Page 1 Consider (12/03)

Tenderloins: The Times examines the burgeoning gay scene in Buenos Aires, you know, "home to the sexy tango and strapping meat-eaters." (NYT)

Don't Ask (Again): The president of CNN said that the cable channel would redouble its efforts to vet the campaign affiliations of questioners at open-forum debates, after a retired brigadier general was permitted Wednesday to ask the Republican presidential candidates about gay men and lesbians in the military without CNN’s knowing that he was listed on an advisory committee of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign. (NYT) CNN "addressed" the issue in true passive-aggressive fashion by removing the whole thing from repeats of the debate with nary a mention of its ever happening. (MediaMatters)

American Classics: Diana Ross and Brian Wilson, Steve Martin, Martin Scorsese and the pianist Leon Fleisher were honored for their contributions to American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors last night in Washington. The event will air Dec. 26 on CBS. (AP) (BTW: the Times' review of Steve Martin's new memoir, "Born Standing Up," is a must read for fans of the funnyman. (NYT)

Stop AIDS, and Stupidity: Police took 40 people into custody on World AIDS Day when they sat down on the sidewalk in front of the White House and refused to move. The protesters say the Bush administration is not doing enough about the spread of AIDS, although in W.'s defense I have to say spending $28 million a year on abstinence-only sex education programs must be helping. (365Gay)

Narrow Defeat: I really thought the Venezuelan people were going to be hoodwinked into giving their popular leader, Hugo Chavez, carte blanche for the rest of his life. But it looks like I was wrong. The world should all breathe a collective sigh of relief. (NYT)

Average Joes: Because everyone is so tired of looking at beautiful people, go behind the scenes of Ugly New York, an agency that specializes in so-called real-life models. "No autographs please! You think beautiful girls are gonna stay in style forever?" (NYT)

Bittersweet: Sex toy Brody Jenner told People magazine over the weekend that not only are he and Lauren "LC" Conrad not dating -- there's never been anything romantic between them. As shocked and dismayed as I am to hear that everything on "The Hills" isn't real, it is nice to know that I still have a shot with BJ. (People)

Progressive: Brazil's government has announced plans to put condom-dispensing machines in public schools to help teenagers reduce the spread of AIDS. I guess this is necessary with all of those sexy boys parading around in Speedos. (CP)

Born in the USA: Congratulations to the U.S. Davis Cup team for defeating Russia over the weekend in Portland. It was the United States' first victory since 1995. (AP)

Northern Exposure: An ugly internal dispute over sex, religion and violence erupted within the Alberta Conservative party, ending up with a candidate being ousted and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach saying the reasons for the "difficult'' decision must remain confidential. (Suddenly I have an interest in Canadian politics.) (CP)

Cyndi Lauper Sighting: Madonna's hubby Guy Ritchie is hoping a re-cut version of his latest bomb, "Revolver," will help him re-establish his directing career. I just wanna rassel with the Brit hunk. (NYT)

Sticking to Their Guns: Mrs. Butterworth is back and she means business. (AP)

Just Asking: If Vanessa Hudgens is just old enough to get her driver's license, why does she look 35? (People)