News: Luke Russert, Coldplay, British Army, Father's Day, Canada

Tim Russert's son Luke talks to Matt Lauer...

The executives of the Human Rights Campaign contributed $4,300 to Hillary Clinton's campaign and $0 to Barack Obama. Records show that the other contenders received the following amounts: Dodd — $3,000, Edward — $750, Richardson — $500.

Prince Edward County in Canada a magnet for open-minded thinkers: "Bill [Stearman] says he's seen more homophobia in cities such as Toronto and Belleville. 'It's comfortable here and you don't have to worry. There's a person with a beard and breasts who happily walks down the main street in Picton and nobody cares.' Carlyn Moulton, who co-owns the Oeno Gallery nearby, calls it the 'So-What Factor,' and says people are bonded much more by things other than sexual orientation."

Coldplay's Chris Martin storms out of BBC interview.

Father's Day: Gay couple who adopted three young brothers speaks out: "We are just like you, other than that it’s two men instead of a man and a woman. We live life the same way you do. We put our pants on one leg at a time just like you do. We have the same routines and the same requirements to keep our household going."

Matthew McConaughey back doing what he does best.

Join McCain's "team".

Gay soldiers in Britain's Army will be allowed to march in this year's gay pride parades while in uniform, and not in the red shirts they were forced to wear last year as a replacement: "The Ministry of Defence announced that the Army had this year joined the Royal Navy and RAF in allowing personnel to take part. Last year, soldiers were banned from wearing anything identifying their military links. But a meeting between army officials, Pride organisers and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, resulted in an agreement to scrap the ban in time for this year's parade on July 5."

Nova Scotia town of Truro a changed town after rainbow flag controversy: "The news release, issued Tuesday, says that as a result of discussions between town council and Mr. Thompson, a number of strategies will be undertaken. The town has amended its affirmative action policy to include sexual orientation in the town’s employment equity policy, the release says. Truro will also consider amendments to include gender identity in that policy. The release also says Mr. Mills and councillors will take part in an educational program designed by a town staff member and a representative of Rainbow Proud that will deal with homophobia and gender identity."

Prince William goes barebacking.

Gay Pride in Budapest, Hungary gets go-ahead after police chief reconsiders: " The new decision by Dr. Gábor Tóth approves of the march and its route as originally suggested by organisers. A meeting between the Pride organisers and police was due to be held this afternoon to renegotiate the march, but this was not required following the publication this morning of the new decision by Dr. Tóth."

Brokeback Mountain composer Gustavo Santoalalla receives BMI Icon of the Year award.

Tori Spelling shows off some big wieners

Controversy in Australia over football coach who was sacked after it was reported that he was bisexual.

Gay website for rural community in Ireland shuttered after lawsuit related to article on local lake which served as meeting place for gay men: "What could make a lake so lethal? Sex, actually. People were reportedly doing it under the nearby trees, in bushes, at and near the waters (in it, too, perhaps). An unusual wet weather activity, you may be thinking. A man objected. Tony Geraghty, a freesheet editor, witnessed this joie-de-vivre and wrote a cover story for The Mayo Echo, captioned 'Castlebar Lake attracts hundreds of perverts'. Threads on castlebar.ie found his article offensive; Mr Geraghty found the threads offensive. One thing led to a legal other and the site closed."

Sphere: Related Content

News: Brody Jenner, Dolphins, Michael Cashman, DADT, Madonna

British MEP and former EastEnders actor Michael Cashman under fire for giving his boyfriend £30,000 secretary job.

Wet Willie: Prince of Wales gets royal dunking.

REPORT: Madonna hires Paul McCartney's lawyer for divorce from Guy Ritchie.

Canadian pastor censored and fined for anti-gay letters: "A former pastor will appeal a human rights ruling that orders an apology and the payment of thousands of dollars in fines for an anti-gay letter published in a central Alberta newspaper. The Alberta Human Rights Commission issued a written order on May 30 stating that Stephen Boissoin and the Concerned Christian Coalition must pay former Red Deer school teacher Darren Lund $5,000 in damages."

Mass dolphin death on Madagascar beach.

The story of the first Mrs. John McCain isn't pretty: "My marriage ended because John McCain didn’t want to be 40, he wanted to be 25. You know that happens…it just does."

Kyle Hausman was locked in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn bar all night long. Here's his story, and here's the pre-story: "The hours melted away. Four a.m. approached, closing time, so Ms. Misagal tallied the night’s receipts as a worker cleaned up. Mr. Hausmann was milling about with the last stragglers. Then, around 4:30, he went into a bathroom. And for reasons that are unclear even to him, he stayed in there for quite a while."

Same-sex relationships more egalitarian: "When I look at what’s happening in California, I think there’s a lot to be learned to explore how human beings relate to one another. How people care for each other, how they share responsibility, power and authority — those are the key issues in relationships."

FAA says UFOs seen recently over San Jose recently were probably satellites reflecting the sun: "The appearance of at least two fast-moving shining objects in the weekend daytime sky over San Jose has local residents wondering if they were UFOs. Bob Lochridge, a local resident who recorded the objects, said they streaked across the skies. 'They appeared to be triangular pieces of metal,' he said. 'They were up very, very high. I couldn't see them without the camera.'"

Brody Jenner looking for a "bromance" in new reality series that will feature hot tub eliminations. That's his real "bro" by the way.

The Bachelorette: here's the only thing worth watching it for.

Federal appeals court upholds dismissal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" lawsuit: "A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by 12 gay and lesbian veterans who had challenged the military’s 'don’t ask, don’t tell' policy. The plaintiffs had all been discharged under the policy, instituted by Congress. 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jeffrey Howard said in the decision issued Monday that while some people may question the wisdom of the policy, the court had to defer to congressional decision making."

Amy Winehouse's racist song and subsequent apology - video.

Sphere: Related Content

News: Shanghai, Cynthia Nixon, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Prince William

Australian Capitol Territory holds first same-sex civil partnership ceremony.

Bachelor Summit: Matt Grant towers over Andy Baldwin.

Cynthia Nixon stands by her girlfriend's clothing demands.

Military sociologist Charles Moskos, who helped establish 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', dies in California: "Dr. Moskos' research examined the modern military experience in unprecedented detail, gleaned in part from his ease with the rank-and-file soldiers. 'He truly had an impact on the military,' said Gen. Wesley Clark in a statement. 'He gave many of us the reassurance that someone out there knew us, cared about us and could help see our best interests as a nation and a military were looked after.'" More from SLDN.

Prince William sets sail in the Caribbean.

From the stacks: Grandfather was queer.

Brad Pitt to design green hotel (with team of consultants) in Dubai: "Whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion. Selecting this development as my first major construction project has been a simple decision. It will underpin not only my values for environmentally-friendly architecture, but also embrace my career in entertainment."

Live Cool: Shanghai gets new gay nightclub.

McCain schedules appearance with country singer John Rich, who once said: "I think if you legalize [gay marriage], you've got to legalize some other things that are pretty unsavory. You can call me a radical, but how can you tell an aunt that she can't marry her nephew if they are really in love and sharing the bills? How can you tell them they can't get married, but something else that's unnatural can happen?" Rich later apologized after public outcry.

Shakespeare's grave getting a makeover.

Queer Quinn : New York news anchor in Freudian slip.

Under Armour issues statement denying relationship with Al Reynolds, Jr. after photo surfaces: "I wanted to clarify what has been reported. Al Reynolds is not a spokesperson for Under Armour, nor is there any business relationship of any kind between the Under Armour brand and Al Reynolds."

Nancy Pelosi endorses gay San Francisco Assemblyman Mark Leno in bid for state senate.

11-year-old trailer once used as canvas for a young Banksy, now may fetch £500,000: "Called Fragile Silence, it shows commandos landing stereo equipment on a beach. The trailer’s owners, Maeve Neal and Nathan Welland, say Banksy has authenticated the work, which he completed before they drove the truck to the Glastonbury Festival in 1998. And instead of them paying him, he gave them two free festival tickets for providing the ‘canvas.’ At the time Banksy, whose real name has never been confirmed, was little known."

Gay Colorado congressional hopeful Jared Polis contributes $2.1 million of his own funds into his campaign.

Fashion world remembers Yves Saint Laurent. Simon Doonan, of Barneys New York: “I have a permanent shrine to Yves in my house: a pair of couture croc thigh boots. His highwayman looks, his Cossacks, his lesbian tuxedos, his sexy safaris, his djellabas, his Spanish cigarette girls, his tartan flings. There is no end to his influence and fabulousness.”

Sphere: Related Content

News: Prince William, Gay T-Shirt, Henry Cavill, Sundance Film Fest

It's always nice to see Bayard Rustin remembered.

Castro makeover for Harvey Milk biopic gets started.

Clash of the Sci-Fi titans: JJ Abrams' Star Trek hunks attend JJ Abrams' Cloverfield premiere.

RUMOR: Quentin Tarantino remaking Russ Meyer camp classic Faster Pussycat, Kill, Kill.

Sundance Film Festival, which begins tomorrow, to feature more than 40 gay-related films: "Alan Ball, one of the creators of 'Six Feet Under' and the writer of 'American Beauty,' will be showing 'Towelhead,' about a young Arab-American girl who gets involved with an army reservist living in her neighborhood. Craig Lucas, the director behind 'Longtime Companion' and 'The Dying Gaul' is back with 'Birds of America,' starring Matthew Perry and Hillary Swank. His new film focuses on three siblings who are suddenly reunited and working through various identity issues. Director Tom Kalin returns to Sundance after 16 years with 'Savage Grace,' starring Julianne Moore as a mother who tries to cure her son of being gay. The film is produced by 'Boys Don’t Cry' producer Christine Vachon, whom Huang says has a special knack for bringing outsider queer films into the mainstream."

Airborne: Prince William and his strategically placed harness make first solo flight.

Virginia lawmaker Lionel Spruill trying to introduce legislation to ban rubber testicles from the backs of trucks: "They're offensive to some folks. It's OK to express yourself, but citizens have the right not to be subjected to something vulgar."

Europe's first gay nursing home opens in Berlin: "The newly built, four-storey nursing facility in the German capital could accommodate 28 patients in state-of-the-art rooms with private bathrooms and enough space for some of their own furnishings, said Christian Hamm, an architect and nursing home board member. 'When you're old … you certainly don't want to give up your identity and live in some hostile environment, possibly sharing a room with someone who despises you.' Potential residents are already signing up and have expressed delight at the prospect of living out their twilight years in a gay- friendly environment."

Gay T-shirt spotted in United Arab Emirates raises eyebrows: "Believe it or not, a T-shirt with sexually suggestive message — 'I am not gay but my friend is' — is being sold in one of the markets in Al Ain City. The offence is being committed despite the regular inspections by the concerned authorities to ensure that items sold in the city’s markets are complying with the local customs and traditions. An Emirati resident here complained recently that he found the offensive message on his 10-year-old son’s T-shirt. The father of the boy was astonished and wondered how such T-shirts entered the country."

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan donates $25,000 left over from her campaign fund to the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Center of Central Florida.

Fleshbot interviews Dan Savage of SLOG at the AVN expo (warning site NSFW).

Tracey Ullman to debut new comedy show on Showtime in the spring: Tracey Ullman's State of the Union will feature a kaleidoscope of original characters and impersonations in a wide collection of irreverent and hilarious skits that range from sardonic parody and social satire to Bollywood musicals. The limited series is a snapshot of modern day America as seen through the brilliant comedic mind of Tracey Ullman."

The dashing Henry Cavill showed up to the Dunhill event in London to let a few folks get a whiff of him.

Our pop music columnist Robbie Daw laments the closing of the Virgin Megastore on Sunset and Crescent Heights in L.A.

Zac Efron rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in appendix emergency...

San Francisco Presbytery becomes first in nation to consider openly gay deacon as minister: "Lisa Larges, who has been blocked from ordination for more than 15 years, won on a 167-to-151 vote of the local presbytery's ministers after three hours of debate. Larges said the ban on gay ministers 'puts upon the door of the church an 'Unwelcome' sign for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and their families.' The action allows Larges, a deacon at Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, to submit to an oral exam later this year. 'It has been a long battle and I have been through a lot of discrimination,' said Larges, her voice shaking. 'The church is a beautiful, messy thing, and it's about loving the church in spite of the church.'"

Kathy Griffin to do show for veterans at Walter Reade hospital.

Sphere: Related Content

Prince William Dons His Royal Air Force Drag

Clarence House released photos of Prince William in his Royal Air Force duds today.

He'll begin a four-month assignment next week with the RAF which will include flying lessons and will be known as Flying Officer William Wales.

Said Group Captain Nick Seward: "During his time with us, Flying Officer Wales will be realizing a personal ambition to learn how to fly and this will be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Royal Air Force. If successful, he will be awarded his RAF wings, and in anticipation of this a graduation ceremony is planned for April."

The lessons, however, appear to be a vanity exercise rather than an operational one, and have been criticized by anti-monarchist groups.

One more William RAF shot, AFTER THE JUMP...

You may have missed...
Prince William Snapped in Nude Royal Paparazzi Parody [tr]
Partying Princes Drown Sorrows with Defeated Brit Rugby Team [tr]
Prince Harry Gone Wild, Snorting Vodka, Licking Male Nipple [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Prince William Snapped in Nude Royal Paparazzi Parody

A new book from photographer Alison Jackson entitled Alison Jackson: Confidential depicts celebrities and public figures behaving badly. It's a play on the "gotcha" paparazzi photo using look-alikes.

According to the New York Post: "Among the realistic-looking fakes are: Brad Pitt shaving Angelina Jolie's legs; a jailed Paris Hilton paying another inmate to scrub her toilet bowl; Mick Jagger getting his lips injected with collagen; a masked Michael Jackson putting lipstick on a crying baby; Catherine Zeta-Jones helping Michael Douglas fit into a corset; Jennifer Lopez struggling to pull a pair of jeans over her ample caboose; Queen Elizabeth II, panties down, sitting on the john; Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama being served by a topless waitress and President Bush and Tony Blair relaxing in white bathrobes as Blair strums a guitar."

A disclaimer in the book also reads: "All well-known individuals depicted in this book are not 'real.' [They] have not approved them, nor has their approval been sought..."

After the jump, a few more images from the book...I've spared you the shot of Elton John getting a colonic.

Alison Jackson: Confidential [amazon]

(source)

Sphere: Related Content

Partying Princes Drown Sorrows with Defeated Brit Rugby Team

Princes William and Harry partied into the night on Saturday with members of the English rugby team following their rugby world cup defeat by South Africa at the Stade de France. It didn't appear that Harry was snorting vodka this time, just drinking straight from the bottle. Now word on whether he then went after outside centre Matthew Tait's nipple, as he seemed to have lost his shirt at some point during the night.

You may have missed...
Prince Harry Gone Wild, Snorting Vodka, Licking Male Nipple [tr]
French Rugby Hunk Frederic Michalak for Biotherm Homme [tr]
Rugby League "Wang Dance" Captivates Australian Sports Fans [tr]
Sportrait: Busted French Rugby Players [tr]
Rugby Players Gone Wild [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Tenth Anniversary of Diana's Death Marked by Pomp and Conspiracy

It's the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death tomorrow and the New York Times takes a look at the buzz and conspiracy theories that still surround the life of Diana:

"And people are still arguing, as they did in that odd, volatile time a decade ago, over Diana’s significance, in life and in death. Was she a naïve innocent or a sophisticated schemer? Was Diana an extraordinary woman whose 'lifetime of service touched the lives of millions,' as Mr. Brown wrote over the weekend, or a'devious moron' desperate for attention, as the feminist author Germaine Greer recently described her?"

ABC News is looking at Who's In and Who's Out at the Diana Memorial Service. Camilla Parker-Bowles, once labeled "the Rottweiler" by Diana, opted out earlier this week: "I'm very touched to have been invited by Prince William and Prince Harry to attend the thanksgiving service for their mother, Diana, princess of Wales. I accepted and wanted to support them. However, on reflection, I believe my attendance could divert attention from the purpose of the occasion, which is to focus on the life and service of Diana."

The hour-long private service, being held tomorrow at the Guards Chapel opposite St James' Park, near Buckingham Palace, has been criticized because it is being billed as a "family event" but is being held in the center of London to the dismay of the hordes that haven't been invited to the service itself, or even to watch it televised. Some are saying that if it was to be a private affair it should have been held at Althorp.

Australia's The Age notes: "Britain will mark the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death today with a low-key service that has been criticised for excluding the public and exposing the royal family to the same bad publicity that dogged it at the time of the princess' death."

The conspiracy theories are out in full force. Among them are a forthcoming interview with Diana's "love rat" James Hewitt, who reportedly refuels the Prince Harry paternity speculation: "In an exclusive interview with A Current Affair's Tracy Grimshaw, to be broadcast tomorrow night, Hewitt tells of his last conversation with Diana, his dislike of the Royal family and the delicate question of Harry's paternity. His handling of the latter question — he has stormed out of interviews or issued flat denials in the past — marks a dramatic shift, and arouses fresh speculation he is the true father of Britain's youngest prince."

I ran across this video this morning, however, and it's probably the weirdest 'psychic' theory I've come across regarding the events of August 31, 1997 — that the work of Morrissey and The Smiths somehow foreshadowed Diana's tragic death in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris.

The Queen is dead, boys. And it's so lonely on a limb.

Sphere: Related Content

News: Mr. Wizard, Diana, Katie Couric, Tom Wolfe, Mass Migration

"Mr. Wizard" dies at 89.

Princes Harry and William give U.S. interview about Diana. Harry: “I mean – so after it happened we were always, you know, always thinking about it. And there’s not a day goes by I don’t think, you know, that I don’t think about it once in the day. And so for us is a very slow and it’s a lot – it has been a long time. Over the last 10 years I personally feel as though she has been... she’s always there...She’s always being a constant reminder to both of us and everybody else. And therefore I think when you’re being reminded about it, it does take a lot longer and it’s a lot slower. It’s weird because I think when she passed away there was never that time, there was never that sort of lull. There was never that sort of peace and quiet for any of us – the fact that her face was always splattered on the paper the whole time.”

Provincetown begins archival undertaking to preserve its history.

Geri Halliwell trains with a beast.

CBS Chief Executive Les Moonves says sexism to blame for Katie Couric's low ratings on the CBS Evening News: "I’m sort of surprised by the vitriol against her. The number of people who don’t want news from a woman was startling...Some of our changes didn’t work. If TV news doesn’t want to go the way of the newspapers, which are declining rapidly, then we have to try change."

"Ex-gays" pissed that Montgomery County, Maryland is teaching kids that homosexuality is genetic: "According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are no replicated scientific studies supporting any specific biological cause for homosexuality. But now the Montgomery County Board of Education has done what science and medicine could not do by declaring in its newly approved curriculum that homosexuality is "innate" or inborn. The board could not produce any factual evidence for what it will now teach students -- only political "pledges" and payoffs for last year's school board elections as claimed by gay rights activists."

Reichen flaunts the family jewels for gay jewelry line.

John Travolta's entire family stays up all night and sleeps during the day to avoid paparazzi, the actor says: "We're like the Addams family or the Munsters, living sort of an odd, nocturnal life. My kids probably stay up too late. My wife goes to bed around three, and I follow around seven. Right now, there's just you and me, and no one interfering in our space."

Horse drowns during county "dunking" tradition: "The animals are ridden bareback into the water. When their feet come off the ground, they begin to swim. Tradition dictates that the horse's head should be dunked beneath the surface before it is ridden on to dry land again. But this distressed animal is thought to have pulled away from its owner in a panic, lost its footing and possibly broken a leg. It sank beneath the water and re-emerged but its rider continued the ritual, dunking the horse's head under the water. Again, the animal disappeared, but did not surface again. Worried onlookers began a human chain to pull the horse to shore. But by the time it was brought to the bank, it was dead. The rider fled."

Massive wildlife migration discovered in Sudan: "More than a million animals, including elephants, buffaloes, ostriches, lions, giraffes and a rare type of stork, have been unexpectedly seen living and migrating across Southern Sudan, where no surveys of wildlife had been conducted for the past 25 years due to civil war in the region."

Tom Wolfe surprised to learn that Gus van Sant was directing an adaptation of his Ken Kesey chronicle The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Said Wolfe: "I'm really interested to see what they do," he said. "The biggest problem will be the LSD trips that can be done so much better in print than on film."

Sphere: Related Content

News: Hong Kong, Hugh Jackman, Wild Hog, Prince William

HIV surge among gay men in Hong Kong reflects increase in unsafe sex.

Massive wild hog shot in Alabama.

Is David Beckham getting cold feet about his move to L.A.?

Pet Shop Boys criticize Live Earth concerts, celebrity activists: "The Princess Diana concert is fair enough, but I feel more uneasy about the Al Gore thing. I've always been against the idea of rock stars lecturing people as if they know something the rest of us don't - it looks arrogant. It's not as if they have a private source of information. To state the obvious as if you are the only person that knows it is intellectually weak. Bono uses his celebrity but in doing so he increases his celebrity. I've never even totally convinced that the rest of U2 feel comfortable with that."

India's first gay arts festival opens with a whisper. More...

A day in the life of an Apple Genius.

Gay rights foes in Oregon begin signature campaign to repeal recently passed domestic partnership laws: "The social conservatives see it as a resumption of a battle that began in the November 2004 election, when Oregon voters adopted a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Others, however, say the issues are different this time around, and that public attitudes about gays and lesbians are shifting."

Woman struck by axe in homophobic attack.

Details: Who says all gay men are stylish? "Gay men, unlike supermodels and rock stars, have no more knack for looking good in pretty much anything than the rest of us. And while there might be (just barely) fewer gay rumors circulating about the painstakingly groomed, French-cuffed Ryan Seacrest than there are about the black-T-shirt-clad Simon Cowell, it's hardly risky for a straight man to demonstrate an appreciation for fashion these days. The Stylish Gay Man's days may be numbered. And when he dies, the playing field will be leveled. Entertainment-show hosts and best-dressed-list compilers will stop treating straight men who simply combed their hair and put on a well-cut suit as if they were paraplegics who just completed an Ironman. And the average gay man, saddled with unrealistic expectations for his personal presentation, will breathe a sigh of relief."

The cat who likes water.

Hugh Jackman can't keep his shirt on in Australia.

Big Brother Australia criticized for refusing to tell contestant about father's death: "Contestant Emma's father Raymond Cornell died last week and his funeral was held on Monday in Adelaide, but the 24-year-old is still unaware of his death. 'Will they break the news to her on air, for ratings?' World Vision chief Tim Costello said. 'This is patent ethical irresponsibility . . . she's only got one father and she'll suffer guilt and possibly resentment for the rest of her life.' Producers of Big Brother have refused to move from their position, stating that "it was the wish of the family" that Mr Cornell's death be kept from Emma."

New Zealand rallies to stamp out "gay panic" defense.

Prince William signs lease on a London bachelor pad.

Sphere: Related Content

News: Barack Obama, Castro, Czech Masseur, Tennessee Williams

Warsaw gay groups propose pink triangle monument to honor homosexuals killed in the Holocaust. Some city council leaders, like Marek Makuch of the Prawo i Sprawiedliwość party, are outraged: "It is a devastating idea and we shall not agree to this. I have not seen in Warsaw a monument for Catholic priests or disabled people. The triangle would be a promotion of homosexuality. We cannot compare Warsaw with Berlin – Berlin is the capitol of European homosexuality, and here we have our values."

Barack Obama takes first steps to enter 2008 Presidential race.

Fidel Castro reportedly in "grave" condition.

Judy Shepard and foundation are finalists for the Volvo for Life awards.

Senate votes 87-0 to strip benefits from lawmakers convicted of bribery, perjury and fraud. John Kerry: "With this vote, we are preventing members of Congress who steal or cheat from receiving a lifelong pension that is paid for by the taxpayers." Amen.

Rarely-produced Tennessee Williams one-act coming to London: "And Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens is set in New Orleans' French Quarter, where Williams lived as a young man. When he moved there in 1939, the area's cheap rents and air of age and decay attracted artistic community and alongside them gays, transvestites and other people on the margins of society. The play concerns a gay transvestite who tries to mend a broken heart by taking up with a short-tempered younger sailor. "

Log Cabin Republicans pressure Schwarzenegger to move on gay marriage. California LCR head: "When it comes to marriage, we believe in the fundamental fairness of the American people. There has never been a major civil rights movement that has failed in the United States."

The Royals are ready for combat.

Czech masseur comes out on top in discrimination case. Groundbreaking case is the first time a Czech court has awarded damages for discrimination based on sexual orientation: "Mr Sydor had been promised a job as a masseur at a health centre, but when the manager found out he is gay he refused to hire him. In court the centre's management said they had found a better qualified candidate for the job."

Sphere: Related Content

News: a $1.3 Million 'Outing', Berlin, Trump Cemetery and Hotel

Tickets for Diana Concert sell out in minutes.

Hot property: Daniel Craig's tuxedo from Casino Royale just fetched £12,000 at auction.

The New Jersey Senate has banned a pastor who spoke out against gay marriage at a Senate invocation the day the Senate approved a bill that would legalize same-sex unions. Pastor: "We curse the spirit that would come to bring about same-sex marriage. We ask you to just look over this place today, cause them to be shaken in their very heart in uprightness."

Durex condom users vote Daniel Craig "world's sexiest man."

Lesbian student sues Orange County school district for $1.3 million for 'outing' her to her mother. School told mom that her daughter had kissed another girl: "It's not a blatant disclosure of sexual orientation. Schools want to provide as much information as possible to parents about a suspension."

Headed to Berlin over the holidays? The Berlin Paper has a short guide to the top gay events in that city.

Dem bones: Trump plans for "condo hotel" stymied after human remains from a 19th century Presbyterian graveyard are unearthed.

Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero criticized for pushing Spain too far to the left. Spokesman: "When people say he’s going too fast, he says, 'Go ask gay couples or other groups who have been denied their rights if I’m going too fast.'"

It's All True: A great new track from Everything But the Girl's Tracy Thorn. In other music news "The Drugs Don't Work" by the Verve has been assessed by an expert to be the saddest song ever. The happiest songs may not surprise you.

Has the Arctic ice cap reached a tipping point? "A team of scientists from the United States and Canada has found new evidence about the rapid melting of ice in the Arctic. Data presented at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union suggests all year-round ice could disappear by the year 2040. The scientists also believe recent research shows a tipping point which would trigger a rapid melting is fast approaching."

Sphere: Related Content

Princes Announce Concert for Diana

Princes Harry and William have announced a massive concert to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. The Wembley concert will raise money for causes important to her and for charities set up by the Princes. Among those performing are Elton John, Duran Duran, Joss Stone, Pharrell, Bryan Ferry, and the Engish National Ballet. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am for £45 each.

A short interview with the boys can be viewed here.

Speculation has begun that Elton John will perform "Candle in the Wind", a track that he vowed never to play again following his performance at Diana's funeral. Elton's spokesman was mum: "We're not saying anything about it."

Sphere: Related Content

News: Daniel Craig's Manhood, Liver, Semen Hazing, Firefighters

Dame Judi Dench on co-star Daniel Craig's one-eyed trouser snake: "It's an absolute monster! Maybe I shouldn't have said that. How uncouth of me!"

Ryan Phillippe ready to sow his wild oats again.

Human liver the size of a one pence coin grown from umbilical cord tissue in a British lab.

Pentecostal pop star-turned-preacher to fund defense of Scottish firefighters who refused to hand out pamphlets at a gay pride event: "They were concerned 'on religious and practical grounds' about the prospect of appearing in uniform alongside the marchers, some of who dressed as nuns or priests wearing stockings and suspenders. All nine were given written warnings for failing to take part and were ordered to attend 'diversity training' courses. Brian Herbert, the watch manager and the most senior member of the group, was demoted and had his salary cut by pounds £5,000." UPDATE: Firefighter appeals rejected...

Massachusetts football players to be charged with indecent assault and battery for pre-season football camp hazing in which they tossed semen from a cup onto their victim.

On your bike, son! Prince William misplaces his gun: "He was so concerned that he spent two hours pedalling around on a friend's bicycle in a desperate bid to find it." May cost him top honor at Sandhurst...

Surge in Swiss HIV rates troubling: "In Switzerland three out of every 1,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS. Over the years better prevention has reduced infection rates among drug users and immigrants, but since 2000 new HIV infection rates among gay and bisexual men have continued to rise. In 2005, 49.3 per cent of all men diagnosed as HIV-positive were gay or bisexual, whereas they represented 36.5 per cent in 2004. And by the end of 2006, the Federal Health Office expects 300 new cases. Yet according to the authorities this is a phenomenon that other western European countries are also having to come to terms with."

How does Ricky Martin get in great shape? Zumba: "Zumba is a Latin high energy exercise routine created by Beto Perez that combines aerobic interval training with latin style dancing."

Sphere: Related Content