Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Coathangers - Drive

The Coathangers hit us with their new video "Drive" which features footage from their adventures in Mexico, California, Switzerland, Spain, France and more via the band's GoPro cams. It debuted over at Dazed today just in time for their tour kick off headlining the first leg of this year's Burger Records' Caravan of Stars Tour; Cherry Glazerr and Together Pangea are set to join.  Their latest hard hitting and critically acclaimed album Suck My Shirt is out now on Suicide Squeeze Records and proves the ladies on fire as they push out on the road once again!

President Obama Says U.S. Constitution Guarantees Same-Sex Couples the Right to Marry

In an interview with The New Yorker’s Jeffrey Toobin, President Obama has for the first time announced he believes the U.S. Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry in all fifty states. This is a stark progression from the President’s previous position, which to allow each state to decide the issue individually. President Obama told Toobin, “Ultimately, I think the Equal Protection Clause does guarantee same-sex marriage in all fifty states.”

“The President’s position on marriage equality is supported by dozens of federal court rulings over the last year, which have ruled discriminatory state bans on marriage unconstitutional,” said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. “America’s core values of liberty and equality under the law were enshrined in our Constitution by our founders to protect those who face inequality inflicted by the majority. It’s only a matter of time before committed and loving gay and lesbian couples can legally marry in every corner of this great nation.”

The President’s previous position allowed states to continue enforcing discriminatory laws and state constitutional amendments that prohibit same-sex couples from legally marrying. Those bans have been struck down as unconstitutional by dozens of state and federal court rulings across the country in recent months and years. Four such rulings out of the Fourth, Seventh and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals were allowed to stand by the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this month. While all of the rulings vary slightly in the legal justification for striking down the bans, all point to either the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection or due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.

In May 2012, President Obama became the first sitting President of the United States to announce support for marriage rights for same-sex couples. Viewed in full, President Obama’s legacy of achievement is unmatched in history: three landmark pieces of legislation; 90 significant policy or regulatory changes, including the largest conferral of rights in history to LGBT people via the implementation of the Windsor decision; and 15 federal judicial and seven ambassadorial appointments of openly LGBT people.

Casting Call: Charlotte's Web at The Arvada Center

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities will hold auditions for Charlotte’s Web on Monday, November 10, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd,, Arvada 80003. Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, November 12. Charlotte’s Web will be directed by Edith Weiss. The Arvada Center Artistic Producer is Rod A. Lansberry.

Auditions are by appointment only, call 720-898-7200 to schedule a time. Do not contact the production staff to schedule an appointment. Must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for a part.

Requirements:
Needed are experienced actors with strong acting and character skills. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Roles are non-equity, paid positions. Actors should prepare a 1-1/2 minute comedic monologue. A current résumé and headshot are required.

Production Details:
Rehearsals for Charlotte’s Web will start the week of January 19, 2015, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The production opens on Thursday, February 12, running through April 10, 2015. Performances are Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and noon, and various Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Click here for a complete schedule.

Charlotte’s Web - Character Breakdown:
Many roles play multiple parts, animal and human. Actors must be 18 years of age or older to audition. This includes the roles of Fern and Avery.

WILBUR: A sweet innocent pig, emotional.

TEMPLETON: A rat, sometimes grouchy, always hungry.

CHARLOTTE: A spider, warm, wise, and kind.

FERN: To play a young girl of decided opinions, hardworking, loves Wilbur more than anything.

NARRATOR: A down-home type, easygoing.

HOMER: Fern's uncle, a simple, hardworking, cheerful farmer.

SHEEP: A practical animal, enjoys being the bearer of bad news.

LURVY: Farmhand, excitable.

GOOSE: A bit of a fussbudget, keeps the barnyard organized.

GANDER: A bit pompous, very proud of himself.

AVERY: Fern's brother. To play a high spirited young boy.

ARABLE: Fern's father. Gruff and no nonsense at first, but Fern can always soften him up.

Pauley Perrette on Supporting Gay Marriage

 
Pauley Perrette sat down with Larry King on the Emmy nominated series “Larry King Now” to talk about her passion project, Citizen Lane, how NCIS is the most popular drama in the world and spills beans on the new 12th season.

Pauley Perrette and Larry also discussed the recent ruling on gay marriage, “I’ve just been a part of this - part of this equality campaign for so long, and the last few years, especially since Obama’s been in office, has been so fascinating for us” she added, “We’ve made remarkable strides at such a fast pace.” She also told Larry why she is waiting to marry her longtime fiance Thomas Arklie. (clip below)

Pauley wrapped up her interview by answering social media questions from some of her biggest fans, including if Abby will ever find true love, if Abby and Tony will ever team up for a case, and why she only makes right turns when driving. “I’m a very scaredy-cat driver and I wish that everyone would be as scared as me and be more careful, ” she explained. 


The episode is now LIVE on Ora.tv and Hulu.com (episodes premiere daily 5pm EST)




Federal Lawsuit Filed to Challenge Mississippi Ban on Marriage Equality

Yesterday a case was filed in federal district court in Mississippi challenging the state’s discriminatory constitutional amendment banning same-sex couples from marrying. Famed attorney Roberta Kaplan, who successfully argued United States v. Windsor against the federal Defense of Marriage Act before the Supreme Court of the United States last year, will represent two plaintiff couples on behalf of Campaign for Southern Equality. This is the first marriage equality federal lawsuit filed in Mississippi. A case challenging the state marriage ban filed in state court – Czekala-Chatham v. Melancon – is on appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court after a judge denied a same-sex couple’s divorce petition, citing the state’s ban on recognition of marriages between same-sex couples.

“LGBT Mississippians are just as deserving of the right to marry as anyone else across the country,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “As we’ve seen from dozens of court rulings over the last year, the U.S. Constitution doesn’t allow for states to discriminate against committed and loving gay and lesbian couples through these marriage bans. Robbie Kaplan, the Campaign for Southern Equality and the wonderful plaintiffs in this case will no doubt bring an end to marriage inequality in the Magnolia State.”

Mississippi falls within the jurisdiction of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has two marriage equality cases pending before it. In DeLeon v. Perry, a federal district court judge granted a motion for preliminary injunction barring the state from enforcing its ban on marriage equality. That injunction was appealed, and will be argued before the Fifth Circuit. In Robicheaux v. Caldwell a federal district court judge upheld Louisiana’s ban on marriage equality on September 3, 2014. This was the first time a federal court ruled in favor of a marriage ban since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down DOMA the previous year. That ruling has been appealed to the Fifth Circuit.

In United States v. Windsor, Roberta Kaplan argued on behalf of Edith Windsor against DOMA, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex couples. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Windsor has been cited in every court ruling striking down state bans on marriage equality.

OUT on DVD: Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort

Room service has never been more terrifying as Three-Finger, One-Eye, and Saw-Tooth are back for the next bloody installment of the Wrong Turn franchise. In honor of today's release of Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD, check out the Wrong Turn franchise infographic highlighting some of the bloodiest wrong turns of all.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Pond - "Elvis' Flaming Star"

Even if you're from the most insular, incestuous musical scene in the most isolated city on the planet, people will still stand up and take notice if the music you make is as good as POND's.

Come January, 27th the world will get to experience the band's new album, Man It Feels Like Space Again - their most striking statement to date.

In its 45 minutes, the album covers an extraordinary amount of ground. Opener 'Waiting Around For Grace' sounds like an FM pop hit beamed in from a nearby planet, all wonky propulsion and giddy hooks - the perfect opening blast. Lead single, 'Elvis' Flaming Star' stomps like a '70s glam band coached by Bowie, before collapsing into and out of a mid-tune daydream.

Same-Sex Couples Can Begin Marrying in Wyoming at 10AM Mountain Tomorrow

Today, the State of Wyoming announced that it will file a notice stating that it will not appeal a U.S. District Court ruling that found the state’s ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional. As a result, same-sex couples can begin marrying at 10 am MT tomorrow.

On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl of the District of Wyoming granted an order sought by four same-sex couples and Wyoming Equality that the state immediately lift its marriage equality ban and begin allowing same-sex couples to marry. Citing two decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit striking down Utah’s and Oklahoma’s bans on marriage for same-sex couples, Judge Skavdahl ruled that Wyoming’s refusal to permit same-sex couples to marry violates the U.S Constitution.

Judge Skavdahl ordered the state to begin issuing marriage licenses, but placed that order temporarily on hold to permit Wyoming state officials to respond. Today, the state officials announced that they will file a notice at 10 am MT tomorrow, stating that they will not appeal the ruling and allowing marriages to begin.

The plaintiffs are Anne Guzzo and Bonnie Robinson of Laramie, Carl Oleson and Rob Johnston of Casper, Ivan Williams and Chuck Killion of Cheyenne, and Brie Barth and Shelly Montgomery of Carpenter, and Wyoming Equality, the statewide organization dedicated to securing full equality for Wyoming’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. They are represented by Cheyenne attorney Tracy Zubrod, the law firm of Arnold & Porter LLP, the law firm of Rathod Mohamedbahi LLC, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).

Said Wyoming Equality Executive Director Jeran Artery: “We are thrilled that the State of Wyoming will truly live up to its promise as the Equality State and that same-sex couples and their families will no longer live with the indignity of injustice that has caused so much harm to so many people over the years. This is a great day, and we are grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make it possible.”

Said NCLR Senior Attorney Christopher F. Stoll: “Starting tomorrow, all Wyoming families will finally be able to share in the security and protection that marriage provides. Wyoming’s same-sex couples will benefit in countless ways from having their relationships recognized and respected by the state, and their children will have the security of growing up with parents who are married. We thank the Wyoming couples who courageously stood up to bring this case so that all Wyoming families can enjoy the freedom to marry.”

Learn more about the case.

CAVP launches transformative justice workgroup


From the Colorado Anti-Violence Program: 

The Colorado Anti-Violence Program is launching a "Community-based responses to Interpersonal Violence" workgroup and we are looking for folks in the community who might be interested in joining this group.

We know that our communities have been carrying out creative responses to end violence for many generations. When faced with someone in need of help, our community members have been figuring out ways to address, reduce, end or prevent violence. This workgroup is an effort to build on what is already happening and working in our communities.

The workgroup organizers are holding an introductory discussion on Tuesday, November 18th, 6p-8p, to talk about this effort, including goals, toolkits/resources already in use that we can adopt, and just generally kick off this group. If you'd like to sign up for this 11/18 session, please email info@coavp.org Please note if childcare would be helpful and we can work on that.

HRC Endorses PrEP, Calls for Bold Action to Expand Access to Anti-HIV Drug

In a policy paper released today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, explicitly endorsed the use of Truvada for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is any medical or public health tool used to prevent the spread of a disease or infection prior to exposure. Truvada is the only brand name anti-HIV drug combination currently approved for PrEP, which protects against HIV but no other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). When taken as prescribed by a knowledgeable healthcare provider, and paired with other safer sex practices, Truvada can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by upwards of 90 percent.

“PrEP is a dose of hope, taken once daily. Today, there is an unprecedented chance to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, in part through PrEP’s aggressive prevention of new HIV infections,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “There is no reason—medical or otherwise—to discourage individuals from taking control of their sexual health and talking to their doctor about PrEP. Bold action must be taken to guarantee affordable access to this life-changing regimen.”

It is important to note that HRC’s recommendation applies especially to populations deemed most vulnerable to HIV infection. Truvada is not right for all individuals, and any medical decision should be made in concert with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

HRC joins AIDS United and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Center (GMHC), as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in endorsing PrEP. HRC is pairing its announcement with new calls for insurers, regulators, and Truvada’s drug manufacturer to take bold steps to reduce costs, educate the public, and adopt a goal of universal access for all medically-qualified individuals—regardless of socioeconomic background.

Read HRC’s policy paper here and find out more information after the jump.


The Marco Marco Show: A Fashionable New Web Series Featuring Legendary Queens from RuPaul's Drag Race

World of Wonder presents a fashionable new web series featuring Marco Morante of Marco Marco, one of Los Angeles' hottest designers, in the two weeks leading up to and including the debut of his highly anticipated third collection at the Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles during LA Fashion Week.

The Marco Marco Show webisodes can be seen exclusively on World of Wonder’s YouTube channel, WOWPresents!

The series provides an unfiltered view into the drama, the fashion, and the passion that went into Marco Marco’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection and gender-bending fashion show.

The documentary series features this year’s models from the hit TV series, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Raja Gemini, Manila Luzon, Willam Belli, Alyssa Edwards, Detox, Milk, Sharon Needles, Roxxxy Andrews, April Carrion, Trinity K. Bonet, Raven, and creative producer Mathu Andersen.

Las Vegas Celebrates First Legal Same-Sex Wedding Performed at Flamingo Las Vegas

Caesars Entertainment Properties in Las Vegas celebrated the first legal same-sex wedding at the beautiful Garden Chapel of the Flamingo Las Vegas on Saturday, October 11.  

Grooms Atrau Stoller and Raymond Huntington of Washington State had originally planned their union as a destination commitment ceremony and when they learned of the change in Nevada law they filed for a wedding license and exchanged legal vows of marriage. Exchanging vows in the beautiful gardens of Flamingo Las Vegas, the newly married couple and wedding guests made their way to the High Roller Observation Wheel where they celebrated with a champagne toast at 550-feet above the Las Vegas Strip.


Millions Unite Against Bullying for Spirit Day

Last Thursday GLAAD showcased participants who wore purple or went purple online for Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show support for LGBT youth. Spirit Day began in 2010 in remembrance of several young people who lost their lives to suicide after being bullied. Each year, GLAAD organizes hundreds of celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, faith groups, school districts, colleges and universities to speak out for LGBT youth on Spirit Day.

Millions wear purple on Spirit Day in a united stand against bullying and to show support for LGBT youth. Spirit Day was started in 2010 as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. With GLAAD’s help, Spirit Day has since garnered international support from celebrities, TV news and entertainment programs, corporations, organizations, schools, local communities, and even national landmarks. 


Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox joined GLAAD to light the iconic Empire State Building in purple for Spirit Day. Cox was also joined by young people featured in the new documentary “Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word."

Other celebrity participants included Mariah Carey, Ellen DeGeneres, Fran Drescher, Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, Ricky Martin, Debra Messing, and more.

Hosts of NBC’s “Today Show,” as well as dozens of NBC’s local broadcast affiliates across the country wore purple on air for Spirit Day. Other NBC News properties including CNBC, MSNBC, and Univision hosts also donned purple on the air for Spirit Day. Hosts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View” also wore purple and spoke out in support of Spirit Day on the air.

Viacom participated across the company’s properties, including MTV, MTV2, MTVU, Logo TV, VH1, BET, CMT, Tr3s, Comedy Central, TV Land, and Paramount Pictures. Additional television networks including ABC, ABC Family, CBS, HBO, HLN, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Syfy, TLC, and USA also participated online and on air.

More than forty members of the United States Congress showed their support for Spirit Day and LGBT youth, and other public officials including Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Santa Fe Mayor Javier M. Gonzales also participated.

Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Basketball Association (NBA) & Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Hockey League (NHL), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shared Spirit Day information on social media including official Facebook and Twitter accounts.

According to GLSEN's 2011 National School Climate Survey, 63.5% of LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, 43.9% because of their gender expression. GLSEN also reported that 81.9% of LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation, and 63.9% because of their gender expression.

Voting Begins for 15th Annual Cybersocket Awards

Voting for the 15th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards has now begun, so vote for your favorites x-rated gay websites and pornstars now! You only have until Dec. 5th, so don't delay. Only one submission per email address - extras will automatically be deleted.

Ski Season Kicks Off in Colorado

Colorado’s 2014/15 ski season is now underway!  Friday, skiers and snowboarders celebrated at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area atop an 18-inch base of packed powder when the Black Mountain Express high-speed quad chairlift began delivering eager snow riders to the top of the intermediate High Noon run for their first turns of the year.

Several resorts in Colorado have taken advantage of cold nighttime temperatures to commence their winter operations over the past several weeks. Copper Mountain began making snow on the evening of Monday, September 29, and in addition to Arapahoe Basin, Loveland Ski Area, Winter Park Resort, and Telluride Ski Resort have made snow since then as well. Ideal snowmaking conditions and recent natural snowfall at high elevation allowed Arapahoe Basin to win the friendly Race to Open for the third consecutive year.

Following a record year for skier visits in Colorado, and a summer of major upgrades and improvements at Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts, Arapahoe Basin’s opening has skiers and riders looking forward to the season ahead. “Since the first high country snowstorms several weeks ago, snowmakers and groomers have been working diligently to deliver a memorable Opening Day, and we’re thrilled to see our guests enjoy their first day of the season”, said CSCUSA President and CEO Melanie Mills. 

Colorado’s ski areas are aiming to build on last year’s successful season with capital improvements, program upgrades, and new technology. “As always, Colorado resorts are focused on delivering a great guest experience”, continued Mills. “From innovative instructional programs and award-winning dining facilities to groundbreaking smartphone apps and multi-mountain pass products, our resorts’ ongoing dedication to quality, safety, and value is what keeps visitors coming back to Colorado season after season.”
  
The race to host Opening Day is one of the highlights of the ski season, a title often held by Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin or Loveland Ski Area. Both resorts are perched atop the Continental Divide, giving them higher elevations, earlier frosts, and colder temperatures. This also allows them to stay open long into the spring, giving Colorado one of the longest ski seasons in the country.

Check out a current list of scheduled opening dates for CSCUSA member resorts* after the jump.