Jason Collins to Appear with Michelle Obama at DNC LGBT Fundraiser

Michelle Obama is headlining a May 29 fundraiser for the Democriatic National Committee in New York and NBA center Jason Collins will be there as well, Politico reports:

Collins will appear with Obama at the May 29 Democratic National Committee LGBT gala, the source said. The event is Obama's first fundraising stop since President Barack Obama won re-election.

They add:

The May 29 New York event is billed as the DNC’s LGBT Leadership Council 2013 gala and is to be hosted by Andy Cohen, the Bravo TV network executive and host. The DNC is asking donors for at least $1,250 and up to $32,400 per person for the Park Avenue reception, according to an invitation obtained by POLITICO.

Obama will also appear in Boston that day to stump for Markey, who this week defeated Rep. Stephen Lynch in a Democratic primary. Markey faces Republican Gabriel Gomez, a former Navy Seal and political newcomer, in a June 25 special election to fill John Kerry’s Senate seat.

President Obama Called Jason Collins, Praised Him for Courage

President Obama called NBA center Jason Collins today after news broke that the pro basketball player had come out of the closet, the AP reports:

Obama told Collins he was impressed by his courage. That's according to a White House official who was not authorized to discuss the private conversation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Earlier Monday, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Collins' decision was another example of progress and evolution in the U.S. as Americans grow more accepting of gay rights and same-sex marriage.

And First Lady Michelle Obama also offered her support via Twitter:

"So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! -mo"

Michelle Obama Hands Out Best Picture Oscar to 'Argo': VIDEO

Apologies for this was the best quality embeddable clip I could find of FLOTUS delivering the Best Picture Oscar in a surprise appearance live from the White House.

Check it out, AFTER THE JUMP...

Dominic Patten at Deadline writes abou how the appearance came together:

“The Academy Awards approached the First Lady about being a part of the ceremony. As a movie lover, she was honored to present the award and celebrate the artists who inspire us all — especially our young people — with their passion, skill and imagination.”

The idea of getting the First Lady on the show first came from Lily Weinstein, who mentioned it to her big Obama contributor dad Harvey, who suggested it to the Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron and Academy president Hawk Koch. The group flew to DC a week and a half ago to put the logistics together with the White House. The Oscar producers told Deadline’s Pete Hammond earlier this week that they “were being like the CIA” about a couple of surprises on the show, keeping things top secret. In towns like Hollywood and DC where people love to talk, they pulled it off. There was no indication on the show’s rundown and most of the people on the Oscars had no idea who the secret guest would be. “I knew we could do it and we did it,” Koch told Deadline tonight about keeping Obama’s name under wraps.

The First Lady was actually handed the envelope with the winner’s name in it by the head of PricewaterhouseCoopers at the White House, where she and President Obama hosted a dinner for the nation’s Governors tonight. Nicholson had a back-up envelope just in case.

News: NOM, Mark Twain, Google, Toni Braxton

 NOM colleague Robert Gagnon compares gay-straight alliances to the KKK and skinheads.

 An authentic shirtless photo of a furry Mark Twain from the 1880s has made its way onto the Internet.

 One of two gay bashers in Kentucky apologizes to the victim two years after the attack: "I'm asking on your behalf if you'll have mercy on me."

 Kanye Kardashian and Kim Kardashian announce they're having a baby girl.

 Study says it explains the strong bond between many gay men and straight women: "...close friendships between straight women and gay men may be characterized by a unique exchange of unbiased mating-relevant information that may not be available in their other relationships." 

 Police car among property vandalized with swastkias and anti-gay graffiti in Bethesda, Maryland.

 Booed gay soldier Stephen Snyder-Hill will work with FreedomOhio to be lead advocate for marriage equality in Ohio.

 Goodbye, Jermaine Jackson. Hello Jermaine Jacksun.

Toni Braxton wants a specific film role: “I would like to play a lesbian … and do a whole make-out scene and the whole thing, just something completely different than people would expect from me. Not a lipstick lesbian, either.”

 Six actors who have taken home both Oscars and Razzies.

 Google vs. Apple - the former might be in the lead: "Google has successfully positioned itself as the one company poised to take advantage of the next wave of technological progress."

 Michelle Obama dances up a storm on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

 Are Republicans dropping their opposition to gay marriage? "The Republican Party may not be there yet, but...supporting gay marriage is the future of the GOP."

Apple CEO Tim Cook to Sit with Michelle Obama at Tonight's 'State of the Union'

Apple CEO Tim Cook will sit next to Michelle Obama at tonight's State of the Union address, Mashable reports:

According to The Mercury News, Cook will be seated next to First Lady Michelle Obama in the First Lady's Box. Cook will be joined by Bobak Ferdowsi, a.k.a. NASA's "Mohawk Guy," a member of the Mars Curiosity rover team at NASA and Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The First Lady's guests last year included Laurene Powell Jobs, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs's widow; and Instagram Co-Founder Mike Krieger. In addition, President Obama mentioned Steve Jobs during last year's address: "You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should earn equal pay for equal work. It means we should support everyone who's willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs."

As I reported last night, joining FLOTUS as well will be Tracey Hepner, the wife of Army Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith, the first openly gay general in the military. So, if previous reports are to be believed, with the addition of Cook, there will be at least two LGBT folks in the First Lady's Box.

Lip Reader Decodes Boehner Joke That Prompted Michelle Obama's Epic Eye Roll: VIDEO

What prompted Michelle Obama's epic eye roll at House Speaker John Boehner?

Inside Edition thinks they have it figured out.

We asked expert lip reader Larry Wenig. Wenig believes John Boehner is asking President Obama whether he had a chance to have a cigarette before the luncheon.

President Obama gave up cigarettes three years ago. Boehner is a known chain smoker.

Our lip reader, Wenig, caught Boehner saying, "Somebody won't let you do it", referring to Michelle, which prompted the first lady's big eye roll.

Watch the clip again, AFTER THE JUMP...