Boston Globe tells gay employees to marry by January 1 in order to continue receiving health and dental benefits for their domestic partners. Attorney: “There is a trend towards doing what the Globe did. A number of employers have taken the position that now that same-sex marriage is an option there is no longer a need to offer domestic partner benefits.”

Biking buddies: Jake Gyllenhaal, Lance Armstrong and Matthew McConaughey hit the road for the second time…

French footballer Zidane accuses Materazzi of calling his mother a terrorist whore before end-of-game headbutt at World Cup. Materazzi denies.

Gay cast member Davis gets a visit from his boyfriend on still-shooting The Real World: Denver…

Researchers report that as many as 10 gigantic “rogue” waves may be roaming the sea at any given time, ready to knock ships around like “corks in a bathtub.” Scientist: “I never met, and hope I never will meet, such a monster.”

Chicago Mayor Daley urges citizens to take in full breadth of Gay Games, which begin this Saturday: “This is more than just an athletic competition. It’s also an arts and culture festival. There will be music, drama, comedy, movies, lectures, art and photography exhibits at locations around the city. This is an opportunity for Chicagoans to see some fine athletes and some outstanding entertainment – and also to show off our city.” Nearly 12,000 athletes from 65 countries are arriving in the Windy City to participate. Chicago will also provide special areas for those wishing to protest the event.

A party fit for a queen…..or several.

Study of those who take illegal mushrooms reports “profound mystical experiences” of participants.

Kylie Minogue says she feels she’s been given a second chance at life: “I was pretty compassionate before – but now I have a much deeper understanding of what it is to have a trial to go through. And it does bring out something wonderful in a lot of people. I’ve made some friends I will cherish forever. When I visit a children’s hospital, which I always did before, they now know that I know. I don’t have strength, I don’t have stamina, I don’t have everything I took for granted before. I’ve got a mountain to climb – but I don’t fancy hanging around at the bottom of the mountain.”