The Fastest Oscar Nomination Wrap Up Ever: Watch

      Want to know what films were nominated for Oscars but don't have the time on your hands to watch the whole nomination event. Well, this quick has you covered with all the films nominated shown in 55 seconds!

Inspiration: New Jersey Educator Turns 100 Years Old

(Image Via www.abcnews.go.com)

    Proving that you can live life to its fullest no matter what the age, a New Jersey teacher had a huge celebration this week for her 100th birthday party. Agnes Zhelesnick, who teaches home economics at a school in The Garden State, had students and faculty join her in celebrating this milestone in her life. They threw her a grand party to congratulate her on her birthday, then they all enjoyed cake and a school performance to finish off the festivities. Congratulations to Zhelesick on this milestone. Oh, and I guess this proves whoever said age wasn't anything but a number is wrong.

Logo TV Releases "Rupaul's Drag Race" Season 6 Super Trailer: WATCH!

    Logo just released the new super trailer of "Rupaul's Drag Race", and it is filled with everything you would expect from America's favorite drag queen reality show. It has drama, glamour, elegance, and even Neil Patrick Harris and David Burkta. It looks to be a season to excite, and it will have you wanting February to come faster than you've ever wanted it to come before. Watch after the jump and tell me what you think season 6 has in store.                                                                                                                                      Jump break.

Kid's Birthday Party Ideas: Make These Creative And Tasty Treats For The Perfect Farm Themed Kids' Party

These cute deviled eggs are far from devilish. 

   Sometimes throwing kids' parties can be tough. You have to make everything enjoyable for the kids while still making sure the adults at the party have a great time. Well, I have a few ideas so that the kids and adults can both have a great time at your next kids' party.I got these from a recent birthday party I attended where family members of mine pulled out all the stops to throw a great farm themed birthday party.
     First off we'll start with appetizers, and, to me, there is no more of a traditional appetizer than deviled eggs. A lot of kids don't like deviled eggs so the trick is getting them to eat them. My family did this by making the the devilish eggs into something that is anything but devilish, baby chicks. They used carrots for the nose and feet and raisins for the eyes, and, by the time they were done the kids and adults both were feasting on (or at least trying out) these tasty and adorable treats.

Some of the cupcakes we made. (Sorry for quality)

     Then it's time for the main course. Birthday parties take work, but I am a firm believer that you don't have to do all the work yourself. Go up and pick up some chicken wings from your local grocery store and serve them with store bought vegetable platters and something like potato salad. It's a great meal that will get your guests full without breaking the bank,
and kids and adults both will be gobbling up their main course. After all, who doesn't like a chicken wing.
       Last but not least, it's time for dessert. You can make cupcakes that are kid friendly for your farm themed party by decorating them to look like animals. You can use marshmallows to get the perfect sheep cupcake, icing and candy corn for a baby chick cupcake, and you can get creative and think of other ideas to come up with some of the other farm animals. Doing this will ensure a birthday party that both kids and adults will like, but it will still give you time to enjoy the party. Oh, and speaking of enjoyment, make sure there's cocktails for the adults and sodas (and games) for the kids. Just make sure no one gets wasted because that ain't right at a kid's party. Other than that enjoy and have a great time with family and friends!

Saturday Straight Talk: Will Most Straight Guys Be "Heteroflexible" In The Future?

    It was my first time doing anything with a guy. Being a late bloomer, I had just 22 and had returned to my college town after a summer back home. My friend, who I will refer to as "Ryan" for privacy purposes, and I had been friends for just over a year, and, for some odd reason, there was sexual tension between us even though he identified as "straight". For all intensive purposes, he was. He had had girlfriends in the past, had a stack of "Playboys" by his bedside table, and though not a jock, he just had an aura of heterosexuality about him. That's why, even though I was a bit surprised, it was not hugely shocking when he asked if we could get intimate. Never having done anything before, I was a bit apprehensive, but I agreed to make out and go to second base (if you know what I mean). Once everything got going though, my fears lifted because it was just natural. Yes, for a straight guy, he knew how to be with a guy.

(Image Via www.lencheando.wordpress.com)

    After that night though, nothing more ever happened. We were still friends, but we just didn't mention it anymore. Well, there was that one time he wanted to do it again, but I just couldn't. He was straight, and that was that. I moved on, remained friendly, and found a boyfriend of my own that was gay. But it left me asking, was "Ryan" completely straight? The more I thought about it, the more and more I am assured that he is. It could have been an experimental phase, or he could be heteroflexible, but there was no way he was gay or bisexual.
    After all, being a twenty something in America, I know lots of guys that are "heteroflexible", and I don't ever question it. I know girls who date guys who have been with guys, have class with guys who openly discuss their "heteroflexibility", and even had a friend who explored some curiosities on a dance floor at a gay bar, and I don't consider a single one of these guys to be gay or even bisexual.  A lot of people who are older than me have issues with that, but I feel like guys who have homosexual experiences who remain a heterosexual identity are just part of the norm. I also feel like it will continue to grow (or at least be addressed more publicly) than times in the past because, let's be honest, we are sexual creatures, and straight guys experimenting with either gay guys or each other has been going on since the beginning of time.
    The only question is, will we get to a point where most straight guys will be openly "heteroflexible" and proud in the future? It's a very controversial question because it deals with sexuality that is neither black and white, but I feel like, if we get to that point, it will be a good thing. After all, the main reason that guys don't address this topic is because of the homophobia that lingers in our society, and, if we ever got to a point where most guys could be open and honest about their "heteroflexibility", it would be because homophobia would be near extinction. I feel like, with the modern gay rights movement, we are getting close to a place where homophobia is becoming extinct slowly but surely, and who could complain about that? Therefore, I think that we'll be seeing a lot more heteroflexible guys in the future.
    What do you think? Is "heteroflexibility" real? Will it become more mainstream in our society? Tell me in the comment section below.

Fri-Gay: Utah Marriage Battle Developments, Seattle Gay Bar Fire Has Its Hero, Sochi, And More!

Utah (Via www.salon.com)

 It's the last day of work before your weekend, and that means it's time to break down what happened in gay news this week. The biggest story pertaining to the gay community this week comes out of Utah. Sonia Sotomayor and the Supreme Court put a stay on Utah's gay marriages, which left couples in the state questioning the validity of their same-sex nuptials. Utah basically told the gay couples that they were not married in the eyes of the state, but the Obama administration came out today and said that the federal government would recognize the gay and lesbian marriages that occurred as they were perfectly legal.
    Meanwhile, a hero stepped forward in the Seattle nightclub fire as Christopher Bostick and Mike Casey rescued hundreds of people by putting out the fire and getting them to safety. The New Year's Eve fire, in which arson is suspected, could have been much worse if it weren't for these two heroic men. Bostick has stated that he would characterize the incident as a terrorist attack.

(Image Via www.huffingtonpost.com)

     In celebrity news, actor Maulik Pancholy and his boyfriend got engaged at the Taj Mahal, and they posted what could be one of the best gay celebrity engagement photos ever to prove it. Meanwhile, Neil Patrick Harris made a splash by posting a shirtless pic of himself by a pool with a margarita in hand. . In other picture news, if you missed the days of having gay sex on your TVs since "Queer As Folk", "Looking" starts next week and promises to represent a diverse group of gays living in modern day San Francisco. You can catch it Monday at 10:30 on HBO.
      Last but not least, Sochi is coming up, and Russia's anti-gay laws are being brought a bit more to the forefront. NBC has said that, if anything happens at the games, they will report on the story even if it involves Russia's ban on "gay propaganda. Meanwhile, Billie Jean King expressed the importance of the gay delegation to Sochi and Brian Boitano said that if it wasn't for his position he probably would have never revealed the fact that he was gay. And that's what happened in gay news this week. Thanks for reading and happy Fri-Gay!

Why "Girls" Star Lena Dunham Calling Out Report Her Makes Her A Role Model For Us All (And Why The Question Was Offensive)

Dunham (Via www.salon.com)

  When a reporter asked Lena Dunham why she was naked so much on "Girls", she, Judd Apatow, and Jenni Kroner went into action into standing up for the rights of humans everywhere to engage in a healthy and happy relationship with their bodies. While the reporter took to "The Wrap" to complain that he didn't find the comment offensive, I feel like he still doesn't get the point. So here, on my little blog that he will probably never read, I feel like giving a full explanation as to why his comments were offensive. Here it goes.
    First and foremost, Lena Dunham has an average body type that is rarely seen in today's media. Instead, the media continues to perpetuate the image that girls are either extremely thin or have large chests, thin wastes, and perfect everything. Therefore, when Lena Dunham gets naked and shows off her beautiful, normal body the media freaks out due to their blatant sizeism. If she was a skinny girl with huge breasts very few people would say anything, but because she has an average body the media is freaking out. It's just inappropriate, and yes, it is offensive.
     Secondly, the second reason the question if offensive is because it sexist and perpetuates "slut shaming". Anyone who watches "Girls" knows that the show is about girls in their twenties who navigate love, sex, relationships, and everything else that goes along with being a young woman in America.  Part of being a young sexually active person is being naked at one time or another, and Dunham's character (to me at least) does not overdue it. She's either naked when sleeping, having sex, or showering. It's not like she's walking down the street or having coffee at Starbucks stark naked. She's freaking having sex or in a situation with some of her closet friends!            

Dunham And Apatow (From www.fastcompany.com)

       The reason people are asking whether she is naked so mush of the time, to me, is simply because they are uncomfortable seeing a sexually active young WOMAN. If it was a man, the question would never be brought to the forefront because men having sex as much as Dunham's character is perfectly acceptable in our society, but when a woman has that much sex it's frowned upon. The fact that her character is a strong, sexual woman who is unashamed of her body makes people uncomfortable, and that's why they continuously ask why her character Hannah is naked so often. It's a classic case of sexist "slut shaming", and that is another reason that it's offensive.
       Now that I've explained why the question was offensive, I just want to say that Dunham, Apatow, and Kroner handled it in the best way possible, and I applaud them for what they did. They simply stated that the question was offensive and gave their reasoning behind calling out the reporter, but they were not rude or abrasive in handling the reporter's question or comments. This is what we need more of in our society, people who are willing to stand up against discrimination in an eloquent way. Whether it be sexism, like was the case in this particular situation, or racism, homophobia, or any other discriminatory speech out their, people speaking up against such speech is the only way to prevent it from spreading, and it is our only hope for a more accepting and inclusive future for all.

P.S. Girls Airs On January 12th at 10 p.m. on HBO

Freaky Friday: When Your Beer Truck Catches On Fire, Use Beer To Douse It Out

(Image Via  www.millhousewineandspirits.com)

   Who said beer was bad for you? Well they never heard this true and unusual story that happened in Houston this week. According to NBC, a delivery truck caught fire on the side of the road, and an off duty firefighter who was driving by with his wife pulled over to help. When they couldn't extinguish the flames with a regular fire extinguisher, they acted fast and grabbed some beer (It happened to be Coors Banquet) from inside the truck. Using the beer, they put out the fire and cooled the breaks of the 18-wheeler down before calling it a day. No one was harmed, but all involved left with a story to tell. Cheers to that!

Funny Thursday: Wanda Sykes Talks Parenting And More With The Women Of "The View"

 Wanda Sykes, America's favorite funny lady, stopped by "The View" earlier this week where she discussed everything from her wife, her kids, and her new show for OWN entitled "Herlarious", which features female comediennes. Watch below as she tells it like it is about everything going on in her busy life and be sure to check your local listing for when "Herlarious" airs in your part of the country.

Turn The "Polar Vortex" Phenomenon Into A Tasty Treat With This Great Recipe for Snow Cream

(Image Via www.npr.org)

 For most of the country, a blanket of snow is still on the ground from the great polar vortex that swept the country by storm. While the frigid temps and icy roads made for a treacherous few days, there is one thing that could have made it better, snow cream. This yummy dessert is a great go-to for a snowy day, and it will have you saying yum. (By the way, some people think it's not safe. I don't find that to be the case, but eat it at your own risk I guess.)
 Anyway, you want to set a large bowl outside to collect falling snow. Some people pick snow up off the ground, but that's just nasty. Do it this way. Anyway, when you have your bowl filled, take it inside. Then you want to add milk (about 1/2 cup), as much sugar as suits your fancy, and a couple tablespoons of vanilla. Mix the ingredients together, and the result is utter deliciousness, and it will give you something to be thankful for when you are freezing your buns off living in a polar vortex.
(P.S., I was going to make some, but here in the Pacific Northwest it was nothing but rain this week so I used this file image from NPR. Sorry.)

Watch The Season Trailer For New Season Of "Real Housewives Of New York City"

   "The Real Housewives of New York City" is one of the few "housewives" franchises that Bravo is trying to get to stick. After a cast shakeup last season and a whole lot of contract feuds to begin this season, the New York City housewives are back. The trailer promises lots of craziness, antics, fighting, and the likes. Tell me what you think. Will you be tuning in to the new season of "Real Housewives of New York City"?

Hot Hump Day: 5 Hot And Shirtless Gay Porn Stars To Get You Through The Rest Of You Week

   It's the first Wednesday after the holidays, and that means we are all trying our best to get back into the swing of things after the Christmas cookie induced coma we suffered over the holidays. Well, I have the perfect solution for you, five hot guys without shirts that are sure to rev you up for the rest of the week. Oh, and did I mention these guys were gay porn stars?

(From www.lista.20minutos.com)

   First up, we have Adam Killian. This hard bodied stud worked behind the scenes before making his way into acting in porn. And to think we may have never got to see him in his full glory?

(From winkcity.blogspot.com)

 Next up, we have Paul Wagner who proves that having body hair is sexy. This handsome guy has been gracing the industry with his presence for a while now, but he is still hotter than ever.                                                                                              

    Next up we have Conner Habib. After a career in porn, he has used his gift in the bedroom to help others with their sexual issues by doing a serious of Q&A sessions for Logo TV. This image is from phillymag.com

(Image Via www.dallasvoice.com)

   At number four, we have Diesel Washington. This porn star is known for his awesome physique and chiseled face. He is a porn veteran who has been in numerous films.

(Image Via www.twtrland.com)

   And last but not least is Dean Monroe. In the shot above, Monroe proves that porn stars, like most these days, love to take selfies.

    And there you have it folks. Five gay porn stars to get you through the rest of your week. Hope if helps, and have a great start in 2014.

                             

                                           

                             

Robin Robins Talks About Girlfriend On "Good Morning America": Watch Adorable Clip

   This morning, Robin Roberts broke more ground on daytime when she casually discussed coming out on "Good Morning America" as the hosts were talking about what they did for the holidays. Watch the clip below, and, once again, congratulations to Robin for taking the step to live open and honestly in your life.

"Tiger Mom" Or "Tiger Racist"?: How Amy Chua's New Book Shows Her Ignorance, Superiority Complex

(Image Via www.content.time.com)

 "Tiger Mom", Amy Chua, is back with a new book, which many, including myself, are calling out for its racist undertones. Well, some would say the material in her book is simply a dissection of ethnic groups and what makes them successful and unsuccessful, but, to me, I say it's racist. In the book, Chua states that their are certain groups (mostly ethnic groups but she throws Mormons in their as well) that are superior to other because of traits that they have. While she tries to sugarcoat it by saying that we all can be like these people if we practice the traits that make them successful, the simple fact of the matter is that putting different races in the "better than" category makes her seem like a racist. Oh, and the fact that she used the  word "superior" doesn't due much to help her cause either.
    While she may think her point is valid, the simple fact of the matter is that while she may look at what makes the groups she names as "superior" better than others, she neglects to point out that their are also historical and cultural aspects that make other groups have to work harder to achieve success in our country.  For instance, studies have shown that African Americans have to work harder to achieve success in this country due to the fact that the affects of racism still linger in this the U.S. This affects everything from their chances at good educations and jobs, and, in the end, it affects their way of life.
    The same goes for Asians from poorer countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. While Chua points out that Chinese families are one of the "superior" groups, she neglects to discuss that this is due to the fact that the Chinese economy was one of the better economies in Asia. Meanwhile, immigrants who came here from Vietnam and Cambodia were fleeing wars that tore their countries' infrastructures apart, and they had to start from square one.This greatly impacted the way that they were viewed in America. Many didn't speak English, and therefore their job choices were limited. Meanwhile, their Chinese counterparts were getting more job opportunities because of the fact that they had a better understanding of English than their immigrant counterparts, and they had more of a financial footing to come to America. Chua never mentions this though, and, to me, it shows that she is determined to get the point across that she's superior even if it means only telling half truths.
     I say all this to say that while I completely disagree with Chua's "superior" thinking, I do have to say that the message that that we all should work harder to achieve our dreams is one that I agree with completely. I just fear for those kids out there who may be working towards their dream who get discouraged by the words of Amy Chua. After all, when one points out one group as superior, they are calling everyone else inferior. Those kids out there who Chua referred to as inferior may be facing hurdles and challenges that Chua may have never dreamed of, and her words will do nothing but hurt, not help, these children. So, to those kids out there, I say you are not inferior, and that, in spite of the challenges your face, you can go anywhere you want to go and be anything you want to be.  Oh, and in the meantime, pay no attention to Amy Chua.

Five Things To Do This Week To Get The New Year Started Right And Have The Best 2014 Possible!

   It's that time again. We go back to work, take our kids back to school, and assess the weight that we have gained over the holiday season. It may be a depressing time for many of us, but there are certain things that we can do in order to get back on track for the new year. Here's five things that you can do this week to help you start 2014 the right way.

(Image Via www.home.yourway.net)

                             
1.) Take down your Christmas decorations this week. If you haven't already, put away the Christmas decor. It will make your house seem fresh and new, and it will help you get started right in 2014.

(From www.bubblews.com)

                             
2.) Go for a jog. Start shedding some of those holiday pounds by getting your workout on. This not only helps with weight, but the endorphins you get through working out will help you fight the post-holiday blues.
                               

(From www.telegraph.co.uk)

3.) Read your kids a bedtime story. Over the holidays, you may have been so busy you forgot about spending quality times with your kids. This is the perfect way to reconnect with you children and start your new year as a family right. 

(Image Via www.943loudwire.com)

4.) Take a nap. After running around for all those weeks, it's time you let your body get some rest. A good afternoon nap is the perfect solution to recharge after the stressful holiday season. 

(From www.frivolouz.com)

5.) Last but not least, make sure you and your partner get the new year started off right by spicing things up in the bedroom. Ask your partner if they want to try something new sexually, and then do it with them.  It's the perfect way to get the new year started off right, and, if all goes well, it will leave both of you with smiles on your faces.

                           
                                 

Not "Schocking" At All: GOP Congressman Aaron Schock Called Out On Facebook by Itay Hod For Simultaneously Being Gay, Homophobic

Hod (From Itay Hod's Twitter)

 Sometimes gay journalists just have enough when it comes to covering gay, anti-gay politicians. This is exactly the case when it comes to openly gay anchor Itay Hod and Congressman and political fitness guru Aaron Schock. Hod, a journalist for CBS, took to Facebook to share his disapproval of news networks letting well known gay GOP politicians slide, even going as far as to ask them questions about "finding a nice girl". In this post, he alluded to a hypothetical GOP Congressman from Iowa who a friend of his caught in the shower with another dude. He then goes on to note that this Congressman has been caught in gay bars in D.C. and is pretty much out to everyone who knows him, and he laments that it's unfair that no one can reference that he's gay since, well, he's one of the most homophobic politicians in America. At the end of the post, he links to an article about Aaron Schock's gayest Instagrams, pretty much revealing that Schock is the politician who he is referencing.

Schock (From www.menshealth.com)

  While some are saying that posting such a thing is inappropriate, I say that Itay is doing what every journalist out there should be doing, telling the truth. This is especially the case since Schock has voted against hate crimes bills, gay marriages, and every other piece of legislation that is beneficial to the gay community. If all this time, he is living as an out and proud gay man in his personal life while doing such detrimental work against the rest of his community, he has explaining to do. It may be outing, but, in this case, it's appropriate and necessary.
     Schock took this news the worst way possible, by locking down his Instagram account. Because what says I have nothing to hide then locking down one's social media accounts? In my personal opinion, I feel that Schock should take this opportunity, if he is gay, to come out and be open and honest about his orientation. He then needs to work through his issues and make a mends with the gay community for all the harm he has done to them. It may be uncomfortable for him at first, but with more and more young people (even Republicans) supporting gay marriage, who knows, it may just help his political career in the future.

Oh, and big kudos to Itay Hod for taking such a brave step in doing his job as a journalist. He just earned my respect.

Fri-Gay: Chris Kluwe Speaks Out,Zeke Thomas Comes Out, Utah Marriage Goes On, And More!

      It's Fri-Gay once again, and this week was filled with news pertaining to the GLBT community. One of the biggest stories is a piece that former Minnesota Vikings player Chris Kluwe wrote that said that he was let go from the NFL for supporting gay rights. He even said that coaches made homophobic remarks in his presence due to his advocacy, and that one even stated that gays should be moved to an island and nuked. Mike Priefer, the coach who allegedly made the statement, has come out denying Kluwe's claim, but Kluwe stands firm to his proclamation.

Kluwe (Image Via www.lavendermagazine.com)

     Keeping with sports news, Zeke Thomas, son of NBA star Isaiah Thomas, acknowledged his sexuality this week. Zeke, who is a DJ, said that his parents were totally cool with him being gay. He joins Magic Johnson's son of two sons of sportsmen who have come out recently. Congratulations Zeke on being open about your sexuality.
     In celebrity news, Ricky Martin and his boyfriend of five years have officially broken up. Clay Aiken, gay former American Idol contestant, is reportedly thinking about making a run for Congress in North Carolina. Thomas Roberts, out MSNBC host, is getting a new gig on "Way Too Early" on the Peacock network's cable news channel, moving from his slot at 11 a.m. He will also be a contributor on "Morning Joe". In other gay anchor news, Robin Robert's coming out garnered her a tweet from Michelle Obama congratulating her on acknowledging the fact that she's gay. Not too shabby Robin, not too shabby at all!
       Last but not least, Utah gay marriages are still going on in spite of every conservative in the state trying to get a stay put on them. I don't know what will happen in this instance, but I have a feeling that the conservatives will have a lost cause on their hands if it ever gets to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, every county in Utah is issuing gay marriage licenses, and the wedding industry is booming in "The Beehive State". Who knows, maybe by this week it will all be settled and gay marriage will be in Utah to stay? Come back next Friday to find out and happy Fri-Gay to you and yours!

Freaky Friday: Kim Jung Un Didn't Like His Uncle, So He Fed Him To 120 Dogs (Allegedly)

(Image Via www.gerarddirect.com)

     Everyone knows that living in a dictatorship sucks. Well, the people of North Korea probably live in the worst dictatorship known to man in the modern world, and they know not to speak against Kim Jong Un for fear of retribution. After all, reports say that when Kim Jong Un felt his uncle was showing him mad disrespect, he took things into his own hands...and the jaws of 120 hungry dogs. Yes, reports say that the dictator stripped his uncle naked and fed him to 120 HUNGRY canines in retribution for not showing him the proper treatment that is to be granted to a supreme leader (aka jerk) in a severe case of family dysfunction. So the next time you think your family has problems, just be glad your getting in screaming matches and not feeding each other to rabid animals for sport.

Thursday Craziness: Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" Gets A Christian Remix (Sort Of)

    There have been several YouTube videos posted over the last few years that take popular songs and put a spiritual spin on them to make them appropriate for the born again masses. Most notably, "Super Grace", a Christian version of Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" made the rounds on the internet a couple years ago. Well, now Macklemore and his song "Thrift Shop" has gotten its own Christ centered version. Well, sort of. Watching the video it's hard to tell if the three Christian young men are serious Christians or just joking. After all, I don't know many Christians who throw Bibles on the floor and joke that they save puppies. Watch below and tell me what you think. Is this for real or not?