An earthquake in Toronto, Canada has evidently reached a broad spread with vibrations being reported across New York State including Rochester, the Hamptons and New York City.

The United States Geological Survey in Colorado, stated, “There was an earthquake up in the Western Quebec seismic zone which runs in a band right along the border just north of Ottawa and it looks like it was widely felt. The shaking seems to have affected a pretty broad area.”

Other cities that report feeling vibrations from the Canadian earthquake are Boston, Detroit, Baltimore and Buffalo.

Rochester's YNN is offering continuing coverage on their website.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Cops in Long Island say an off duty corrections officer Kim Wolfe went on a killing spree ultimately taking two lives.  One was her former lesbian lover.  The other was her uncle.

Investigators say the 43-year-old woman went on a shooting spree killing her girlfriend Stacey Williams and her uncle and wounded her 88 year old grandfather.  She also took her 23-year-old niece hostage and headed to Atlantic City.

Kim and Stacey evidently met up to reconcile their relationship, but things went terrible wrong.  Police say Wolfe "snapped."  They say she turned on her family when they got into a fight over who would be the beneficiary of Williams' life insurance. 

A retired NYPD hostage negotiator eventually convinced Wolfe to turn herself in.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

Lawyers returned to court on Wednesday to deliver closing arguments to a federal judge in hopes of overturning the ban on gay marriage in California.

Two same-sex couples are suing to overturn Proposition 8, which voters passed in 2008. Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker is hearing the case in San Francisco.

It's the first federal trial to examine whether gay marriage bans violate civil rights. The case is expected to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

We often see those videos of people doing things and ask "what were they thinking?"  This is definitely one of those situations.  

Our news of the weird comes from Seattle where video has surfaced in which a cop punches a woman.  CBS' Chris Wragge has the story.

That video Chris mentioned shows Officer Ian P. Walsh trying to arrest 19-year-old Marilyn Levias. The two were already struggling when Levias' friend, a 17-year-old, pushed the officer, and he responded by punching the friend in the face. 

Evidently the officer tried to approach the two women who faced charges of jaywalking.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If the Philadelphia chapter of The Boy Scouts of America wants to keep their $1/ year lease, then they have to stand up against the national ban on gays by the organization.

The city says the national rule violates a local law banning discrimination on sexual-orientation and other grounds.

Evidently several chapters of The Boy Scouts are having troubles raising money due to the ban.

[For full disclosure: I slipped through the Boy Scouts system having been a member before I was openly gay.  I was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity which was founded by the Boy Scouts.  I no longer make donations to either organization due to the ban.]

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

SHOT OF THE DAY

A McDonald's advertisement in France is causing a lit bit of controversy for simply saying "come as you are" and opening the doors to the gay community.

Everyone who knows me, knows that I'm hooked on McDonald's.  All last summer it was the McChicken (with a sweet  tea).  This year I'm still on the sweet tea, of course, but I've moved on to the McDouble.  However, I digress!

I'm glad that McDonald's are opening their doors to the gays!  Everyone who has their feathers in a ruffle over this ad can go fuck themselves.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The United States House of Representatives voted on Friday in favor or repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

With passage, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said, "We honor the values of our nation and we close the door on a fundamental unfairness." 

This is considered to be a huge victory for President Barack Obama who ran for the White House with a promise to make sure "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is repealed.

From here the military bill will go to the Senate where some Republicans say they will do all they can to block the legislation.  However, several Democrats such as New York's Kirsten Gillibrand plan to do all they can to make sure "Don't Ask, Don't Tell is wiped out!

The House and Senate amendments stipulate that the repeal would not become law until after the study is completed and until the president, the defense secretary and the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that it will not have negative effects on the military's fighting ability.

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

Here it is!  The video that everyone on the web is talking about.  The 2 year old smoking cigarettes video:

This two-year-old child from Indonesia, Ardi Riza, doesn't just have a puff here and there.  This kid smokes at least two packs a day.  The little chubster's parents say he pitches this horrible temper tantrums if you do not give him his cigarettes when he wants them.

Riza's parents also seem to think it is okay.  His dad said since he is a healthy baby, they let him have his smokes to shut him up.  According to some sources, the father actually introduced Ardi to smoking when he was 18-months.

Imagine how nasty his lungs are going to look by the time he turns five! Will the school give him smoke breaks? 

On another note, you know there are some hillbillies somewhere here in the US who are letting their young kids do the same thing right now.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Glenn Beck is at it again.  This time, the Fox News pundit is going after Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY).

Beck debuted "Weiner Facts" on Wednesday.  This is Beck's way of firing back at Weiner after he revealed that one of Beck's biggest sponsors is scamming customers.

You can check out Beck's "Weiner Facts" at this website: weinerfacts.com/weiner/.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Adam Wheeler pled not guilty to what is being called the Harvard hoax, a scam he pulled to get into the prestigious school.

Wheeler evidently lied to recruiters about his crudentials and attended Harvard for two years without anyone ever figuring it out.

Now, the 23-year-old who is known for his jokes and hoaxes stands trial.  He was charged on Wednesday with 20 counts of larceny, identity fraud, and pretending to hold a degree. He also forged documents by faking transcripts.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

A judge has ruled against a gay couple in Malawi for having their own gay wedding ceremony. 

Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa convicted both men of engaging in homosexual acts, which he said was "against the order of nature."

Human rights advocates from around the world are sending a loud message of disapproval to Malawi's government. Amnesty International referred to the two men as prisoners of conscience and issued a statement saying they should be released immediately. Several groups in South Africa are banning together to picket the embassy of Malawi.

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza could be slapped with up to 14 years in prison for simply being gay.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Campbell Brown says she is stepping down from her gig as the 8pm anchor on CNN.  Her self titled show, "Campbell Brown", just isn't pulling the ratings she wanted.

Brown said in a statement that she has been considering this for a while.

"I have never had much tolerance for others’ spin, so I can’t imagine trying to stomach my own," she said. "The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program, and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else."

Rumor has it, they are going to replace "Campbell Brown" with a debate type show hosted by someone along the lines of former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

We told you this was coming, and here it is!  Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe recorded this Public Service Announcement for the Trevor Project telling America's youth that it is okay to be who they are.

The PSA will run on MTV and, of course, MTV.com.

The Trevor Project is an organization dedicated to the safety of LGBT youth with an emphasis on suicide prevention.

When word starting getting around that Radcliffe was filming this spot for the Trevor Project, speculation once again arose that Daniel, himself, might soon be coming out of the closet as a gay man.  However, he says he isn't gay. He's just gay friendly.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

Portugal's conservative president, Anibal Cavaco Silva, reluctantly signed gay marriage into law making his courty the sixth European nation to legalize same-sex nuptials. 

The bill passed through Portugal's Parliament in January.

President Silva said vetoing the bill would only send it back to Parliament where lawmakers would overturn his decision. 

"Given that fact, I feel I should not contribute to a pointless extension of this debate, which would only serve to deepen the divisions between the Portuguese and divert the attention of politicians away from the grave problems affecting us," Cavaco Silva said.

Trying to soften the blow to proponents in the predominantly Catholic country, he added that the country needed to focus on overcoming an economic crisis that has increased unemployment and deepened poverty.

He said that, in ratifying the law, he was setting aside "personal convictions."

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Looking for a job that won't stress you out isn't exactly an easy task these days.  However, the folks over at Yahoo! have dug up five jobs that pay high dollar salaries but bring low levels of stress.

Did you know that technical writers make between $47,000 and $98,000 a year, and most of them work from home?  Can you think of any other careers that sound stress free but will keep money in your pocket.  I, honestly, couldn't think of one!

Yahoo!'s entire list is after the break.

Continue reading "Five jobs with high salaries and low stress!" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (36) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

X-Factor (and Australia's Got Talent) judge Dannii Minogue (yes, Kylie's sister) is coming out for gay marriage in Australia.

As the world celebrated International Day Against Homophobia, Dannii soaked up some free PR with this statement.

“It’s so important that gay people be given total equality and that includes marriage. I think the next generation will look back on this issue and wonder what all the fuss was about.”

Wouldn't you have been more surprised if Minogue would have come out against gay marriage?  However, there's nothing wrong with soaking up a little free publicity!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Over the weekend Rev. Canon Mary Glasspool became the second gay Episcopal bishop, and she's also making history as one of the first two female bishops in the church's 114 year history.

Rev. Glasspool was consecrated on Saturday at a ceremony attended by 3,000 people in Long Beach, Calif.  She and Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce were elected last December.

While her new role doesn't seem to be getting much protest.  It wasn't that way in 2003 when the Episcopal church elected their first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jazz singer and actress Lena Horne has died.  She was 92 years old.

Horne died Sunday at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital according to a representative for the medical center.

In her day, Lena Horne was a sex symbol with a unique beauty that often overshadowed her work as an entertainer.

She wasn't seen much for the past few decades.  She removed herself from the spotlight after her husband, father and son all died in the early 70's.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Meet Barbie my latest superstar!! Shes a transexual ho.. ahem "escort" and shes fabulous!! Here we see her talking to a potential client. He works in the kitchen and as you can see Barbies THRILLED about it! If you dont piss yourself laughing then somethings wrong with you! Stay tooned to EricHalliwellNights for more of Barbie! Trust me you don't want to miss out.

Posted by Eric Halliwell at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS BRIEF

Nigerian president Umaru Yar'Adua has died, an official from his office has confirmed.  Yar'Adua has been struggling with a heart ailment for five months and hasn't been seen in public since February.

"It is true that the president is dead," an official at the office said.

Yar'Adua had yielded power to Acting President Jonathan who has basically already installed his own cabinet and made his own appointments.

Former President Yar'Adua is expected to be buried on Thursday.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Things aren't looking so good for some people in my home state of Tennessee.  Flood waters in the Nashville area have resulted in many deaths and massive amounts of damage.

The Cumberland River is overflowing into the streets and destroying many businesses and homes.  The Opryland Hotel has been evacuated, and according to reports, may not re-open for the rest of the year.  Up to 10 feet of water stood in parts of the hotel.

There are also evidently a lot of damage at the Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Mills Mall, which replaced the legendary Opryland USA theme park.  No official survey of the damage has been done there yet.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

 This week I have some very important things to report - Our Obagi Clarifying Serum has won the Elle Magazine 2010 Genius Award -

The Kit - Alyria Intense Wrinkle Correction “increases collagen production after treatment with fractional lasers”; Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 is broad-spectrum protection for sensitive skin; Obagi-c rx System “helps maintain improvement of brown spots”; “a great antioxidant,” Skinceuticals Phloretin CF helps prevent new sun spots.

And today is Melanoma awareness week - To learn more visit http://www.melanomamonday.org/ 

With the weather starting to feel like summer, do not fool yourself. Make sure you have SPF available at all times. Skin Cancer is rampant in the USA. Keep in mind that it doesnt always manifest itself so easily. The best thing to do is make sure you have your yearly check up to be safe and SPF SPF SPF SPF. You CAN enjoy life and especially Fire Island this summer as long as you have proper protection. We have Physical Sunblock that has no chemicals and will protect your skin 100% against the damaging rays of the sun and you can enjoy your summer. To learn more about proper skin care for the summmer feel free to visit www.obagi.com , email claudio@gaysocialites.com or call 646-290-0749. 

 Have a safe summer everyone!!!!!

Posted by Claudio Pinto at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Everybody can use a break every now and again, so Baskin Robbins is serving it up on Wednesday night with 31 cent scoops.

Participating Baskin Robbins locations are offering the 31 cent scoop deal between 5 and 10pm on Wednesday evening.

The Baskin Robbins deal is also a part of an annual fundraiser where they encourage patrons to throw in some money for a non-profit.  This year, they're scooping for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On Saturday, New York's gay nightlife scene lost one of its founding fathers when friends discovered Marc Berkley dead on Fire Island.

After complaining of chest pains on Friday night, he evidently died in his sleep while visiting a friend on the gay ole Island.

While working in New York nightlife, Berkley made a lasting impression.  He created the infamous "Fag Tag" card granting VIP treatment at various nightclubs and worked with names like Peter Gatien and John Blair to keep New York's nightlife at the top of its game.  He also co-founded the former fag rag, HX Magazine, with Matthew Bank.  Berkely is also known for donating massive amounts of money to various gay charities.

By Saturday evening, Marc's Facebook page had become a memorial for the nightlife pioneer as friends, colleagues and patrons remembered his contributions.

Here are a few statements from those who knew Marc Berkley:

Matthew Bank (co-founded HX Magazine with Berkley):

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend and business partner Marc Berkley. His energy, vision and creativity energized the nightlife of Manhattan for decades. He could take a tired, broken-down club and transform it into the hottest venue of the moment. He whipped up parties out of the air... and had so many ideas that it was hard to keep up with him. He loved working hard so that the rest of us could have fun. I will miss him terribly."

John Blair (nightclub promoter, former Berkley business partner):

"Nightlife will miss one of the most creative personalities with the passing of Marc Berkley. He was truly one of a kind. My 35 years knowing Marc had its ups and downs but no one can take away the fact that he was one of the most important and one of the biggest forces in New York Nightlife. I will miss him more than he would ever expect."

Rickey Mercado (nightlife club owner, Club Elevate):

"I will miss you very much. I loved your stories, you made laugh... my friend you have left a void and you will be forever remembered."

Dina Marie (recording artist):

"we lost a NIGHT LIFE LEGEND! R.I.P Marc Berkley. WHAT A LOSS!"

Lee Chappell (legendary gay promoter):

 "So long, farewell, auf wierdersehen, goodbye!!!"

Johnny McGovern (recording artist, gay promoter):

"You did it your way and made it possible for the rest of us to do it our way... R.I.P. Marc!"

Tony Forbiano (nightclub promoter):

"You were so instumental in NYC night life and will never be forgotten. My love goes to you always my friend. To your family and friends I wish all the best. xoxo"

Drew G (nightclub DJ):

"Oh Marc I will miss you. Thank you for everything. RIP and make sure I'm on the guest list up there."

Tony G (founder of GayCollegeParty.com):

"You have always been my Mentor, a Comedian with hilarious stories that were Very true! You taught me that using the word Fu*k after every other word would close more doors than open them.. You also took many punches but always found the courage and strengths to stand rite ...back up. Ms. B - you were my friend and for that I will always be grateful! Good Bye Marc Berkley!"

Brandon Voss (former editor of HX Magazine):

"...remembering laughs with Marc S. Berkley, cofounder of HX magazine. RIP."

Joe Jervis (blogger at Joe.My.God):

"A sad, sad day for NYC."

Chip Duckett (nightclub promoter, DJ):

"Make the party in Heaven rock. xxx"

If you would like to share your memories of Marc Berkley, please feel free to do so below or head over to his Facebook page.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

GaySocialites.com has just learned that legendary New York nightlife promoter and co-founder of HX Magazine, Marc Berkley, has died at the age of 57. A cause of death will have to be determined by the coroner, but our sources say Berkley suffered a heart attack on Saturday afternoon in Fire Island. May he rest in peace! Marc will definitely be remembered and missed. When we have more news about burial arrangements or information surrounding Berkley's untimely death, we will keep you posted.

UPDATE: Marc Berkley evidently died while sleeping after complaining of chest pains on Friday evening.  Meanwhile, NYC's gay community remembers a legend in nightlife.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

I don't want this to sound like one of those late night makeover infomercials, but here is the before and after picture of the new $100 bill. 

That's right, Benjamin Frankin got a make over!  The gay review is that purple and orange work well together, and rumor has it orange is the new pink this summer (finally!)

The US Department of the Treasury isn't trying to make Ben look better.  The folks at DailyTech say it's all about security:

The new $100 bill features new security enhancements to cut down on counterfeiting including a 3D Security Ribbon that has images of 100s and bells which change position as you move the bill and a "Bell in the Inkwell" image that changes colors from green to copper depending on how the bill is oriented.

The new $100 bill was introduced this week, but it won't make its official debut until February 10, 2011.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

The next time you're trolling around Craigslist looking for a quick hook-up, maybe you should remind yourself that many of these people are nut jobs!

As if the Craigslist killer story isn't fresh enough, a similar case is unfolding in California.  

Repeat offender, Angel Pena Ayala, was arraigned in Los Angeles County Court earlier this week after prosecutors say he targeted gay men looking for sex and love online through Craigslist.

Ayala's previous charges seem to mainly be associated with carjackings, but this time he was evidently robbing gay men after they agree to hook-up online.  He even went as far as making victims go to the ATM to withdraw more money for him to steal.  Mr. Ayala would be very disappointed if chose to rob me!

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Doormen and building service workers were prepared to walk off the job and abandon their posts at 12:01 on Wednesday morning, however both parties are working on a deal putting the breaks on the much anticipated doorman strike in New York City.

Although no deal was signed when the strike was supposed to occur, both parties said they had made "significant progress" and were hashing out the final details on a agreement between both parties.

New Yorkers were bracing themselves to live without the luxury of mail, newspapers, packages and no one to open the door.  The deal puts the breaks on any type of doorman strike, so the yuppies don't have to worry!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Strike up a win for the gays in my old stomping grounds, Tennessee. 

After meeting with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), administrators at Greenbrier High School have reversed their position after sending freshman Cole Goforth home for wearing an “I [Love] Lady Gay Gay” t-shirt to school. They say they will no longer censor students who wear gay themed shirts on campus.

“Students not only have a First Amendment right to be out at school, but the right to an education free from discrimination and harassment,” said Tricia Herzfeld, ACLU of Tennessee staff attorney. “We applaud the school for recognizing this and taking steps to ensure that they are providing a safe and equal learning environment for all students.” 

 The ACLU teamed up with Lambda Legal to represent Cole and his mother Julie Gordon in the case after he wrote a letter requesting their assistance.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Gay, lesbian and bi-sexual students across the country vowed to keep their mouths shut today in observance of the 15th anniversary of the Day of Silence.  The idea is that LGBT students don't say a word all day to send out a message to those who ignore that they exist or bully their mere existence.

According to dayofsilence.org, hundreds of thousands of students were expected to participate on Friday.

The 2010 Day of Silence was sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

That's what it looks like in just about every air port in Europe as all flights in the UK and many other parts of the continent are grounded.

This comes following a volcanic eruption in Iceland that has spread ash across Europe.  Many flights are not expected to resume until Monday.  Others may start as early as Saturday afternoon.

Thousands of passengers remain grounded without any accommodations.  Others are resorting to rail and road, both of which are experiencing over crowding.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who also serves as the Vatican's Secretary of State, is a stupid bitch.  He is blaming homosexuality for child abuse.

"Many psychologists, many psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relationship between celibacy and pedophilia but many others have demonstrated, I was told recently, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and pedophilia," he said.

Bertone is now getting backlash from gay groups, but I seriously doubt he cares.  This is taking the spotlight off the Catholic Church's priests who molest young children.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Legendary actress and my fellow Tennessee-native Dixie Carter has died.  She was 70 years old.

Carter was best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the television show, "Designing Women."

"This has been a terrible blow to our family," her husband told Entertainment Tonight. "We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy. Thank you."

And that is what we shall do.  May Miss Dixie Carter rest in peace.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has introduced a resolution that encourages the FDA to lift the ban on gay blood donors.

"This policy is wrong and it should be rescinded immediately," Quinn said.

In a statement released on Friday, she added:

"Numerous public health groups, including the American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks, America's Blood Centers, and the American Medical Association, as well as leading HIV/AIDS organizations have urged that the FDA's lifetime restriction be revised.  We have the technology to make sure that every pint of blood collected is screened for a variety of markers of transmissible diseases including HIV.  It's time for the FDA to acknowledge this and to change its policy."

The New York City Council's Health Committee will be holding a hearing on this topic this Tuesday, April 13th at 1:00 pm at 250 Broadway (in 16th floor hearing room). 

"Donating blood is literally giving the gift of life," Speaker Quinn added.  "Gay and bisexual men should be able to give blood and help save a life."

As such, she encourages members of the LGBT community to attend the hearing and testify.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

A high school student in Tennessee was sent home from school for wearing a "gay" t-shirt, and his mother is pissed!

Julie Gordon said her 15-year-old son's freedom of speech and expression was violated when administrators at Greenbrier High School told him to go home and remove a t-shirt that read: "I Heart Lady Gay Gay."  Go mom!

Her son, Cole Golforth, says he has been openly gay in school for a while and it has never been a problem before.  School officials say they were acting in the best interest of the school.  

"We've had a few disruptions the last few days, and we thought the slogan on that shirt would continue to escalate those incidents that had occurred," said Danny Weeks, assistant director of the school board.

The school said Gordon is welcome to appeal the dress code.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

The hottest topic on the web Tuesday seems to be the birth of Brett Favre's grandson.  Favre's daughter, Brittany, gave birth to her first son who she named Parker Brett.

The birth of Brittany's son makes her father the only grandfather in the NFL.

This story had basically stayed out of the media until late last week.  Now, it's everywhere.

If you're wondering... Brett Favre is 40 years and Brittany Favre is 21.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Chris Kanyon (whose biological name is Chris Klucsaritas), an openly gay wrestler, was found dead at his home in Queens on Friday.  He was 40 years old.

According to reports, Kanyon died of an intentional overdose of prescription pills.  Nothing, however, is official until the coroner releases their report.  

Kanyon has tried to take his own life in the past.  In 2003, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after trying to commit suicide.  As recently as last week, he was also evidently struggling with depression and talking about ending his own life.

After graduating from the University of Buffalo and working as a physical therapist, Kanyon left that field to become a professional wrestler in 1992. He worked for both World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment (then known as World Wrestling Federation.)

When he came out to OutSports in 2006, he did so by saying that the WWE fired him because he was gay.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | TrackBacks (0)

John McHugh, the secretary of the US Army, has backtracked on a statement he made about discharging gay soldiers who revealed to him that they were gay last week.

McHugh said last week that there was a moritorium on dismissing gays from the military at this time, but now he has corrected himself.  He did, however, say he was unable to take disciplinary action against three soldiers who he said admitted to him that they were gay, a clear violation of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

"I am unable to identify these soldiers and I am not in a position to formally pursue the matter," McHugh, a former Republican congressman, said in a statement.

This public apology from McHugh adds to the confusion currently circulating around the military's ban on gay service members.  While most military leaders seem to support the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", it still has be approved by Congress.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

An Earthquake struck near Mexicali, Mexico on Sunday evening killing at least one person.  Damage reports were still coming in on Sunday night, but the quake is said to have rattled most of northern Mexico and southern California.  Residents in Los Angeles say the quake shook them for about a minute.

The quake measured a 7.2 and some aftershocks even went over 5.0 on the Rictor Scale.

The earthquake was was centered about 108 miles east of Tijuana, Mexico and 10 miles deep below the surface. 

There are some reports of somewhat significant damage near the California/ Mexico border.  Information is still being gathered to get an accurate report of the effects of the quake.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

RIP

GaySocialites.com is sad to report that we have lost a long-time friend, Chad Noel.  While living in Manhattan, Chad worked as an aspiring model and was a popular figure in the New York nightlife for many years.

Chad died earlier this month from unknown causes at his home in Manhattan.  Authorities found him dead several days later when neighbors made a report to police. He was 25 years old.  The Noel family is currently making arrangements for his memorial and burial in Laramie, WY where Chad was raised.

Friends and family are mourning their loss through messages on his Facebook page.  May he rest in peace and find the happiness he always sought.

[Editor's note:  I knew Chad very well.  We met in 2001, and we learned the city together in many ways.  He was an amazing person, and he will be missed by us all.]

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Everyone seems to have their opinion on how things in the military should run after the ban on gays and lesbians is lifted.

Here's one Marine Commander's opinion:

"I would not ask our Marines to live with someone that's homosexual if we can possibly avoid it," Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway told Military.com. "And to me that means we've got to build [barracks] that have single rooms."

Conway went on to say he would "want to preserve the right of a Marine that thinks he or she wouldn't want to do that -- and that's the overwhelming number of people that say they wouldn't like to do so."

He added that this wouldn't affect other branches of the military since Marines are the only ones who house two to each room.

It seems inevitable that the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will be repealed.  It's just a matter of when and what will happen after wards.

What do you think? Leave a comment below or take the neck-and-neck poll at Military.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBacks (0)

It's a done deal!  According to several reports (including The New York Post, The New York Times and Gawker.com), there are officially new owners of the Fire Island Pines!

For those of you who don't know, the Pines is a gay resort area isolated from the rest of New York on the tip of Fire Island.  A $17 million deal now puts the homo-destination in the hands of three new owners.

As we told you months ago, former local television news reporter Andrew Kirtzman, real estate developer Matthew Blesso and budding gay socialite Seth Weissman have purchased the gay ole strip of land, and they're evidently planning lots of changes.

We're told they'll be closing down the failing grocery store and bodega to create a general store, renovations to the Hotel Ciel (starting next fall), new restaurants and a new gym (both to be managed by outside parties).

As all of the plans are rolled out, we'll keep you abreast.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

FOR A GOOD CAUSE...

 

It's that time of year again!  Yes, the time when people from all walks of life come together to raise money for AIDS research and awareness.  

That's right, we're getting geared up for the AIDS Walk New York!  This year GaySocialites.com is pleased to be teaming up with Steel Gym to form a mega team! 

Our fearless team leaders, recording artist Dina Marie Delicious and fitness expert Ken Hunt are going to help us get prepared financially, psychologically and physically.

Please take a moment and sign up today!  Make sure you sign up as a member of our team as well.  We're team #0023 (GaySocialites & Steel Gym).

We hope you can join us, and if you can't we hope you'll find it in your heart to donate.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The story that put GaySocialites.com on the map is back in the headlines.  It looks like the estate of Anna Nicole Smith will not get any of the billions left by her deceased Texas oil-rich husband.

Smith, of course, died in 2008 and J. Howard Marshall's son died in 2006.  Before that, the two fought over hundreds of millions of dollars.  After both heirs died, their beneficiaries and lawyers kept up the battle. One court even ruled that Anna Nicole's estate should receive $474 million.

The three-judge appeals court panel ruled unanimously that a 2001 jury verdict in Houston in favor of the Marshall family should be honored over two victories by Smith in federal court.

The appeals court said the Houston jury heard testimony from all the parties, including Smith, something that could no longer be done and thus felt they made the best decision.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

It looks like it is only a matter of time until "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a thing of the past.  General David Petraeus, the four-star Army general who is managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, says "the time has come" for the military to rethink its policy of banning gays and lesbians in uniform from serving openly.

However, Petraeus told a Senate panel Tuesday that he wants to see the results of an internal study ordered by Defense Secretary Robert Gates before any changes are made.

Petraeus went on to say that he wants to know if allowing gays to serve openly might hurt recruiting and retention, or the military's ability to fight.

It doesn't seem like Gen. Petraeus is actually rooting for the change.  This seems like somewhat of an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" strategy.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

An early morning earthquake rattled California on Tuesday.  The 4.4 magnitude quake struck about 10 miles east of Los Angeles at around 4am local time.

The depth was recorded at about 11 miles making it a shallow earthquake, and no serious damage has been reported.

Los Angeles residents weren't the only ones shaken awake by the tremors.  The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake was felt in various parts of California from San Diego to Santa Clarita.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The LAPD is evidently cracking down on cruising for sex in public parks, and they're starting with three areas known as an easy place for gays to get it on.

Griffith Park, Elysian Park and Sycamore Grove are evidently the target of a police investigation after undercover cops discovered that the gay sex is so bad used condoms and wrappers are taking over the ground.

You have to watch the video to get a full grasp of how bad things really are!  Lesson to be learned, if you're screwing in the park; don't throw your used condom on the ground.

Cops say most of the men cruising the park are married and do not identify as gay.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Corey Haim, the 1980's child star, died on Wednesday morning in his home.  Reports say he collapsed in front of his mother, and that it appears to be an accidental overdose.

Haim, is best known for his role in the infamous vampire flick, The Lost Boys, in 1987. He went on to star in 1988's License to Drive and 1989's Dream a Little Dream.

Throughout his life, Haim struggled with drugs.  In his recent life, he seemed to have pulled it back together.  At the time of his death, Haim was working on his return to acting and had at least nine projects in various stages of production.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Lil Wayne is in Rikers Island finally after two delays in going to jail. First his sentencing was delayed so he could have surgery on his diamond grill and then the courthouse caught on fire so he got another week of freedom. Wayne is going to serve a year for a gun charge.

I luv Weezy but guns are just too much!

Posted by King Ralphy at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

RUMOR CONTROL

Rumors were flying all over the web on Thursday afternoon that Chief Justice John Roberts would be resigning from the Supreme Court.

RadarOnline.com broke the story, but evidently they later retracted.  The Huffington Post is reporting that the rumor was started by a Georgetown Law Professor trying to prove a point to his students during a discussion about the validity of informants not explaining their sources.

I'm not sure how this got on the web.  Either a student wasn't paying close attention in class or they decided to run with it anyway.  Maybe they've proven their point to their professor using Radar as a tool.

Regardless, John Roberts is not resigning as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Senator Joe Lieberman introduced a bill on Wednesday that will repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

Lieberman, I- Conn., made the argument that the "don't ask, don't tell" is both discriminatory and detrimental to national security.  Several Democrats from the Senate Armed Forces Committee stood with Lieberman as he made the announcement.

"Don't ask, don't tell," which was implemented in 1993 (under Bill Clinton), prohibits gay members of the armed forces from revealing their sexual orientation.

Many military leaders have come forward saying they support the repeal and believe that gays and lesbians serving our country should be able to do so openly.  Defense Secretary Robert Gates has called the repeal "inevitable."

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS BRIEF

Two men have been charged in a Seattle gay bashing.  Here's how the story goes, according to Seattle 911.

The man told detectives he was walking with friends when two men -- identified in charging documents as Adnan Basher Osman, 22, and Abdinasir A. Ahmed, 21 -- jumped him on a path outside the center. As Osman and Ahmed punched him, they yelled anti-gay epithets, the man told officers.

Osman was arrested at the scene, while Ahmed was able to escape before police arrived, according to charging documents. In the weeks that followed, the man told police he had heard Ahmed telling others he planned to kill him because of his sexual orientation.

The charges against the two gay bashers is actually listed as malicious harassment, the way the state categorizes hate crimes.  

Seattle 911 also reports that neither man is currently in police custody.

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The hunt for vicious supermodel Naomi Campbell is over.  Not because Campbell turned herself over to authorities in New York, but because her driver has decided not press assault charges against her following an incident on Tuesday night.

According to reports, Campbell evidently slugged her driver and jumped out of his car to flee the scene.  Naomi was evidently wanted by the NYPD following the assault, but cops later called off their search when they discovered the driver doesn't want to press charges.  

I wonder what could po$$ibly make him decide that.  I hope he make a pretty penny off this!  Campbell has had plenty of run-ins with the cops over assault and even once evidently assaulted cops directly. 

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

After the Supreme Court refused to issue a stay, gay couples in D.C. started lining up for marriage licenses on Wednesday as marriage equality made its way to Washington.

Chief Justice John Roberts (pictured above) issued a three-page opinion saying that a stay is not warranted because judicial policy requires that it defer to the decisions of the courts of the District of Columbia on issues pertaining to exclusively local concerns.

Roberts added, "A joint resolution of disapproval by Congress would prevent the Act from going into effect, but Congress has chosen not to act."

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS ALERT

If you live in Manhattan, be warned there's a crazy on the loose.  She's armed and dangerous and she's wanted for assault.  She might have a lethal cell phone.  A repeat offender, here's a previous mug shot.

That's right!  It's Naomi Campbell.  The super model is evidently, once again, wanted by police for questioning in an assault case.

Naomi is accused of slapping and punching a driver on the east side of Manhattan and is wanted by the NYPD.  Campbell evidently assaulted the driver before she jumped out of the car and fled the scene.

Her publicist says we shouldn't be so quick to judge.  "There shouldn't be a rush to judgment. Naomi will cooperate voluntarily, and there is more to the story than meets the eye."

As you know, Naomi has been known to slap some people around.  In 2006, she was arrested for slugging her housekeeper with a bedazzled Blackberry.  She got community service.  In 2008, Campbell was slapped with 200 hours of community service and fined $4500 for assaulting two police officers in London's Heathrow airport.

Lock your doors, New York!

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

Gay marriage opponents are asking the Supreme Court to put a hold on gay marriage in the nation's capital.

The new law, passed in December by the DC Council, is supposed to take effect Wednesday. Court papers filed Monday with Chief Justice John Roberts could prevent that from happening.  The papers say that the matter should be brought to vote by Washington residents.  Local courts have rejected the same argument.

The gay marriage opponents include a Baptist minister, Walter E. Fauntroy, who was Washington's delegate in the House for nearly 20 years.

The city says the first day same-sex couples can apply for a marriage license is still set for Wednesday, but they have to wait three days before official getting married.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Daniel Radcliffe is speaking out about his involvement in a PSA for the Trevor Project and says the gay rumors don't bother him at all.

Radcliffe told MTV:

"It's something I've always been quite passionate about,Because I grew up around gay men, it was always a natural thing to me. It was never something I ever gave a second thought to. When I went to my second school, I heard terms like ‘puff’ and ‘homo’ getting thrown around. It never occurred to me that some people might have a problem with it.”

If it sparks gay rumors, Daniel says he doesn't care.  He even poked fun at a blogger who said he has "gay face" saying it "was kind of an odd thing to say..."

The Trevor Project runs a non-profit suicide prevention line for LGBTQ teens.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken spoke during the Human Rights Campaign dinner in North Carolina on Saturday and proclaimed that "Our time is now, and it's about damn time."

Aiken, who came out over a year ago, explained his situation to the crowd that included former Family Ties star Meredith Baxter.

"What the hell took me so long? I was waiting like so many folks are waiting…for change," Aiken said. "I realized the time for waiting has passed. The power of truth and living honestly is very liberating".

You can watch Clay's entire HRC speech in the video above.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hundreds of activists in Uganda have sent a petition to lawmakers asking them to reject an anti-gay bill that is calling for extreme penalties against homosexuality, including the death penalty.

Around 400 activists presented parliament speaker Edward Ssekandi with a petition saying the bill violates Uganda's constitution.

The parliament speaker says the bill has to go through due process before it could be dismissed.

The crazy bill not only condemns homosexuality, but it also threatens punishment to those who support them by doing things such as renting property to gay people.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

Maryland's Attorney General says his state should recognize gay marriages performed legally in other states.  The news from Douglas F. Gansler is a major step forward for marriage equality in Maryland.

A bill that would legalize gay marriage in that state is currently being debated in the State Legislature.

Even though the Attorney General's opinion doesn't immediately change the law, it might urge state officials to do so.  At this point, it looks like Gansler would defend a state agency in court for recognizing a same-sex marriage from another state.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Marie Osmond is mourning the loss of her son after he killed himself Friday night.

Michael Blosil, who was 18 years old,  jumped to his death from his downtown Los Angeles apartment.

Marie Osmond released this statement Saturday:

“My family and I are devastated and in deep shock by the tragic loss of our dear Michael and ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

Michael evidently left a note saying that he didn't feel like he could win his lifelong battle with depression.

Her brother, Donny Osmond, was quoted as saying; "Please pray for my sister and her family."

Michael was one of eight children Osmond has with ex-husband Brian Blosil.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Hawaii is bracing for a tsunami that looks like it will be hitting there at any moment.

They're calling it a "waiting game" as Hawaiians are apprehensive about what could happen next.  People are moving to higher grounds to wait out the first waves just to see how bad this could possibly be.

Local news station, KITV is reporting that cars and people are literally just packing into the hills of Honolulu in hopes that they're getting far enough away from the coastline where the tsunami is expected to do the most damage.

Waves could be as tall as seven feet high and the waves could travel up to 450 miles per hour.

All coastal areas in Hawaii could be affected by the tsunami depending on its speed as it hits the islands.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

FOLLOW-UP REPORT

Administrators at the University of Califoria, San Diego say they have suspended a student who admits to hanging a noose in one of the campus' libraries.

On Friday, students hit the street and even locked the Chancellor's office door in protest of the situation.  Is suspending a student for such an act enough?  Protesters say it is not.  UCSD administrators say they are working with police to investigate the situation and come to a rational decision.

"We are feeling real pain, and we will take real action," said UCSD chancellor Marye Anne Fox told reporters. "The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is my primary concern."

The student, whose name has not been released, confessed to police that he hung the noose in the Geisel library on Thursday night.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

DEVELOPING STORY

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight, and the after shocks continue to come.

This earthquake is evidently one of the biggest ever in history. The after shocks have measured over 6 on the Rictor Scale.

At least 147 people are believed to be dead, and that number is expected to increase.

Buildings caught fire, major highway bridges collapsed and debris lay in the streets across the majority of central Chile. 

The huge quake has triggered a tsunami alert for the entire Pacific region including Hawaii.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some tourists from New Hampshire captured Dawn Brancheau's last moments alive on video.  [The footage can be seen here.]

The incident doesn't occur until near the very end of the video, and thankfully it doesn't show the killer whale grabbing Dawn, but it does show a bit of her struggle after the whale already has her in the tank.  It is interesting to see how Dawn and the whale, Tilikum, interact before witnesses say he pulled her into the tank and drowned her.

Rather than leave Tilikum in a SeaWorld tank in Orlando, expert Naomi Rose says they should give the killer whale the same semi-freedom as Keiko, the star of the 1993 movie Free Willy.  Keiko spent his last five years living off the coast of Iceland with other sea animals but returning voluntarily to be fed, at a distance, by trainers. 

“He is a very important part of our team,” Sea World President Jim Atchison said. “This is one of the largest marine life facilities in the world. We have created an extraordinary opportunity for people to get up close. We can educate people. We make no apologies for that.”

SeaWorld has decided to keep Tilikum in captivity despite the fact that he has now been involved in three human deaths.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Citibank is being criticized for closing a gay social networking company's bank account due to “objectionable content” on their website. Citibank is crying "misunderstanding."

In a statement, Citibank said it “sincerely apologizes to [Jason] Goldberg for this misunderstanding. This situation had nothing to do with the content of his web site and any comments by our staff to the contrary were incorrect; we are reviewing what happened.”

This isn't the first time a Citibank compliance officer has closed an account for what they consider questionable practices.  They also evidently did the same thing to a company that sells underwear.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Students at the University of California San Diego campus are evidently planning a huge riot like protest on Friday after a noose was found hanging in the school's Geisel Library. 

This isn't the first noose found on campus and students are abuzz saying they expect to see more.  Evidently racial tension has been mounting on the UCSD campus for a while.

Protesters lined up along Library Walk on the UCSD campus wearing black t-shirts to show their protest to the racist act.

The website, LaLate, this noose (pictured here) was found hanging around a light fixture in the library.  Local police say they are looking into it, and the campus newspaper says they have don't have an official report on the noose story.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (167) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS BRIEF

New York City and the surrounding area is digging out of yet another blizzard.  The snow continued to fall Friday morning as most areas are reporting between one and two feet.  It looks like a lot of people have decided to just stay home today.  New York City schools are even closed.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg cites safety concerns as reasons for closing schools, a rare occurrence for New York City.

There are 1.1 million students in NYC, nation's largest school system.  This is their second snow day this month, but only the fourth in six years.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

It's true. New York City's Heritage of Pride parade will be about 25% shorter this year, but don't go crying discrimination just yet.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg is going to help cut the city's budget by shortening parade routes by 25%, and organizers must keep their marches to under five hours.

The order goes into effect April 1, so that means the Gay Pride Parade, Puerto Rican Day Parade, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and others will have to adhere to the new rules.

Parade cuts will save the city $3.1 million.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS BRIEF

A trainer at Sea World is dead tonight following an accident at the Shamu tank.  Trainer Dawn Brancheau evidently slipped or fell into the tank and was attacked by a killer whale, and it all happened right in front of a crowd of spectators.

"He was thrashing her around pretty good. It was violent,'" said one witness.

The whale involved in the incident was named Tillikum, a male or bull whale, has lived at the park since 1992.  He is one of 8 killer whales living at Sea World in Orlando.  The trainer was evidently getting the crowd riled up for a show in the Shamu tank.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS BRIEF

Former NBA player Jayson Williams broke down in tears at his sentencing as a judge slapped him with five years in prison for a shooting death in his home over eight years ago.

They originally went after Williams for aggravated manslaughter, but he was acquitted in 2004.  He was, however, convicted on four counts of trying to cover up the accidental shooting.  

On Tuesday, Williams was charged with aggravated assault in the fatal shooting of limo driver, Costas Christofi, back in 2002.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Independent Senator Joe Lieberman will leading the fight to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, he announced on Monday.

“I have opposed the current policy of preventing gay Americans from openly serving in the military since its enactment in 1993,” Lieberman said in the statement. “To exclude one group of Americans from serving in the armed forces is contrary to our fundamental principles ... and weakens our defenses by denying our military the service of a large group of Americans who can help our cause.”

He isn't exactly the pioneer for the movement.  Kirsten Gillibrand, Hillary Clinton's replacement in the Senate, has been the chief advocate for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the Senate.

Having Lieberman, a former Democrat-turned-Independent, sponsor the legislation may be better for the bill.  These days, he seems to be more of a Republican anyway.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Sportscasters fight like little kids!  Tony Kornheiser evidently got a little too wrapped up in what "Sports Center" host Hannah Storm was wearing on his radio show.  Now, he finds himself suspended.

Here's what Kornheiser said on his ESPN radio show:

"Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today. She's got on red go-go boots and a catholic school plaid skirt ... way too short for somebody in her 40s or maybe early 50s by now."

He went on, "She's got on her typically very, very tight shirt. She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body ... I know she's very good, and I'm not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won't ... but Hannah Storm ... come on now! Stop! What are you doing? ... She's what I would call a Holden Caulfield fantasy at this point."

She is actually 47.

Kornheiser eventually apologized.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS BRIEF

The suspect accused of killing Alabama teen, Natalee Holloway, has evidently confessed to killing her and dumping her body in a marsh in Aruba.

The lead prosecutor is calling Joran van der Sloot's confession "unbelievable."  

"The locations, names and times he gave just did not make sense," an investigator told NBC News.

Investigators in Aruba evidently opened the closed case again after the young man made the confession.  The entire case has been packed with misinformation and conflicting stories.

Natalee was last seen leaving a bar in the Aruban capital on the final night of a high school graduation trip in May 2005. Her body has never been recovered.  The Holloway family has made several trips to Aruba since Natalee disappeared.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

An airplane has crashed into a building in Austin, Texas.  ABC is reporting that authorities are investigating reports that the pilot may have burned down his house before flying into the building to commit suicide.

Eye witnesses say it was just shocking to witness.  It almost seemed evident that the pilot intended to fly right into the side of the building.

The office of Homeland Security was briefed on the Austin plane crash, but they do not believe it to be an act of terrorism.  Two F-16's jets were launched from Ellington Field in Houston as a precautionary measure.

It's not clear how many people were hurt or killed by the crash.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

FINANCE

New York's leading local drug store chain, Duane Reade, is evidently being purchased by Walgreens.  The 257 stores in New York will retain their name as the owners recognize the importance of keeping one of the city's most recognized brands in any field.

Walgreens, a national chain, evidently picked up Duane Reade's stores for $1.08 billion.

"By combining the strengths of our two companies, we can improve our position as the most convenient provider of consumer goods and services, and pharmacy, health and wellness services in the country," said Greg Wasson, chief executive.

Shares of Walgreens were up on Wednesday following the announcement of the acquisition.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

An Oklahoma forecaster is making a pretty weird weather prediction.  Patrick Marsh, am National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Severe Storms Laboratory, says a winter storm passing through could lead to snow on the ground in all 50 states including Hawaii and Florida.

A storm that looks like it will hit the southern part of the US could dump snow on the southern part of the country and that could help him collect photos of snow on the ground in all 50 states.

Marsh says he isn't sure whether or not this type of weather phenomena has occurred in the past.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

REAL GAY

Think you've got a cool job?  This gay gets to determine whether or not the Federal Government is opened or closed.

John Berry, who is head of Office of Personnel Management, makes the call for the District’s 250,000-plus government employees on whether they're opened or closed due to snow.

Let's just say John was a popular guy this week.  Berry closed Federal Government offices for several days this week and made Friday a "half-day".

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

A new poll shows that most Americans support letting gays and lesbians serve openly in the military.  A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that 75% of Americans support the repeal of the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy.

This should give momentum to the President Barack Obama's hopes to repeal the policy set by the Clinton administration in the 1990s.

Several members of the Democratic party and military leaders have come forward in support of ending the policy that requires gay and lesbian men to lie about their sexual orientation.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As King Ralphy first told you here on GaySocialites.com, British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died.  He was 40 years old.

There are little known facts at this time, but the New York Times is reporting that McQueen was found dead in his home of what seems to be suicide.

McQueen's publicist, Ed Filipowski, confirmed the news of the British designer's death; but he said the family has not yet made a statement regarding the way he died.

This is shocking news for the fashion world, especially as they prepare to launch New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park on Thursday.

As we also previously told you, McQueen was devastated when his mentor Isabella Blow killed herself three years ago.  He also lost his mother earlier this month.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At this year's New York City gay pride parade, "the Heritage of Pride March," history will be made.  NYC Pride announced this week that Lt. Dan Choi will be the Grand Marshal for the 41st Annual LGBT Pride March.

This is the first time in US history that an openly gay male on active service with the US Armed Forces will act as an LGBT pride march Grand Marshal.

This announcement comes as the military and many members of the Democratic party are calling for the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy which bans LGBT members of the armed forces from serving openly.

New York City's annual Pride March is one of the largest.  It began in 1970 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Stone Wall Riots.

This year's march takes places on Sunday, June 27th in Manhattan.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

ABC News has obtained these photos offering a different look of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001.

These photos, shown here on ABC's World News with Diane Sawyer, were released as a part of an investigation into the structural integrity of the World Trade Center buildings.

Notice in some of them you can see tugboats and commuter ferries moving towards the shore to help rescue those who were stranded at ports along lower Manhattan trying to get out of the city. 

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED

There are very rarely times when New York City comes to a stand-still, but Wednesday was one of those days as the first major blizzard for the city in 2010 came rolling in.

GaySocialites.com offered the first look at our new LIVE capabilities and the unofficial launch of GaySocialites TV (tv.gaysocialites.com).

That live shot was taken at around 9:30 on Wednesday morning, and by noon the snow accumulation has doubled.  Local meteorologists say we have a whole day of snow ahead of us in the northeast that could last until about midnight.

GaySocialites.com will offer another live look at the snow fall from New York City at 3pm EST.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Several Illinois residents who live near Chicago were woken up a little early on Wednesday morning as a small Earthquake shook the area.  No major damage has been reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the 4.3-magnitude earthquake hit near the town of Virgil, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, at  around 4 a.m. Wednesday. The vibrations could evidently be felt in Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan.

The Associated Press is reporting that while alarms on cars and businesses sounded as the ground shook, they have only gotten reports of residents being shaken out of bed and items that fell off the shelves.

Posted by Charles Winters at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

SNOW DAY

Lock me up with this one and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

New York City school students have known since before noon on Tuesday that classes are canceled on Wednesday, and they're not the only ones.  The city, like many parts of the northeast, is getting ready for a blizzard.  

Even some gay New York businesses are closing up shop in a rare day when it looks like Manhattan might stand still!

Additional closings also far reported to GaySocialites.com include Wednesday night's trendy Cupcake party at Red Velvet.  Tuesday night's Twisted grand opening at Vlada lounge was postponed until next week, and Steel Gym in Chelsea also says they're closing due to the snow too (and will re-open at 6:30am on Thursday).

Mayor Bloomberg has made it very clear that NYC offices are open, and that public transportation has taken special precautions to get them to-and-from work. 

Do you need our help spreading the word about your snow closing in New York City?  Email me at charles@gaysocialites.com with "SNOW" in the subject line, and we'll try to get it posted up here for you! We have started a list after the break.

Continue reading "New York City braces for snow, closing galore" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

The judge is gay, the judge is gay!  LGBT advocates could have won their first victory as rumors that Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who is hearing the first federal case to decide if a gay marriage ban is illegal, is a homosexual.

So far, Proposition 8 opponents aren't commenting.

The San Francisco Chronicle ran a story on Sunday in which a source verified for the first time that Walker is gay.

“The biggest open secret in the landmark trial over same-sex marriage being heard in San Francisco is that the federal judge who will decide the case, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, is himself gay,” the paper wrote.

Evidently, the judge doesn't hide his sexuality.  The source, a friend of Walker, says he is basically open about it; but for obvious reasons keeps his personal life private.

This just makes the gay marriage ruling all the more interesting.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

RUMOR CONTROL

Evidently a crappy cell phone company called vodafone has at least a few homophobic bigots within their ranks.

"VodafoneUK is fed up of dirty homo's and is going after beaver..."

The company later apologized with a Tweet of their own.

At least they were honest about.  You gotta give them something.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FRIDAY NIGHT ON TELEVISION

Michael Jackson and his doctor, Conrad Murray, are all over the news.  Murray is expected to turn himself over to the cops on Friday to be charged with the death of the King of Pop. 

Dateline is dedicating the hour on Friday night to "The Secret Life of Michael Jackson".

Here's what they're promising...

Tonight on Dateline we hear more about his life, how Dr. Conrad Murray came to be hired as Michael Jackson's personal physician, while authorities reveal why he should face involuntary manslaughter charges for the singer’s death. Dateline reveals the key piece of evidence that has been uncovered to finally put the story, and Jackson, to rest.  

And, of course, a video preview:

Dateline airs Friday night at 9/8c on NBC.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

WHITE TRASH OF THE WEEK

This is probably as white trash (WT) as it comes!  An 11-year-old girl in the Northeast has given birth to a baby!

The names and location of those involved are not being released.  

"My daughter and baby are fine, and the baby is absolutely beautiful," said the 11-year-old girl’s mother.

We don't know much about how she got knocked up or what have you, but doctors say the girl's age could make recovery difficult.

Honestly, I don't know much about the female anatomy; but isn't 11 a bit early for even your period?

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

It looks like the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is all but lifted.  

The Pentagon's top uniformed officer, Adm. Mike Mullen, told the Senate Tuesday he's personally opposed to the policy that requires gays and lesbians to lie about their sexual orientation.

Colin Powell also shifted gears on Wednesday and said he now opposes "don't ask, don't tell" as well.

"In the almost 17 years since the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ legislation was passed, attitudes and circumstances have changed,” General Powell said in a statement issued by his office. He added: “I fully support the new approach presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week by Secretary of Defense Gates and Admiral Mullen.”

President Obama made the repeal one of his campaign platform issues.  Many expected it to have already been checked off his list.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Former "Boston Legal" star Justin Mentell has died as the result of an SUV accident near Madison, Wisconsin.

The 27-year-old actor was evidently driving an SUV that went down into an embankment hitting two trees and ultimately killing him. 

Investigators says Mentell was not wearing a safety belt, and neither drugs or alcohol seem to be involved.  Cops say they aren't sure how the accident started.  

Justin Mentell played Garrett Wells on "Boston Legal" from 2005 to 2006 and had a part in the 2009 Disney movie "G-Force".

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

On your mark, get set, GO! Rupaul's Drag Race Season 2 premiered tonight on Logo. As predicted this season the show had a bigger budget and with that came production. The first celebrity guest judge was gay loving Kathy Griffin. The show seems to still have the likeable factor that made the first season such a success. Twelve beautiful girls representing the "best" of American drag.

This week the contestants had to straddle a cannon while being blown away by a wind machine. Some did great as others flipped their wig; literally. Morgan McMichaels came out on top with a beautiful photograph. Later the girls made their first garment of the season out of curtains.

Ultimately good friends Shangela Laquifa Wadley and Sahara Davenport (representing NY) had to lipsync for their life. Sahara was told "Shante, you stay" as Shangela sashayed away.

The three contestants that stood out to me were Raven, Morgan McMichaels and Sonique. Coincidentally those were the three that did the best in the challenges and are looking to be the top contenders. The Hot Tranny Mess of the Week Award goes to Mystique Summers Madison. Not only was her assemble a train wreck but her split wasn't eye pleasing either. (You gotta work harder for the big girls!)

Stay tooned every Monday night to Logo for new episodes and Tuesdays on GaySocialites.com for a full recap!

Posted by Eric Halliwell at 04:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

He wasn't someone we ever really got to see, because he was a recluse; author JD Salinger has died.  He was 91 years old.

Salinger stopped publishing in 1965, because he valued his privacy so much.  I guess its a good thing "Catcher in the Rye" hit required reading lists in schools across the world.

He was, of course, romantically linked to Joyce Maynad.

Those close to the legendary author say Salinger died at his home in Cornish, N.H. of natural causes. 

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

PETA does what they do best and shocked us all with their annual State of the Union undress. Here's the censored version.  The NSFW version is after the jump.

PETA spokesmodel, Marissa Lewis, starts out wearing an American flag and strips down while recapping PETA's accomplishments over the past year.

"It has always been our policy to show people as much as they need to see to make them stand at attention," says Lewis, recounting some of PETA's campaigns and accomplishments in the last year, including its ongoing campaigns against McDonald's, KFC, and the Ringling Brothers circus, as well as successful actions that convinced Urban Outfitters, H&M, Sprint, and Dollar General to change their business practices, and swayed Texas Tech to halt vivisection research involving cats.

That sure is an interesting way to look back at your accomplishments.  Don't forget you can watch the NSFW version of PETA's State of the Union Undress after the jump.

Continue reading "PETA model gets naked in State of the Union undress [NSFW video]" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Anderson Cooper and his boyfriend, Benjamin Maisani, are evidently going to shack up in a 1906 Firehouse that is no longer in use.  New York City's West Village just got a whole lot gayer!

Here's a peak.

Rumor has it that both Cooper and Maisani bought the firehouse together, but the owner is listed as Firepatrol LLC, which lists Cooper's business agent as Carolyn Rossip Malcolm. Cute, kitchy and super gay!

According to city records, they're already working inside ripping out partisans and plumbing. 

How cool is that?  Anderson and his boyfriend are going to live in a firehouse!  They're going to be the gayest things in the gay ole West Village.

Cooper and Maisani haven't confirmed that they're a couple.  Anderson won't even say whether he is gay or not. 

Maisani is the owner of the East Village dive bar, Eastern Bloc.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

"All My Children" actor James Mitchell has died according to his long-time partner.  Mitchell was 89 years at the time of his death.

Mitchell had suffered from heart disease for a while, but recently had contracted pnemonia.

Although he played a gruff character who enjoyed his power over his family, Mitchell is described by his partner Albert Wolsky as a kind and loving man.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Cops in Vermont say they've caught Justin Waller (pictured right), the suspected in a New York City murder case.  The NYPD believes that Waller killed his roommate, John Lea (pictured left).

Waller was evidently down on his luck and living with Lea.  As we reported on Saturday his body was found face down on his bed with multiple stab wounds and covered in laundry.

Police say they were able to find Waller partially by tracking the use of the victim's credit cards. Waller had charged “a few hundred dollars” to one of Johns’s credit cards to hire a car to drive him to Vermont, according Sgt. Michael Hall of the Manchester Police Department.  Waller also evidently used the credit cards to buy food, including “eggs and bananas and things like that,” at a grocery in Manchester, Sergeant Hall said.

Investigators believe the two men got into a dispute over the living arrangement when Lea asked Waller to move out since he wasn't paying rent.  Other reports have said that the two men were lovers.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (74) | TrackBacks (0)

It seems to be a done deal!  According to a press release posted on Next Magazine's Nexus blog, FIP Ventures (aka Seth Weissman, Matthew Blesso and Andrew Kirtzman) are planning to purchase the majority of the Fire Island Pines as we reported earlier this week.

It looks like we'll have an exciting new summer on Fire Island! The official statement is after the break.

Continue reading "Official statement on the sell of the Fire Island Pines" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBacks (0)

A New York City man, 41-year-old John Lea, was found dead in his Hell's Kitchen apartment, and cops are looking for his live-in partner.

Lea was evidently found laying on the bed in nothing but boxers with stab wounds all over his body signaling that he probably fought for his life. The NYPD is looking Justin Waller, John's "down on his luck" live-in partner.

Whoever killed John covered him up in clothes and blankets, locked the door as they exited and left the cat roaming around with Lea's dead body.  

'The bloody knife was right next to him,' one source said. 

Friends and co-workers became concerned when John didn't show up for his event planning job.  A cop eventually helped a concerned friend climb in through the window where they discovered the gruesome scene.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Here is the live feed of the Hope for Haiti Now fundraiser.  Stars like George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, Mary J. Blige and many more have come together to help raise money for the rescue effort in Haiti.

If you can, please make a donation.  Things in Haiti are bad, and it seems that the ground continues to shake following that horrible earthquake over a week ago.

The number is 1-877-99-HAITI or online at hopeforhaitinow.org.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

They've been marrying gays for three weeks in New Hampshire, and it must be mayhem as concerned citizens are asking lawmakers to repeal the measure.

The closed minded gaycists want the law to be repealed long enough to allow voters to approve or deny marriage equality.

Heaven forbid if we allow people to marry the person they love in the land or the free, right?  It might even generate a little money in this horrible recession.

Aren't the courts and legislators supposed to help minorities that might be discriminated against in popular votes? Seems a little backwards to me!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

El Chupacabra is back!  Well, its dead again.  But some folks in Texas believe they have found it!

Some residents in Wise County thought they had finally captured El Chupacabra, the legendary beast.  

As it turns out, according to biologists, this is just a bald raccoon.

The small, hairless animal was found dead January 13th by a maintenance worker at Runaway Bay Golf Course near Lake Bridgeport.

Posted by Charles Winters at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Another earthquake hit Haiti on Wednesday morning.  Considered an aftershock, this tremor measured a 6.1 on the Ritchter scale.

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting temor hit 35 miles northwest of the capital city of Port-Au-Prince in the countryside.

It's unclear if there's any new damage. Nervous Hatians who survived last week's earthquake evidnetly ran into the streets screaming.

Last week's earthquake in Haiti carried  7.0 magnitude and killed an estimated 200,000 people.  At least 1.5 million homeless.

Posted by Charles Winters at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBacks (0)

Putting politics aside in a time when humanitarian need should come first, President Barack Obama was joined by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush for a historic moment on Saturday morning.

Obama said he had called on his predecessors to ignite America's compassion to help the devastated Caribbean nation.

"Americans have always come together to lend a hand, serve others, and do what's right," Obama said as he stood with President Clinton to his left and President Bush on his right.

Both former Presidents praised Obama for the United States' initial response to the Hatian earthquake. Both Clinton and Bush urged those who can to donate money Americans as soon as possible to finance relief workers who are already arriving in Haiti.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

On an average month I send over 5,000 text messages; and to many of you that probably seems like a small number. 

For once, we've got a chance to use our cell phones, PDAs, Blackberrys, iPhones and Androids to make a difference.

There are two ways that you can help victims on the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

1.  Make a donation hip hop star Wyclef Jean's Yéle Haiti charity where you can text YELE to 501501 to give $5 to help with earthquake relief efforts.

2.  Donate to the Red Cross, where you can text "HAITI" to "90999" to donate $10 to the Red Cross.

Americans have already donated $11 million through text messages, but that's still nothing compared to the damage done by this horrible natural disaster.

If you can donate, please do so.  Several organizations are even holding food and medical drives collecting non-perishable foods and over the counter medical supplies.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (53) | TrackBacks (0)

The Pentagon took a huge step forward to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.  Doing so would fulfill a huge campaign promise for Barack Obama and possibly earn some much needed brownie points for the President.

According to the New York Times, a small group was assembled by Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in preparation for a possible Senate hearing on the 1993 law this month.

The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was expected to be one of Obama's first tasks; but gay groups claim the Pentagon has dragged their feet on making the President's promise come true.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

A key committee in the California Assembly approved a bill that would fully legalize marijuana in that state.

This committee's aspproval is a major step towards statewide legalization and taxation of pot.  This could definitely help California's budget woes in two ways.  Legal weed can be taxed, and the state would save a lot on prosecuting marijuana offenders.

Don't get too excited, the full California Assembly isn't expected to take up the measure until at least 2011.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (39) | TrackBacks (0)

A Superior Court in Washington DC has ruled that gay marriage opponents do not have the right to hold a public referendum on whether those marriages should be legal in the District.

That means that DC gays may be getting married as soon as March!

The DC Board of Elections and Ethics has twice ruled that a referendum or initiative on same-sex marriage would violate a city law prohibiting a public vote on a matter covered by the Human Rights Act.

This is a major victory for gay rights in the nation's capital!

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Fitness expert Ken Hunt and Steel Gym have been honored as recipients of the 2010 Talk of the Town Award in the category for top gym. The Talk of the Town Awards recognize leading businesses and professionals who have been noted by their customers through multiple websites for their excellent customer service.

With the motivational atmosphere and friendly staff at Steel Gym, it’s no surprise that Hunt and his staff were honored. Located in the heart of New York City, Steel Gym prides itself in being one of Manhattan's only independently owned gyms offering individualized attention often forgotten in larger chains.

Ken Hunt says he is surprised and humbled by the Talk of the Town Award.

"It’s great to get nominated for awards, but it really means a lot to win an honor like this solely based on the feedback of our customers," he said.

The 2010 Talk of the Town Awards also honored companies and professionals other industries such as hospitals, dentists, physical therapists, veterinarians, optometrists, chiropractors, lawyers, financial planners, restaurants, spas and salons.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

The first photos from the disastrous earth quake that struck Haiti on Tuesday evening.  The streets are evidently chaotic as fires burn aimlessly and people search for loved ones.

The Haitian Ambassador spoke with Katie Couric and described what could be a catastrophic scene.  

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake which struck just off the coast of Haiti may have caused extensive loss of life and unmeasurable damage.

We may have to wait until morning falls to find out how much damage has really been done.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (61) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

The trial over the constitutionality of proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California, started in San Francisco this week.

Out of fear for their lives, the Supreme Court Justices who are hearing the case decided to ban cameras in the court room.

The case opened with tearful testimony from gay and lesbian couples who have been denied the right to marry since Proposition 8 overturned marriage equality in California.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

New Hampshire is now the fifth state with marriage equality.

By the time the clock struck midnight, about 150 had people gathered in the state capital of Concord to witness the marriage of at least a dozen gay and lesbian couples.

New Hampshire state joins Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Iowa in permitting full marriage equality for same-sex couples.

The DC council just voted to legalize gay marriage in the nation's capital, and New Jersey's legislature is expected to vote on the issue as soon as Thursday.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

FOLLOW UP REPORT

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has evidently been released from the Hawaii hospital where he has been recovering from chest pains for the past few days.  After running several tests, doctors evidently found "nothing wrong."

In a statement to his followers on his website, Limbaugh said he was "leaving Queens Hospital in Honolulu, feeling strong and rested."

Limbaugh also said that he would recover over the weekend and for part of the upcoming week. He did, however, promise to "be back on the radio with you sometime next week."

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is evidently recovering in a Hawaiian hospital after suffering chest pains.

Local media in Hawaii is reporting that Limbaugh suffered a heart attack and is in serious condition.  However, his personal website said he was now "resting comfortably" in hospital in Honolulu.

Hawaii seems to be the place for politicos this holiday season.  President Barack Obama and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi are both also evidently vacationing there separately with their families.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (29) | TrackBacks (0)

The coast seems to be clear in Time Square after a bomb scare on Wednesday that left authorities scrambling to evacuate the area and check out an abandoned van.

Patrol officers spotted the van around 11 a.m. on Broadway between 41st and 42nd Streets. Counter terrorism and bomb squad crews responded, but they eventually cleared the area when no explosives were found.

During the investigation, two high rise buildings that housed the Nasdaq and Conde Nast publishing company were partially evacuated.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

DEVELOPING STORY

A 5.8 earthquake has rattled California and parts of Mexico.  The shaking could evidently be felt in San Diego, but there have been no reports or damage, death or injury.

The main quake was centered about 20 miles southeast of the Mexican border city of Mexicali and quickly followed by aftershocks and another quake that measured 4.9.

Julie Dutton, a geophysicist with the USGS, said the area is seismically active.

"It's definitely nothing that's unusual," she said.

The quake occurred 4.3 miles deep and is considered shallow. Shallower quakes have the potential to cause more damage than deeper ones, Dutton said.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

Evidently, "Myth Busters" star Erik Gates (pictured here) died of a freak accident on December 20th. 

The Gatherer is calling it a "freak accident."  They're reporting that Gates was working on a site in Newbury Park, California when he "he fell through a skylight and plummeted 30 feet." 

He was evidently taken to the hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

Gates leaves behind a wife and three children.

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday, I told you about a wedding between two gay men in Argentina.  The same thing evidently happened in Malawi with much different results.

Jose Maria Di Bello and Alex Freyre made history as the first two men to get married in Latin America.  In Africa, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were also married.  They, however, were arrested and charged with gross public indecency.

The couple took part in a symbolic, traditional ceremony on Saturday with hundreds of on lookers.  In Malawi, homosexuality is illegal and carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (33) | TrackBacks (0)

New court documents reveal a heated custody battle between Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol, and her Playgirl model baby-daddy Levi Johnston.  The first win, however, goes to Johnston.

A judge has ruled that the custody battle for the couple's baby, Tripp, will be open to the public.  Bristol and the Palin's wanted the proceedings to take place behind closed doors.

"Levi is not yet mature enough to take on significant parental responsibilities," Bristol says in her petition, the Anchorage Daily News reports.

Johnston wants it all out the open, so that a certain former Vice-Presidential contender can't manipulate the situation.

"I know that public scrutiny will simplify this matter and act as a check against anyone's need to be overly vindictive, aggressive or malicious, not that Bristol would ever be that way, nor that I would," Johnston writes in his affidavit, according to the Daily News. "But her mother is powerful, politically ambitious and has a reputation for being extremely vindictive."

He added, "...So, I think a public case might go a long way in reducing Sarah Palin's instinct to attack."

Bristol Palin insists her mother is not involved in the case.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

The United States Senate has confirmed the first-ever openly gay US marshal. 

Minneapolis assistant police Chief Sharon Lubinski, a lesbian, will also be the first women in the state to hold that office.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Lubinski to be the U.S. marshal for the Minnesota district.  She was recommended to President Obama by her Senator.

U.S. marshals oversee federal courthouse security, witness protection and the apprehension of federal fugitives.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

These two Argentine men are the first same sex couple to marry in Latin America.

Alex Freyre, 39, and Jose Maria Di Bello, 41 were married in small ceremony on Monday in the southern Argentine city of Ushuaia despite the fact that national law does not allow gay marriage.

The men were granted a marriage license by a judge in Buenos Aries in November were wed by a provincial governor who ignored a court ruling earlier this month which blocked their plans for marriage.

"We're extremely excited and happy about what this means for all gays and lesbians in Argentina," Di Bello said.

"We weren't going to give up until we married," Freyre said.

Freyre and Di Bello, both HIV positive, planned to marry on World AIDS Day.  However, a federal judge blocked that union.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

GaySocialites.com and Steel Gym announced this week that they will be teaming up to raise money for AIDS Walk NY.

The GaySocialites.com/ Steel Gym AIDS Walk Team will be lead by fitness guru Ken Hunt, and the two organizations say they will work together holding various events and fundraisers to bank money for their joint team.

Charles Winters, who represents both organizations and Hunt, says the team will focus just as much on awareness as raising money.

"We hope to not only drive in a lot of cash for the AIDS Walk, but we also want to use this as an opportunity to educate our members and web community about the importance of getting tested, " Winters said.

Winters added that the team will also offer internal fundraising contests with prizes and t-shirts for every participant on the team.

Anyone interested in joining the GaySocialites.com/ Steel Gym AIDS Walk Team is welcome to participate.  Those interested should e-mail charles@gaysocialites.com for more information.

Posted by MemphisCarter at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Five Republican representatives – Chris Smith, Frank Wolf, Joe Pitts, Trent Franks and Anh "Joseph" Cao are standing up against the gay ban in Uganda.

These five members of the GOP wrote this letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Mouseveni urging him to block proposed legislation that would criminalize homosexuality and in some cases impose the death penalty for committing gay acts.

uganda

In case you don't want to read the whole letter, the five Republicans say their religious faith requires them to oppose the legislation because it contradicts the "foundational Christian belief in the inherent dignity and worth of all men and women."

At least they're finally seeing how dangers homophobia can be.  Maybe they'll start focusing on equality in the US as well.

Our hats go off to them!

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

It looks like Mexico City will soon legalize gay marriage.  Lawmakers there voted for marriage equality last week, and now the mayor says he'll sign the bill into law.

Mayor Marcelo Ebrard is described as "eager" to sign the bill. 

Assembly member Victor Romo called it a historic day. "For centuries, unjust laws banned marriage between blacks and whites or Indians and Europeans," he said. "Today, all barriers have disappeared."

The bill changes the definition of marriage in the city's Civil Code. Marriage is currently defined as the union of a man and a woman. 

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has said he will challenge the bill in the courts.

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY MARRIAGE

A conservative group in Washington, DC is calling for a referendum on gay marriage in the nation's capital.

The DC council voted overwhelmingly to legalize same sex marriage, and Mayor Adrian Fenty has already signed the bill into law.  Congress can contest the measure, but it is unlikely.

conservative group Stand for Marriage D.C. has launched an ad campaign through the city’s transportation system that say  "Let the People Vote on Marriage."

Full Equality Now says the advertisements are discriminatory towards members of the LGBTQ community and wrote the following in a letter to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager John B. Catoe:

“While we understand that WMATA allows politically-oriented groups to purchase advertising on its transit system, this advertisement is not merely political,” the group wrote. “This advertisement specifically targets citizens on the the basis of sexual orientation, in direct opposition to both common decency and the standards of non-discrimination in WMATA's own policies.”

As it stands, gays in Washington, D.C. are expected to be getting married by March.

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (31) | TrackBacks (0)

It looks like a dog in New York is the first K-9 to contract the H1N1 Swine Flu.

The 13-year-old mixed breed male, which is recovering, apparently caught the virus from his owner.  He was evidently taken to the vet for suffering breathing problems.

The dog's tests were sent to two different H1N1 specialist who both concluded that the dog had the swine flu.

"In theory it could happen, but so far it's really looking like a dead end in pets," he Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that animals can carry and spread flu viruses, but such cases are rare and people should not be afraid to enjoy their pets.

Posted by Charles Winters at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

FOLLOW-UP REPORT

Even though the autopsy report for actress Brittany Murphy hasn't officially been released, notes written by an investigator from the L.A. County Coroner's office have evidently leaked. TMZ got their hands on a copy.

Here are some notes from what they saw:

• Brittany Murphy "had been complaining of shortness of breath and severe abdominal pain" for 7 to 10 days before she died.
• Murphy's mother and husband "attempted to revive the decedent by placing her in the shower and running the water." 
• "The decedent remained unresponsive and purged her stomach contents prior to the arrival of the paramedics."
• Brittany was "without signs of life" when paramedics arrived.
• "A check of the nightstands revealed large amounts of prescription medication in the decedent's name. Also noted were numerous empty prescription medication bottles in the decedent's husband's name, the decedent's mother's name and unidentified third party names."
• TMZ reports that the notes said: "the medications included Topamax (anti-seizure meds also to prevent migraines), Methylprednisolone (anti-inflammatory), Fluoxetine (depression med), Klonopin (anxiety med), Carbamazepine (treats Diabetic symptoms and is also a bipolar med), Ativan (anxiety med), Vicoprofen (pain reliever), Propranolol (hypertension, used to prevent heart attacks), Biaxin (antibiotic), Hydrocodone (pain med) and miscellaneous vitamins."
• "The night prior to her death, the decedent had consumed some noodles, leftover Thai food, Gatorade, water and tea with lemon."
• The investigators notes also say Murphy had "a history of hypoglycemia and was hospitalized in April 2009 for low blood sugar while on location in Oregon."
• Her husband said Brittany complained of shortness of breath and severe abdominal pains but that didn't alarm him since "she often suffered from severe menstrual pains."
• Police told the investigator "foul play is not suspected."

Murphy passed away over the weekend at a house in Los Angeles that belongs to her husband, Simon Monjack where she was staying with him and her mother, Sharon Murphy.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (41) | TrackBacks (0)

Anthony Marshall, the elderly son of late New York City socialite Brooke Astor, has been sentenced to prison for one to three years on multiple charges.

CNN reports:

"Marshall, 85, had been found guilty of 14 of the 15 counts against him. Marshall was convicted of the most serious charges -- first-degree grand larceny and scheming to defraud. He faced a minimum of one to three years, or as much as eight to 25 years in state prison...

One of the most serious convictions involved Marshall giving himself a $1 million-a-year raise for handling his mother's affairs, said Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann. Marshall's former lawyer, Francis Morrissey, was also convicted of five counts against him relating to the case, including forgery and scheming to defraud Astor.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

As King Ralphy told you earlier here at GaySocialites.com, actress Brittany Murphy died on Sunday morning. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Spokeswoman Sally Stewart has confirmed the news.

Even though her career and life were both too short, Brittany is not someone we will soon forget.  Let's take a look back at the life of Brittany Murphy.

Continue reading "A look back at the life of actress Brittany Murphy" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

I was just watching Clueless last night!

Multiple News sources are reporting that Brittany Murphy has died of a Heart Attack. She was 32 years old.

"A 911 call was made at 8:00 AM from a home in Los Angeles that is listed as belonging to her husband, Simon Monjack, the Los Angeles City Fire Department" - TMZ

Posted by King Ralphy at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

Two 10-year-old boys walk into a bar... It sounds like the setup for a joke, right? WRONG!  Thais actually happened on Saturday afternoon at Score in Miami where GaySocialite Don Hood was working.

Hood posted this alarming humorous sad Facebook bulletin:

Don's right.  Something isn't right here.

Score, a nightclub that caters to the gay audience, clearly isn't the right place for a child.  For some reason, I picture some redneck parents in a pick-up waiting outside and laughing after allowing the youngsters to give it a shot. Earlier this week, a cross dressing 4-year-old was caught roaming the streets in Tennessee carrying a beer and wearing a stolen dress.  Now this.

I asked Don if the little tots that wondered into Score ordered cocktails, but Hood said they did not.  I guess his fatherly instinct kicked in, because he bounced the pre-teens right away.

 "They ran in, and I chased them out," Don said.  At least someone had these little brats' interest at heart!

If you experience News of the Weird as it happens, e-mail charles@gaysocialites.com with your story.

Posted by Charles Winters at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's some sad, but true news from the homeland (Tennessee).  A drunk 4 year old kid was evidently picked up by cops in Chattanooga as they found him wondering through the streets wearing a dress and carrying a beer.

Hayden Wright's mother said her 4-year-old drunk kid wanted to break the law so that he could go to jail and spend Christmas with his father who is already locked up.  Now that's one of the saddest Christmas stories I've ever heard.

Young Hayden was taken to the hospital and treated for alcohol poisoning.  How does the whole story come together?  Wright evidently took the beer from a cooler in his own back yard and started sipping (hence the 4 year old drunk), and he stole the dress and other gifts from underneath the neighbor's Christmas tree.

The child has evidently also been taken out of the custody of his mother.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The mayor of Washington has signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the nation's capital, but that doesn't mean gay couples will start walking down the aisle just yet.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed the bill Friday morning in a public ceremony at a local Unitarian Church.  The City Council overwhelmingly passed the legislation on Tuesday.

Congress has final say over D.C.'s laws, so the bill must pass a 30-day period of Congressional review.

Congress isn't expected to make too big of a deal about this so that it doesn't become a national referendum on gay marriage.  This means that DC gays may be getting married as soon as March.  Some conservative Congressman (who don't even represent DC) says he will challenge the new law.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (48) | TrackBacks (0)

Authorities in Puerto Rico say they believe a man who was murdered at the Las Colinas Motel in Ponce may have been the victim of a hate crime.

His name hasn't been released yet, but the man is evidently believed to be gay.  Staff at the hotel told police that he checked in with another male.

The victim was evidently short and heavy-set between 40 and 45 years old.  Cops say he had 20 stab wounds on other parts of his body.  It looks like it was a hate crime.

"Due to the circumstances, the hate involved and the clear signs of violence that are similar to other hate crimes in the past, we are asking authorities to investigate the hate crime angle in this case," said National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Spokesperson Pedro Julio Serrano. He added: "The Puerto Rico hate crimes law forces Police officers to file if they suspect that the crime was bias motivated in their investigative report. It should be a standard procedure for every crime. We urge authorities to follow the law and investigate this and every crime without prejudice."

This could become the second hate crime in less than a month in Puerto Rico. 

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBacks (0)

This billboard is causing a stir in New Zealand.  The sign was vandalized with paint just hours after it went up outside the St. Matthew-in-the-City Anglican church in Auckland.

Church vicar Archdeacon Glynn Cardy said the billboard which reads, "God is a hard act to follow," was meant challenge stereotypes about the way Jesus was conceived and get people talking about the Christmas story.

"This billboard is trying to lampoon and ridicule the very literal idea that God is a male and somehow this male God impregnated Mary," said Cardy, who described his church as having very liberal ideas about Christianity.

"We would question the Virgin Birth in any literal sense. We would question the maleness of God in any literal sense," he said.

Conservative and religious bloggers and radio talk shows have been going nuts about it!  

Posted by Charles Winters at 02:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (321) | TrackBacks (0)

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton answered a question this week about what the United States is doing to protect members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community at Georgetown University.

A member of the audience asked, "You spoke about the situation in Uganda. Could you please talk to us a little bit more about how the United States can protect the rights of LGBT people in areas where those rights are not respected?"

Clinton said this is "at the top of our list" saying America should not only stand up LGBT abuse world-wide but educate other counties as well so that we can create more allies.

Posted by Charles Winters at 01:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

RIP

Walt Disney's nephew, Roy, has died.  He was 79 years old.

According to reports, Roy Disney lost his battle to cancer on Wednesday.  

Roy has been involved with the Disney corporation since the 50's, and in 2004 he led a successful battle to unseat Michael Eisner from power and took over the company's board of directors.

"Roy was a man who was steadfastly loyal to his principals and his friends," Stanley Gold, his business partner of 35 years, said in a statement Wednesday. "He was a gracious gentleman who could make the tough decisions life sometimes requires. I will miss him greatly."

When he died on Wednesday, Roy Disney owned about 1% of the company.

Posted by Charles Winters at 05:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)