chile, Kodak, Mars Oceans

Police pursue leads in murder of New Orleans gay activist Robin Malta: " Malta was beaten to death Monday morning, between about 5 a.m. and noon, said John Gagliano, chief investigator for the Orleans Parish coroner. Malta's body had begun to decompose because of the intense heat inside the apartment. Investigators found him inside the apartment lying face-down, shirtless, with a "sexual object" in his mouth, said two officers familiar with the investigation. Several kitchen stove burners were on, said the police sources. Malta had been beaten severely, apparently struck in the head "more than 15 times" with the metal leg of an ironing board, said the two officers. Malta's home showed no signs of forced entry and was not ransacked, said NOPD spokesman Lt. Bruce Adams."

Vast oceans on Mars, gone for more than 2 billion years, revealed: "Two major shorelines exist on Mars, each thousands of miles long — one remaining from the older Arabia Ocean, and another from the younger Deuteronilus Ocean."

2007 is the hottest year recorded thus far.

Batman's new outfit is missing the package and the nipples.

Bear Grylls' survival series Man vs. Wild returns tonight.

Skinheads in Chile in campaign of cyber-attacks against leading gay rights organization Movement for Homosexual Integration and Freedom (MOVILH) accompanied by threatening emails to the Santiago Times: "First and last warning. We fight against dangerous scum: MOVILH. First the hacking, next the theft of (MOVILH’s) database. Now comes the best part. We’re going to turn everything on its head in the Plaza de Armas. Faggots dressed as women dancing in front of children are dangerous. They can kiss and fuck if they want to, but they shouldn’t confuse men for women."

Marlon Brando, Christopher Plummer top Best Week Ever's list of the 12 manliest musical performances ever.

Sim City societies are on their way: "While building your potential hub of the next global superpower, you'll have the new factor of "social energies" to consider, and how you set up your city to manipulate these will dictate the sort of place it is to live in. Depending on how you juggle social factors such as industry, wealth, obediance, knowledge, devotion and creativity within your building schemes, you will have the ability to generate or consume social energy as you see fit, ensuring that your citizens either skip merrily along with the sparkly-eyed, optimistic gait of 1950s sitcom characters, or trudge meaninglessly through a miserable Orwellian nightmare, existing only to serve the state."

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers back again for another season of The Tudors.

Israeli gay activist Sa'ar Netanel receives dozens of death threats after Jerusalem police give ok for gay pride parade: "Netanel said in an interview to Israel Radio that the expressions callers used were 'not Jewish,' and included direct threats to kill him as well as other things he 'preferred not to repeat.' When asked if he had faced these kinds of threats in the past, Netanel replied that while he has been sent threatening letters and even been targeted by phone, this was the first time his number had been posted on the Internet. He said he believed the police were looking into his complaint."

Milo Ventimiglia offers up a few 'come hither' looks.

New York: New viral fan spot for the iPhone.

Birth grandmother of Australia's first gay adoption speaks out: "We just made the choice and I'm glad we made that choice and I don't care what anyone out there says. You know, it's not a matter of being gay or not. It's a matter of being in the best place and the best parents. And that's what these guys are."

Brooklyn teenager indicted for fatally stabbing man because he was gay: "Omar Willock, 17, was charged with murder in the second degree as a hate crime, said Charles J. Hynes, the Brooklyn district attorney. Mr. Hynes said Mr. Willock is charged with stabbing Roberto Duncanson, 20, after shouting antigay remarks. Mr. Hynes said Mr. Duncanson tried to walk away, but Mr. Willock stabbed him four times."

Meet the body behind Fantastic Four's Silver Surfer. I wonder if he gave them permission to use his nuts?

Kodak said to be developing camera that nearly eliminates the need for flash photography: "The world's biggest maker of photographic film says its proprietary sensor technology significantly increases sensitivity to light. Image sensors act as a digital camera's eyes by converting light into an electric charge to begin the capture process."

The website has been launched for Adam Sandler and Kevin James' comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry in which they play firemen who pretend to be gay in order to receive domestic partner benefits.

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Rabbis Place Curse on Jerusalem Gay Pride Participants

Once again, ultra-orthodox Haredi jews are doing everything they can to put a stop to a planned gay rights rally in Jerusalem, including placing a curse on those who participate.

A group of rabbis from the extremist anti-Zionist Eda Haredit sect issued this warning on Sunday:

"To all those involved, sinners in spirit, and whoever helps and protects them, may they feel a curse on their souls, may it plague them and may evil pursue them; they will not be requitted of their transgressions from heavenly judgment."

Ynet News reports: "The Edah Haredit is an extreme body which has declared ideological warfare against the "heretic Zionist government." Its members shun Knesset votes, do not carry Israeli ID cards, and refuse allowances from the government budget. Edah Haredit rabbis warned Sunday that anyone who participates in the gay parade will be hurt 'in body, soul and finances.' The rabbis threatened participants citing the 'success' of previous curses: 'Know what happened to the evil persons who were cursed, and thus feel in your souls that your end will be bitter,' the statement read. 'We are in a grave situation,' wrote the editor of the Edah Haredit mouthpiece, Rabbi Shmuel Pappenheim. In placing the curse, 'The Badatz acceded judgment to the heavens; they will be dealt with there.'"

Police have given organizers preliminary approval to hold the event but said it is still possible that it could be revoked if law enforcement feels that resulting violence would be too disruptive.

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Jerusalem Gay Tourism Campaign Angers Religious Lawmakers

A new ad campaign put together by the Israeli Tourism Ministry meant to attract gay and lesbian visitors to the Holy Land has angered religious lawmakers, with the right-wing National Union party threatening to file a no-confidence motion to the Knesset, according to Ynet News.

Said Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai: "I unequivocally reject the attempt to focus a state-sponsored campaign on a delusional minority that suffers from a normative defect. Jerusalem and Amsterdam are the same for these people. Therefore, those who fail to recognize Jerusalem's holiness had better stay away from it."

The paper reports that the campaign is similar to what other international cities have done to attract gay visitors: "The photos for the campaign was taken in many sites throughout Israel, including Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. 'I chose sites that represent the country,' said Eitan Tal, the campaign's photographer, 'in Jerusalem the models wore yarmulkes for the religious GLBT crowd. In the Dead Sea I shot the models floating in the water holding hands with tiny trunks on. I am happy I was able to assist in the effort to improve the country's economy.' Campaign managers also launched an internet site with information about clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and airlines offering service to Israel. In the future, they plan to add 'Proud' travel packages especially designed to fit the needs of the gay visitors."

After receiving a complaint from a former tourism minister, the current tourism minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said the campaign was initiated by his predecessor and that he planned an order to stop it. In fact, yesterday Tourism Ministry officials issued a statement denying any connection to the campaign, saying it was part of an old campaign put together by the Tel Aviv Hotel Association. Said the statement: "The Tourism Ministry regards all segments of the population as equals, and therefore each group... receives the same treatment."

Another former tourism minister, MK Yitzhak Levy, chimed in: "I protest the portrayal of Israel as a pink, namely – gay, paradise. Israel used to be famous for values and holiness, and here a red line has been crossed."

Said Shlomo Rosenstein, a member of the Jerusalem city council representing the United Torah Judaism: "The Jerusalem municipality and the haredi coalition are doing their utmost to maintain the peaceful atmosphere in town, which has proved itself in the last three years. Provocations will do no nothing for Jerusalem but undermine the status-quo and coexistence within the fragile fabric of life and relations between the different sectors in Jerusalem. I'm surprised that the Tourism Ministry and the person heading it chose to destroy, rather than build. This campaign is disgusting and will drive tourists away from Jerusalem and Israel."

Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers in Israel are cracking down on a gay pride festival and parade planned for next month: "The Ministers Committee for Legislation voted Sunday in favor of a bill that would prevent gay groups from holding pride parades in Jerusalem. The draft bill will be put up for a vote in the Knesset on Wednesday and if approved will effectively render next month's gay pride parade in the capital illegal."

In April, a medium-sized bomb went off in Jerusalem, presumably detonated by ultra-orthodox Haredi Jews upset by the organizers' request for a permit for the parade. Last year's gay pride festival went off as a stadium event after weeks of rioting and threats of violence caused police to restrict it to a safer venue.

The Jerusalem Post reported on Monday that the Haredi have already begun to make threats against the gay parade, scheduled for June 21.

Said Shmuel Popenheim, a spokesman for the Edah Haredit: "There will be strong opposition to those sinners' intention to desecrate the holy city. If they insist on flaunting themselves we will be forced to come out in force against them."

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News: Legally Blonde, Mars Hole, The Sims, Steve Jobs

Has the future of America been stolen? "Investigative reporter Greg Palast says 4.5 million votes will be shoplifted in 2008, thanks largely to the “Rove-bots” that have been placed in the Justice Department following the U.S. Attorney firings. Being the guy who uncovered the voter “purge lists” of 2000 that disenfranchised black voters, he’s worth listening to, even if the mainstream press chooses not to. This time around, he claims to have the 500 emails that the House subpoenaed and Karl Rove claims were deleted forever. They prove definitively, says Palast, that the Justice Department is infested with operatives taking orders from Rove to steal upcoming elections for Republicans and permanently alter the Department."

Investment banker Ron Barons buys $103 million East Hampton plot...house to come.

Tech titans Bill Gates and Steve Jobs to have conversation, for first time ever.

Kanako Otsuji will soon be the first openly gay politician to run for national office in Japan.

My big fat Greek taxi fare: Retired British nonagenarian teacher travels several thousand kilometres by cab to achieve life's dream of seeing site of Aristotle's School in Athens.

The other Idol contestants don't seem to be too happy over Jordin Sparks' triumph over Blake Lewis.

District police chief in Jerusalem gives preliminary go-ahead for gay pride parade there: "Let there be no doubt – the police department is fully obligated by High Court ruling 7348/06. This said, it is within the district commander's jurisdiction to determine, according to the intelligence information and/or evidence he may have at hand, on any restrictions he sees fit to apply to the event, it's location, and arrangements."

Mysterious black spot seen on Mars may be gigantic cave entrance.

Hot: A future climate map of Europe.

Legally Blonde and the Tonys: "The Tonys have nominated Laura Bell Bundy, the star of Legally Blonde: The Musical, for a Best Actress in a Musical award, but her show was snubbed for Best Musical. According to Tony rules, only shows nominated for Best Musical can perform on the telecast, an invaluable advertisement for Broadway to the tens of dozens of people that tune in. A crackerjack Tony performance can mean the difference between a hit and a box-office disaster. Tony producers are going claw to claw over whether to allow the casts of unnominated shows like Legally Blonde and LoveMusik to perform, and poor CBS, caught in the middle, just wants people to watch Broadway's babes flash their jazz hands for Middle America."

FOX to make live-action film based on The Sims.

Gay and lesbian youth leaders targeted by death threats in Kosovo: “We will fu** you mother, burn you with all your belongings, and will make you carry your intestines in your own hands, you lewd man.”

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News: Tobey Maguire, Darth Vader, Cayman Islands, Jamaica

Extremely disturbing images of another brutal anti-gay mob attack in Jamaica. Sick.

Tobey Maguire's mom on her son's friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio: "I figured this subject would come up sooner or later . . . Those two are just free-spirited guys. Most of the friends they hang around with are gay. They're comfortable with that. But I think Leo and Tobey are the crossover between men and women. They have feminine traits they are willing to accept. They aren't ashamed to have any sort of title, even if that means someone calling them gay."

Jason West, who performed public ceremonies for two dozen same-sex marriages in 2004, lost his re-election bid yesterday: "Mr. West was defeated by a village trustee, Terry Dungan, in a 514-to-379 vote, according to unofficial results announced shortly after the polls closed. Mr. West had been charged with 24 misdemeanor counts of violating the state’s domestic relations law when he performed public marriage ceremonies for two dozen gay and lesbian couples in February 2004. The Ulster County district attorney later dropped the charges, saying that a trial would be needless and divisive."

Barbra Streisand to charge $1,000 per ticket in UK show.

Bush warns that Democrats could turn Iraq into terrorist breeding ground.

Philippe Starck lays his hands on a New York luxury condominium: Gramercy by Starck. "As we gazed at Philippe Starck's head emerging from the top of the building on a plasma screen, we wondered if the people who desire to buy into Starck's rich boy minimalism really want to live on a noth