Police Dept. Puts Officer on Leave Over Alleged Porn Past

News of Hollywood, Florida police officer and HGTV Design Star contestant Michael Verdugo's alleged participation in gay bondage porn videos was reported earlier this week, and the news of his possible involvement has led to his suspension on administrative leave from the police department:

"Verdugo joined the police force in 2001, five years after the movie was filmed. 'He's a great cop with a distinguished record of serving this community for many years,' said Al Milian, Verdugo's attorney. Milian would not deny or confirm Verdugo's possible involvement in the film. 'I think every police officer during their career are subject to investigations. The overwhelming number of allegations are always found to be unfounded,' Milian said. Milian said that ever since Verdugo's sexual orientation was revealed in 2004, he has dealt with discrimination and harassment. 'I think when you have a certain lifestyle in the 21st century, you're always going to be subject to heightened scrutiny,' Milian said...Milian said he is prepared to defend Verdugo's record and outstanding contribution to the community."

Here is what got him in trouble (it's most definitely NSFW).

Verdugo's finalist audition tape for Design Star, AFTER THE JUMP...

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

Wesley Clark stands by his dressing down of John McCain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derek Jeter loses the beard.

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

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

The best reason yet to vote for Barack Obama.

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News: Burger King, Alek, Keshishian, Rugby, Cuba, Kevin Spacey

Cuba to offer free gender reassignment surgery under national healthcare plan: "Cuban doctors are currently training with Belgian surgeons, said Mariela Castro, daughter of President Raul Castro and director of CENESEX, Cuba's sex education center, who also said that 28 people are seeking the procedure, last performed in 1988 to massive public protest."

Dublin bookies taking bets on Bingham Cup gay rugby tournament.

Robert Downey, Jr.: Burger King saved my life.

World Health Organization says threat of global heterosexual AIDS pandemic over: "Dr De Cock, an epidemiologist who has spent much of his career leading the battle against the disease, said understanding of the threat posed by the virus had changed. Whereas once it was seen as a risk to populations everywhere, it was now recognised that, outside sub-Saharan Africa, it was confined to high-risk groups including men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and sex workers and their clients."

Gerard Butler to star in stage sequel to Phantom of the Opera?

New Philadelphia police commissioner Charles H. Ramsey implementing policies to make officers, community, feel safer: "My goal is to create an environment where officers don't feel intimidated in any way. If they want to acknowledge [their sexuality], they should feel comfortable doing it." Also, "[LGBT people] don't have faith that the police will do something (if a hate crime is reported). We want to make sure they feel comfortable telling us about any issue that needs to be addressed...We need to be very sensitive to that."

Olivia Newton-John headlines Gay Pride in Los Angeles.

New Provincetown police chief walks daily Commercial street beat: "We’re going to take an aggressive approach, and hate crimes will not be tolerated on any level...Certainly [I haven’t worked in such a heavily gay community] to the extent that I have here in Provincetown, but I’m not shy about it. I feel we need to provide a safe haven, a safe environment. I know there have been a few incidents over the years that have given the community of Provincetown a black eye. I don’t want to see that continue. ... We’re going to take an aggressive approach, and hate crimes will not be tolerated on any level. But I do try to put a positive spin on things, and a lot of good things have happened as well."

Shots ring out in Montreal's gay village. Four arrested.

250 same-sex couples signed up so far to marry in San Diego County in June: "The most popular location is the County Administration Center in downtown San Diego. There are 186 wedding appointments at the center so far. Clerk Greg Smith is shifting employees around to meet the demand and said he will be able to handle about 300 weddings a day."

Filmmaker Alek Keshishian on board for sequel to 1991's Madonna documentary Truth or Dare: "And the film will act as a reunion for Madonna - she has reportedly signed up most of the original production team for the new venture. Keshishian is set to film the superstar over three weeks as she goes about her day-to-day life in London, according Britain's The London Paper. A source tells the publication, 'It's like an In Bed With Madonna but made for today. She leads an amazing, high-paced life now and Alex thought the time was right to do another documentary of her life and career.' The original documentary followed the star as she embarked on her hit 1990 Blonde Ambition tour, and proved a hit with fans, grossing £29 million (£14.5 million) at the global box office."

Heatherette to design costumes for "Sticky and Sweet" tour?

Dina Matos McGreevey jealous that her daughter is enjoying the good life?

Kevin Spacey refuses to travel light: "He's got bodyguards, several publicists, a makeup artist, a personal hairdresser, someone who's styling him. There are so many people, it's ridiculous."

Binghamton, New York mayor raises gay flag for first time.

Melbourne gay rights activist and author Dennis Altman becomes Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen's Birthday honours list.

Genre editor Neal Boulton takes on homophobic bully: ""I was at my bar American Trash last night and Neal Boulton was there. One of the usual meatheads got wasted and picked a fight with a guy he thought was a fag. He called him a fag. and some guy who we figured out later was Neil stepped in and gave the guy who called the gay guy a fag a major pounding out on the sidewalk. Boulton got hit pretty hard but slugged back big time. It was nothing till we realized who was fighting who and that Neal is gay and all. Dude had balls."t

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Excerpts from Gay Ex-Police Chief Brian Paddick's Memoir

The Evening Standard in London has published portions of former top cop turned mayoral candidate Brian Paddick's memoir dealing with violence at the hands of a former boyfriend, coming out to his wife and parents, and the moments he first realized he was gay:

Writes Paddick (pictured here in the early 80's): "After I took my A-levels in the summer of 1976, my parents expected me to go to university but instead I joined the police. I knew that the force would be homophobic but it provided both the perfect cover and necessary encouragement for me to keep my sexuality under wraps. Late one night, shortly after the end of my probationary period, there was a knock on the door of my room in the section house. It was Barry, the guy from the next room, whom I had been admiring from afar. He was standing there in his underpants. 'I've noticed something about you, Brian,” he said. 'The way you look at me and some of the other guys.' My heart raced. My first thought was that I had been 'outed' and my career was over. But Barry told me not to worry, he wasn't going to tell anyone. He had realised I was gay and wanted to sleep with me. I was petrified. I was 21 and a virgin. 'All I want to do is sleep with you,' Barry said. 'We don't even have to touch.' His proposition brought a mixture of desire and absolute terror. Trembling, I nodded and we went to bed. After a while we fell asleep. Several hours later I woke up to find I wasn't shaking any more; my desire overcame my fear. I had mixed feelings about this first sexual encounter. Everything I had learnt screamed that this was wrong - at the same time it felt instinctively right."

Or, as Jim McGreevey would say, "a boastful, passionate, whispering, masculine kind of love."

Paddick is the Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor in an election scheduled for May 1st. He'll face incumbent mayor Ken Livingstone of the Labour party and Boris Johnson of the Tories.

My boyfriend beat me up, says controversial gay ex-police chief Brian Paddick [this is london]

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Gay Officers Group Outraged at News Anchor's Charge Downgrade

A gay officers group is furious that a judge reduced the charges and may dismiss the case against former Philly news anchor (KYW-TV) Alycia Lane, who was arrested in December after a traffic altercation in which she emerged from a cab and struck a female police officer across the face, calling her a "fucking dyke".

Yesterday, the Philadelphia Daily News reported: "Things are looking up for Alycia Lane. Sources tell us that Lane's attorney, David Smith, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office have agreed to a deal, to be made formal at her Feb. 25 hearing in New York, for an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, or an ACD. An ACD, according to New York Criminal Procedure Law, means Lane would get up to six months' probation, after which, if she stays out of trouble, the court would dismiss her case."

According to Newsday, "The New York City Region of the Gay Officers Action League said it was 'outraged and deeply concerned' that prosecutors downgraded charges against Alycia Lane from felony assault to misdemeanor obstruction of government administration and harassment...The decision not to prosecute Lane on the original charges, it said, sends a 'disturbing message' to the public. 'If people cannot control their anger and hatred and choose to confront and injure a police officer, then what chance does the everyday citizen have of expecting a general sense of personal safety in our city?' the league's executive director, Thomas Verni, said in a statement."

Gay NY police officers' group criticizes case against TV anchor [newsday]
(top image via gawker)

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #244

DISGUSTING: Quadriplegic dumped from wheelchair by Florida deputy who didn't believe he was handicapped. The deputy has not been terminated, but has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of an investigation.

JOHN MCCAIN: Anyone who worries about how long we're in Iraq does not understand war.

MADONNA: Her first TV interview regarding her directorial debut Filth & Wisdom. Clips of that are here. And the first REVIEW.

CELINE DION: Thumb powers — activate!

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.

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News: Tiger Attack, Janet Jackson, Beards, Apple and Jay-Z

Gay and lesbian retirement home in Santa Fe targeted by homophobic vandals.

SF Zoo: Tiger may have been "teased" before it attacked.

Vince Vaughn pays off ungodly gambling debt to ice cream cone.

Elton John to play gig in Abu Dhabi: "Sir Elton John has surprised fans by announcing he will play his first gig in the United Arab Emirates later this month. The flamboyantly gay star, who has sold 250m albums in a four-decade career, will perform at an open-air concert in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel. The decision could leave Sir Elton open to charges of hypocrisy, because of the UAE's poor record on human rights. Homosexuality is illegal: those convicted of it face jail sentences, or compulsary psychiatric 'treatment', including the injection of hormones designed to 'cure' them."

HuffPo's Alex Geana finds Clinton online presence strong among Iowa's gays and lesbians: "All the Iowans I talked to are still greatly undecided, but I was able to garner some interesting mentions. Such as Clinton volunteers and campaign workers in the chat rooms, not only to connect and be social but to actually champion her as their choice. Is Hillary the only one that fosters being 'out' on the campaign trail? No one mentioned other campaigns so comfortable with the online world, apparently Obama and Edwards staffers don't identify with both their sexuality and campaign, but that's just a theory."

Late night hosts undergo beard analysis.

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on Gene Robinson and out clergy: "He is certainly not alone in being a gay bishop; he's certainly not alone in being a gay partnered bishop. He is alone in being the only gay partnered bishop who's open about that status."

Miami commissioner Marc Sarnoff fends off resident bothering him about his sexuality: "Let me state that bringing the persons sexual preference to bear in a conversation is not only wrong, but it denigrates all the progress we as a tolerant society have made. It reminds me of the Boy who cried Wolf. When the Wolf arrives no one believes them. Equally when race is brought into an issue and it is not present it belies the credibility of the story teller the next cry for wolf. No one will believe their stories. You demonstrate today that we have a great deal more to achieve as a society before we can call ourselves tolerant. As long as one of you is out there we have much prejudice to stamp out and in time we will."

Miss Jackson poised for some Feedback.

Apple rumored to start record label with Jay-Z. Announcement forthcoming at Macworld?

Long Island, New York law firm turns focus to LGBT issues.

South Korean police officer comes out, vows to fight prejudice: "On Dec. 30, Private Kim Hyun-jong (not his real name) posted an article about his homosexuality on the online riot police community Web site. He is the second policeman from the squad to have openly come out after YooJeong Min-shik identified himself as being gay and refused to finish his service term for which he was prisoned in 2006. In South Korea, men can serve in the riot police as part of their mandatory military service. In the article, Kim said that coming out was not easy, but what was more important was that he faced discrimination and insults, that should be outlawed at military camps. Kim, who works at a police station in Yongsan, Seoul, said his coming out was almost an 'outing' (forced to make a coming out by others) after some fellow policemen read some private information he had saved on his computer. He said he first tried to deny it, but later made up his mind to declare his sexual identity."

Roman Catholic bishop in Spain claims that underage boys want abuse: "There are 13 year old adolescents who are under age and who are perfectly in agreement with, and what’s more wanting it, and if you are careless they will even provoke you."

Gayhane: Gay Muslims find nightlife in Berlin. "European Muslims, so often portrayed one-dimensionally as rioters, honor killers or terrorists, live diverse lives, most of them trying to get by and to have a good time. That is more difficult if one is both Muslim and gay. 'When you’re here, it’s as if you’re putting on a mask, leaving the everyday outside and just having fun,' said a 22-year-old Turkish man who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear that he would be ostracized or worse if his family found out about his sexual orientation. Safety and secrecy come up regularly when talking to guests, who laugh and dance, but also frequently look over their shoulders. To be a gay man or lesbian with an immigrant background invites trouble here in two very different ways."

Ryan Reynolds is a ruff ryder.

'Obscene' Terence Koh Jesus statue causes uproar in Britain.

STUDY: Gay seniors rely on friends for medical care when ill. " Those who were helped were suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, muscular/skeletal illnesses, cardiovascular disease, or other afflictions associated with aging, according to the Rockway Institute. Thirty-eight percent of the survey participants reported to have received care within the past five years from people who weren't health care professionals. Of the group who received help, 76% said that they had also assisted others in their time of need. The sample comprised 199 LGB adults ages 40–85 who were located through elder care agencies in New York City and Los Angeles."

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Brutal Anti-Gay Attack in Sydney Ignored by Police

Law enforcement authorities in Sydney, Australia have been accused of negligence after reportedly refusing to investigate a brutal gay bashing which left Craig Gee with a broken leg and a partially shattered skull. Additionally, Gee's mobile phone was stolen during the attack and friends and family have been receiving disgusting abusive threats and taunts from those who attacked him.

Police told the victim they've "already spent too much time on this" and initially refused to review closed-circuit TV tapes shot around the time of the incident. The tapes, which were later reviewed, did show the attacker but he has not been able to be identified.

"Part of Craig Gee’s skull was reduced to powder and his leg broken during the late-night attack last month, which his boyfriend Shane Brennen initially thought had killed him. Despite repeated attempts, NSW Police have not responded to SSO’s requests for an interview about the case. Gee and Brennan had been holding hands on Crown St at 1.30am when Brennen said they were attacked by two men who yelled, 'Give us your money you fucking faggot.' Gee, who has undergone facial reconstruction surgery, cannot remember the attack. Brennen remembers it clearly, but said the responding officer rebuffed his attempts to give a statement. 'He told us they get 15-20 cases of this a night and don’t usually get a result. ‘We don’t have the resources’,' Brennen said. The couple claim they were repeatedly turned away from Surry Hills police station because the reporting officer was not available. Their trauma was exacerbated when Gee’s mother received a call from his stolen mobile four days after the attack saying, 'We killed your faggot son.' The couple’s friends and colleagues also received homophobic calls and text messages threatening rape and violence."

'SORRY, WE CAN'T HELP YOU' [sydney star observer]

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News: Mars, Lynne Spears, Uruguay, Justin Timberlake, Magna Carta

Same-sex marriage supporters turn out to testify in Vermont: "Members of the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection heard only statements of support for moving past civil unions to same-sex marriage during the two-hour hearing at Montpelier's Statehouse. It was a startling switch from the legislative hearings on civil unions in the same building seven years ago, which attracted hundreds of divided Vermonters who passionately argued both for and against a legal recognition of same-sex couples."

Anderson Cooper taking suggestions for AC360 voiceover intro personalities. Coop: "While we have not made a final decision, I thought I'd let you know about our four finalists, and if there is anyone else you think should be considered, please let us know. In no particular order, the four people we are considering hiring to introduce 360 everynight are: Fran Drescher, Clint Eastwood, Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman), Cher. Personally, I'm arguing for Fran Drescher, but I'm keeping an open mind." (via popnography)

With Britney Spears a bigger mess than ever, and her younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears now knocked up, their mother Lynne Spears makes the family's ONLY recent wise decision and decides to put the parenting book she wrote on hold — indefinitely.

< 710-year-old copy of the Magna Carta sold at auction for $21.3 million by David Rubenstein, of The Carlyle Group: "Bearing the seal of King Edward I and dated 1297, it is one of 17 known copies of the historic tract that defined human rights as the foundation for liberty and democracy as it is known today. It is one of two that exist outside Britain; the other is in Australia."

New Zealand warehouse worker fired for posting note on social networking site Bebo that said "work sux" and working until midnight was "gay like the management". Sux for her.

Justin Timberlake shows off his helium heels for Super Bowl ad.

American Gladiator Alex Castro has a gay porn past: "Before he joined the cast of NBC's recently relaunched American Gladiators and began wielding gigantic Q-tip shaped battle thingies, Alex Castro, the drop-dead gorgeous massive mound of muscle, was wielding more "personal" and impressive clubs as a highly-paid gay porn model."

Mars closest to Earth and brightest in recent and coming days: "In addition to being at its closest to Earth December 18, Mars will be more-or-less at its brightest on Christmas Eve. December 24, Mars will be at opposition (perfectly opposite the Sun, with the Earth on the other side). December 23, Mars will likely attract the most attention, as it rises extremely close to the Moon, and will even be occulted (or blocked-out) for viewers in the West - A prime digital camera opportunity, either way."

Japan's top government spokesman: UFOs exist.

Gay cops on both coasts embroiled in lawsuits. In L.A., a jury is set to hear closing remarks in a suit alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in New York, an officer acquitted after being targeted in an undercover sting by the NYPD has been fired by the city. Asked his lawyer: "Why does the NYPD want to humiliate and embarrass themselves in front of a jury about what they did to him? All the 12 jurors who found him not guilty were livid and outraged at what the New York City Police Department did to one of their own."

Augusten Burrough's new book cover revealed.

Last month I reported that Uruguay was set to legalize civil unions. Now, with the Senate's approval, it has been done: "Under the new law, gay and straight couples will be eligible to form civil unions after living together for five years. They will have rights similar to those granted to married couples on such matters as inheritance, pensions and child custody. Uruguay's Senate passed the bill unanimously after the lower house approved it last month, a congressional spokesman said. The country's center-left president is expected to sign it into law. Several cities, including Buenos Aires and Mexico City, already have gay civil union laws on the books. Uruguay's law would be the first nationwide measure in Latin America, which is home to about half the world's Roman Catholics."

Ryan White's former attorneys publish letter responding to Huckabee's statements on AIDS.

Larry Craig secures $1.6 million earmark for dude ranch.

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News: Ivri Lider, Provincetown, Anderson Cooper, Aurora Borealis

Provincetown police to receive civil rights training following negligence over several hate crimes that have occurred at the tip of Cape Cod. Police Chief Warren Tobias reportedly remains unwilling or unable to communicate with victims and LGBT anti-violence advocates: "At a committee meeting last week, Provincetown acting Police Chief Warren Tobias said he would not seek input from those who complained this summer, such as the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project in Boston and off-Cape resident Richard Hall." Here's a refresher...

Hunk du Jour offers up a lengthy interview with out Israeli singer Ivri Lider. Lider: "I think famous people coming out is an extremely important thing that helps to change lots of peoples' views. It also helps a lot of young people who are dealing with their sexuality and the feelings of being isolated and alone in the world. With regard to Israel, or at least Tel Aviv, you could probably call it one of the gayest cities in the world. For most people here, it's just not an issue."

John Kerry urges military working on investigation into slain Arghanistan lesbian soldier Ciara Durkin's death to work faster: "The Durkin family has waited patiently for more than two months for a final report on Ciara’s death. This incredible family deserves answers, without delay, so that they can begin to find some closure."

Minneapolis church and others take stand: No heterosexual marriages until same-sex marriage is legal. Reverend: "If you feel that gay and lesbian people are loved and credited by God, then how can we continue to discriminate against our brothers and sisters?"

Scientists discover energy source of Aurora Borealis: " New data from NASA's Themis mission, a quintet of satellites launched this winter, found the energy comes from a stream of charged particles from the sun flowing like a current through twisted bundles of magnetic fields connecting Earth's upper atmosphere to the sun. The energy is then abruptly released in the form of a shimmering display of lights, said principal investigator Vassilis Angelopoulos of the University of California at Los Angeles."

Suck it Jesus, Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D-List just got renewed: "Official word from Team Kathy, EMMY award winning My Life on the D-List has been renewed for a forth season. But this just isn't any renewal. Instead of six episodes, try ten on for size."

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams refuses to allow Bishop Gene Robinson or "turn-coat" Martyn Minns to attend next year's Anglican Lambeth Conference.

The harrowing career of Anderson Cooper: the newsman must evade both chest-beating gorillas and Kelly Ripa.

Christian video site GodTube bans the word gay, yet allows 'fag' and 'dyke'.

Madonna to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Leonard Cohen, the Ventures and the Dave Clark Five.

Gay British Stonewall volunteer receives prestigious Diana award: "I'm so proud to receive the Diana Award. When I was bullied for being gay there was no one I could talk to and when other young people told me about their experiences of homophobic bullying, I knew I wasn't alone. I was determined to set up a youth group where people like me in my local community could share their experiences and offer each other support in dealing with the bullying we faced."

Bring Jack back: Project Runway fan starts campaign to bring back Jack Mackenroth, who left the show this week after developing a staph infection. If you missed his Flashdance parody, don't.

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Man Fined for Spanking Police Officers

A New Zealand man who was caught after he snuck up on a pair of policemen in Christchurch and gave them two hard spankings has been fined.

New Zealand's The Press reports: "They say Jonathan Michael Berry, 24, struck them with force with his open hands. Berry appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday charged with assaulting two constables. Defence counsel James Rapley said Berry was sorry, and Judge David Holderness said Berry's actions had been incredibly immature. The police prosecutor, Sergeant Mark Berryman, said the incident happened in Colombo Street. Berry ran up, delivered the blows, and was caught as he tried to run off...The judge agreed to discharge him without conviction on condition that he pay $500 to a charity nominated by the police. He warned Berry that treating police like that overseas would get him in serious trouble. 'Reno still has a three strikes and you're out policy.'"

More from the Christchurch Court News: "Defence counsel James Rapley said Berry was very sorry, and Judge David Holderness said his actions had been 'incredibly immature'. Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Berryman said the incident happened on Colombo Street when people were out enjoying themselves. The two constables were in full uniform, with moderately intoxicated Berry walking behind them. He ran up, delivered the blows, and was caught as he tried to run off. The policemen were offended by Berry’s behaviour. Mr Rapley said he had explained to Berry that even a blow struck in humour was still an assault. 'He did it while affected by alcohol and good humour, said Mr Rapley. The police officers didn’t think it was funny.'"

The judge should have had the officers spank him as punishment. Of course, he probably would have liked it.

*note: these aren't the actual cops, and this is Auckland, not Christchurch.

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Colin Farrell is one of New York's Finest

Colin Farrell suits up in football gear in this recently-released still from the upcoming film Pride and Glory which also stars Edward Norton. The film is about a corruption scandal involving a multi-generational family of New York City police officers.

I have to say that "finest" is a fairly appropriate name for the team, as far as I can see.
Two more on-set shots AFTER THE JUMP...

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #199

ALBERTO GONZALEZ: Demonstrator dressed as detainee interrupts Alberto Gonzalez appearance at University of Florida, and then another...

TASER ABUSE: More taser abuse courtesy of the Utah Highway Patrol, this time for a speeding ticket.

DR. JAN ADAMS: The doctor responsible for the cosmetic surgery operation that preceded the death of Kanye West's mother Donda, creates some drama on Larry King Live as he walks off the set.

WINDOWS AMBUSH: A new ad from Apple which utilizes both right-hand box and top leaderboard ad space to ambush Vista. It's been seen on many tech sites and on some pages on which Vista is reviewed.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here

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Brian Paddick Named Liberal Democrat Candidate for London Mayor

Brian Paddick, the former deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police and Britain's highest-ranking openly gay law enforcement official prior to his retirement, has been named the Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor in an election scheduled for May 1st of next year. He'll face incumbent mayor Ken Livingstone of the Labour party and Boris Johnson of the Tories.

The Guardian reports: "In his first speech after being chosen, Paddick said that crime was the 'number one priority' of Londoners and urged them to look at his track record. 'I am going to work with the commissioner to transform the relationship between the police and Londoners so that all but the tiny lawbreaking minority will have trust and confidence in, and be justifiably proud of their police service,' he said. 'The effect on crime and disorder will be dramatic.' With all three major parties fielding well known names in next year's poll, the stage is now set for the most high-profile mayoral election since the position was introduced in 2000, as Paddick locks horns with the controversial Livingstone and the eccentric Johnson."

Earlier this week it was reported that Paddick's tell-all memoir was scheduled for publication on April 7, one month before the election, and the former officer hinted at sensational revelations: “You will be very surprised by some of the things in it, I can assure you.”

More on the potentially explosive memoir here.

Following the London Tube bombings in July 2005, Paddick was thrust into the spotlight, and made news again after he claimed he was being made the fall guy in order to protect the job of Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan police commissioner, following the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian electrician who was mistakenly shot to death in connection with the bombings.

Still, Paddick's popularity sparked rumors that he was going to get involved in politics as recently as last May.

A 2003 profile in the Guardian noted Paddick's sense of humor: "Mr Paddick is relaxed enough to laugh at himself and told a gay magazine: 'My last staff officer got promoted and went to royalty protection. In his leaving card I wrote, 'Same job, different Queen'.'"

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New Measure Targeting Anti-Gay Hate Drawn Up in Britain

Justice Secretary Jack Straw today announced plans to "make inciting hatred against gay people" a criminal offence, the BBC reports.

Said Straw: "It is a measure of how far we have come as a society in the last 10 years that we are now appalled by hatred and invective directed at people on the basis of their sexuality. It is time for the law to recognise this."

This is London clarifies the measure: "The new law aims to catch those who do not explicitly call for attacks or discrimination against homosexuals, as this is covered by existing incitement laws. Instead, police will be allowed to pursue those who create an 'atmosphere or climate' in which hatred or bullying can be fostered. Officials said it would not prohibit criticism of gay, lesbian and bisexual people or joke-telling. The final decision over who has 'crossed the line' will rest with the police."

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NYPD Blues: Gay Cop Sues Department Over Threats, Harassment

Michael Harrington, a 30-year-old, five-year veteran with the New York Police Department, has filed suit against the city and NYPD claiming that he has been "threatened with violence, called vulgar names and treated unfairly by supervisors because of his sexuality" since he came out to another officer in 2003.

According to the Associated Press: "Harrington, of Brooklyn, said in the suit that within months he overheard an officer in the men's room referring to him as a 'faggot.' Harrington spoke to the officer who said he would hurt Harrington if he confronted the officer again. Court papers say Harrington also repeatedly sought a transfer from the 75th Precinct but his written applications 'kept getting lost.' He was told that after he finally transferred out of the 75th Precinct, that someone posted obscene drawings of him in a sex act, the suit claimed. While working at the 79th Precinct in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Harrington brought his domestic partner to the station house Christmas party. Upon introducing his partner, another officer spit out his drink and began laughing. Harrington says he complained to a supervisor about being mistreated and the supervisor said he was going to transfer him to the Sixth Precinct in Greenwich Village 'so plaintiff could be with his people,' the suit said. At the Sixth Precinct, court papers say, a co-worker told Harrington in December 2006 that 'all faggots should be shot.'"

Harrington also says he had hoped to adopt a child but the department did not allow him to work day shifts, was given "rookie" tasks, and that by 2007 the continuous harassment had caused his health to decline. Harrington seeks unspecificied damages.

Gay Cop Sues NYC, Police, for Harassment [ap]

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John Kerry Releases Statement on Florida Taser Incident

Senator John Kerry released a statement this afternoon about the unfortunate incident at the University of Florida, in which student Andrew Meyer was was pulled from a microphone by police and led away before being tackled and tasered in front of an auditorium full of students. Meyer was in the process of asking Kerry a series of questions.

Said Kerry: "In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way. I believe I could have handled the situation without interruption, but I do not know what warnings or other exchanges transpired between the young man and the police prior to his barging to the front of the line and their intervention. I asked the police to allow me to answer the question and was in the process of responding when he was taken into custody. I was not aware that a taser was used until after I left the building. I hope that neither the student nor any of the police were injured. I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted."

Background
University of Florida Student Tasered at John Kerry Event [tr]

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Larry Craig Incident Puts Closet Case Cruising Under the Microscope

Major Darryl Tolleson, Atlanta Police Dept. on sex in public restrooms in Atlanta: "You would think that it would be a gay issue but more and more, overwhelmingly, we're seeing that these are people with families." That's the key information in this story - it's the ashamed closet cases that are the problem.

Of course, Kyra Phillips tries to drag the unrelated topic of pedophilia into the picture, for no apparent reason except to link it to gay men.

Matt Foreman of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force released a statement yesterday, bringing up a great point at the end: "What’s up with elected officials like Senator Craig? They stand for so-called ‘family values’ and fight basic protections for gay people while furtively seeking other men for sex. Infuriating pathetic hypocrites. What more can you say? There is sad irony that a United States senator from Idaho has been caught up in the same kind of thing that destroyed the lives of dozens of men in Boise in the 1950s, so tragically chronicled in ‘Boys of Boise.’ And by the way, why are Minneapolis tax dollars being used to have plainclothes police officers lurking idly in airport restroom stalls?"

And here's video of Craig's statement to the press, which I posted yesterday.

Pam Spaulding has posted a poll from WingNutDaily over on AmericaBlog. She writes. "These GOP closet cases who cannot reconcile their carnal desires with their desired orientation ('straight') are the real problem."

Well said. Here's a lovely article from ABC News with the misleading headline 'how gay men cruise for sex'. Not some gay men. Not shameful closet cases. All of us. The misinformed demonization begins!

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Cold Case to Re-Air Episode About Gay Cop

"Forever Blue", the much-lauded Cold Case episode that aired way back in December, is being rebroadcast this Sunday at 9pm.

Here's a little preview:

(image source)

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News: Clinton v. Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hello Kitty, Levitation

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama entering cold war: "They work in the same building. They slog through the same rigorous travel schedule. Along the way, they often cross paths several times a day. But Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama have barely spoken to each other — at least in any meaningful way — for months. The tension between the two Democratic presidential hopefuls, which has spilled into public view in the last three weeks, has been intensifying since January. It is clear that the genteel decorum of the Senate has given way to the go-for-the-jugular instinct of the campaign trail."

Bangkok, Thailand police chiefs implement new method of punishment for officers who break the rules: a Hello Kitty armband. Official: "This is to help build discipline. We should not let small offences go unnoticed. Guilty officers will be made to wear the armbands in the office for a few days, with instructions not to disclose their offences. Let people guess what they have done."

Lindsay Lohan attempts to pull her life back together in Utah, with little old ladies, apparently.

Bourne investment: Matt Damon offers the best box-office return on his salary.

Chris Rovzar on this Thursday's 'gay debate': "...what's important about the Human Rights Campaign-sponsored debate is its mere occurrence. If the Dems are confident enough to tackle gay issues head-on for a full hour, it means they're no longer worried that the Republicans will throw it back in their faces. They're not afraid, and more importantly, they're betting voters aren't afraid either."

Hairspray producers Zadan and Meron developing Peter Pan for TV.

Department of Homeland Security developing flashlight that causes you to vomit: "The flashes incapacitate a person in two different ways, says Robert Lieberman, CEO of Intelligent Optical Systems, based in Torrance, CA, which is making the device. The flashes temporarily blind a person, as any bright light would, and the light pulses, which quickly change both in color and duration, also cause what Lieberman calls psychophysical effects. These effects, whose effectiveness depends on the person, range from disorientation to vertigo to nausea, and they wear off in a few minutes."

Big Brother 8 fans: Amber is a bigot.

Gwyneth Paltrow or Romanian, twinkie, super-bottom, gay porn star?

Physicists solve 'mystery' of levitation: "Their discovery could ultimately lead to frictionless micro-machines with moving parts that levitate But they say that, in principle at least, the same effect could be used to levitate bigger objects too, even a person."

Apple delivers new iMacs, iLife...

Arlington County, Virginia to allow 'ex-gay' groups to distribute material to students: "Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, or P-FOX, sued school officials earlier this year in federal court, claiming that they improperly blocked their request to send out the fliers. School officials denied any discrimination. They said all outside groups are barred from distributing fliers at high schools, basically because students don't read them. A settlement, reached last week, states that P-FOX will have the same access given to other groups and can submit fliers for distribution to middle and elementary-school students if it wishes."

Archives reveal that Winston Churchill's cabinet discussed gays.

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2006 Gay Bashing Inspires Citizen Patrol at San diego Gay Pride

You may remember the horrific gay bashing that occurred following last year's Gay Pride in San Diego in which six people were taunted and attacked by a group of men with a baseball bat and a sharp object near Balboa Park following the festival.

San Diego businessman Bob Lehman organized the patrols in response to last year's attack, the San Diego Union Tribune reports: "The group is planning to have a dozen four-person teams deployed in two areas: in Hillcrest along University Avenue, with its restaurants, bars and shops; and outside the festival's Balboa Park venue...The patrols will give suggestions on how people can avoid becoming victims of a crime, and if patrol members see criminal activity, they are prepared to call police quickly, act as witnesses and help victims."

Members of the "Stonewall Citizens Patrol" will wear black jerseys and orange safety vests and monitor activity from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. July 20 and 21 outside the park and along University Avenue from Fifth Avenue to Park Boulevard. Lehman even bought the group an SUV in which it will roll through adjacent neighborhoods.

The men who made the vicious attacks are currently serving sentences ranging from 32 months to 11 years in prison.

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News: Boeing Dreamliner, Paula Abdul, Toilet Paper, Katie Couric

   San Francisco cop suspended for homophobic amateur videos wins appeal of suspension: "Cohen, an officer since 1995, shot videos showing officers responding to mock calls. One showed a homeless black woman railing against white people after apparently being hit by a patrol car. Another showed an officer ogling a woman he had stopped for a traffic violation. One officer was shown dressed as a transgender person, and a policewoman was filmed putting on lipstick during a mock drug raid. Another video showed officers attempting tai chi to vaguely Asian music, then heading into a massage parlor."

   Bachelor Andy Baldwin tries his best to bring back the Speedo.

   Scottish minister resigns post after Gaydar profile discovered. Source: "Jarvie separated from his wife in 2003 but they never divorced. His behavior has been causing concern in Falkland and Freuchie for some time. A minister who dresses up like a member of the Village People and is looking for married men for group sex might not be the best person to hold down the office of minister or chaplain. It's shocking to everyone. When his wife left he cut his hair and grew a goatee - everyone was waiting on him coming out."

   Radio station loses listeners after calling openly gay NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn a "nasty lesbo".

   POLL: 75% of Israelis would accept a gay child, despite the perceived difficulties.

   Telemundo host Luisa Fernanda loses job after calling gay man a Grouper: ''For me, it was just an association of words,