Monday, July 31, 2017

Hamlet Takes Up Residence in the Algonquin Hotel


After spending his days scrounging for food in a feral colony on Long Island, this one-year-old tabby named Hamlet is about to become the newest mascot at the funky and historic Algonquin Hotel, where Dorothy Parker held her famed round tables. 

“He’s a real rags-to-riches story,” hotel marketing manager Nicholas Sciammarella said. 

The New York Post reports that Hamlet is the 12th Algonquin cat and its first male mascot in more than 40 years. He is replacing current beloved kitty Matilda III, a regal long-haired ragdoll, who is retiring after seven years of service. For the past few weeks, Hamlet’s been hiding upstairs, away from the public, but he’ll make his debut on Thursday evening at the hotel’s annual Cat Fashion Show, which raises money for the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals.

Go get 'em, tiger!


Trying to Be Diplo-matic


I don't understand how you can parody someone most people have never heard of. But if James Van Der Beek is going to look like this, I'll give "What Would Diplo Do?" a shot.



Ain't No Challah-Back Girl


Long but interesting read, about a woman who found out her "proudly Irish father" was in fact Jewish.

Ironically, I shelled out $250 in part because my Great Aunt Betty had always heard rumors that her father was her grandmother's secret (half-) Jewish love child raised by her grandfather as his own, so I wondered if DNA might confirm this. (And I DO make a mean kugel.) Instead, I found out I was exactly what my parents told me I was -- 50% Irish (Dad), 25% German/25% Lithuanian (Mom) -- and that Betty had begun an unhealthy love affair with Johnny Walker shortly after putting her second husband in the ground.


My Great Grandfather Conrad Ross at his home in Omaha in 1962. 

Mug Shot Monday


Apparently this personal trainer's idea of a "workout" went a lot further than his underage client wanted. 



Song of the Day: 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix" by Gladys Knight and the Pips


I'm off to Phoenix today to visit my Southwest family members -- above all my mom, who has been in bad shape since my brother Bill's passing -- before spending the weekend in Vegas to celebrate turning 50 with four childhood friends who were also born during the Summer of Love. Tune in for the usual departments, plus a few surprises along the way ...

Morning Wood


Page 1 Roundup (07/31)


The Daily News: Russian President Vladimir Putin cuts 755 U.S. diplomatic positions as punishment for U.S. sanctions bill


The New York Post: Times Square slip back into badness


The New York Times: Putin’s Bet on a Trump Presidency Backfires Spectacularly


The Wall Street Journal: Purple Craze: The Lavender of Long Island Attracts Mystery Crowds

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Speedo Sunday


Another view HERE.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Ernie Keebler Defends Fellow Elf Jeff Sessions


Funny or Die puts words into Ernie Keelber's mouth:







Friday, July 28, 2017

Missing 'Jerk' Cat Returns


I love cat stories that have happy endings!


And ICYMI: This photo exhibition of cats and their "twins" is the cutest thing ever! (I always thought Larry was part bunny!)

Something Anthony Scaramucci Fuhgottaboud?


Don't think anyone is very surprised that Trump's overcompensating midget communications director follows a gay porn star on Twitter. Read HERE.


Sounds like his obsession with cock finally caught up with him ...


Read HERE.


D.C. Graffiti Artist Cool 'Disco' Dan Dies at 47


Sad to hear we've lost yet another D.C. legend this year.


Bill "Da Slot" Walsh


Dan Hogg was the subject of a 2013 documentary written and directed by Joseph Pattisall. RIP.

Advocates Protest Trump's Transgender Military Ban Tweet


I have the utmost respect for people who protested outside the White House this week. Three attacks on LGBT rights in one week is hard to stomach, but I admire people who keep on fighting back.

On the Rag, Vol. 468

A weekly look at what's making news in the gay mags::


DNA (Australia): Willy Wagtail will get your tail wagging / Read HERE.


Mate (Germany): Chad White is the mate of the month / Read HERE.


Gay Times (U.K.): Steve Grand will co-star in web-series sequel to gay indie film "Boy Culture" / Read HERE.


QX (London): Meet DJ David Morales / Read HERE.


Edge Media: Boy Scouts Leader Apologizes for Trump's Jamboree Speech / Read HERE.


POZ: AIDS group slams Trump's ban on transgender troops / Read HERE.


Metro Weekly (D.C.): NPR’s Ari Shapiro brings his new, multilingual one-man cabaret to Amp by Strathmore / Read HERE.


Out Magazine: Meet 7 Trans Soldiers Who Served Our Country / Read HERE.


The Immersive, Queer-Slanted "Seeing You" Is a Vital Show for Our Times / Read HERE.


Get Out!: Summer Fun Rises at Ascension Party / Read HERE.


Out in Jersey: While Donald Trump was attacking transgender people, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed two laws to protect them / Read HERE.


HIV Plus: Half of HIV-positive people in America are undetectable! Read HERE.


Gloss (San Francisco): The Fair Issues / Read HERE.


The Gay U.K.: People really want a gay version of Love Island -- with one condition / Read HERE.


Attitude (U.K.): Emmanuel Shines in sparkling new spread / Read HERE.


Q Salt Lake: The Pet Issue is out now! Read HERE.


The Advocate: Gay Dads Take Their Son for His First Haircut in This Adorable Luvs Commercial / Watch HERE.


GCN (Dublin): Watch this beautiful tribute to Cork LGBT activist Dave Roche HERE.


Grab (Chicago): Cyndi Lauper out front / Read HERE.


Winq (U.K.): Prime Minister Theresa May admits Tories were wrong about LGBT rights / Read HERE.


MetroSource: Go Behind the Seams at Rufskin / Read HERE.