Kathy Griffin ordained into the clergy of the Universal Life Church so that she can marry a straight couple: “People asked if I was concerned that I might upstage the bride. But Elka didn’t have to worry. I’m wearing a green gown I wore to the Golden Globes a few years ago – which got me on one of those ‘Worst Dressed’ lists!”
Star Jones divorcing Al Reynolds: “They hadn’t been seeing eye to eye for months and had already spent a great deal of time apart. Finally, Star decided it was over. She told Al at the end of January that he had 30 days to get his act together or ‘get out.’”
Not over yet: Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal to reprise their roles in Rent for 2009 national tour.
Security camera developed that sees through clothing: “A camera that can “see” explosives, drugs and weapons hidden under clothing from 25 metres has been invented. The ThruVision system could be deployed at airports, railway stations or other public spaces. It is based on so-called ‘terahertz’, or T-ray, technology, normally used by astronomers to study dying stars. Although it is able to see through clothes it does not reveal ‘body detail’ or subject people to ‘harmful radiation’, according to the designers. ‘It is totally and utterly passive – it receives only,’ said a spokesperson for Thruvision.”
Robbie Williams says he has seen three UFOs and wants to study them when he retires.
Paper reports on gay life in Afghanistan: “There are no organised gay associations in Afghanistan, but contrary to many Western countries, men can freely walk the streets holding hands. This was especially shocking for foreign troops who became fascinating for the Afghan men. Armed and ready to engage in conflicts with Al-Qaeda, the only conflicts the foreign troops had were with local men who only wanted to stroke their hair. ‘It was hell. Every village we went into we got a group of men wearing make-up coming up, stroking our hair and cheeks and making kissing noises,’ 20-year-old Corporal Paul Richard uttered.”
The underground drag queens of Tel Aviv: “In an effort to carve out a space for themselves, Palestinian drag queens gather every few months at a club in the heart of Tel Aviv to take part in underground shows. These parties offer a rare forum for them to explore complicated and convoluted ideas about sexuality, politics, nationalism, militancy and religion. They’re forging their identities at the center of what some consider an occupying power. The Palestinian nationalists among them recognize the irony in the fact that Israel has become their sanctuary. ‘I didn’t choose this place; it’s the place that I found I could be myself in,’ said M, a 24-year-old Arab-Israeli woman with short black hair who’s performed at the club. ‘That’s my only refuge.'”
Cyndi Lauper asks Britney Spears to join her on the True Colors tour which starts on May 31.
What’s Justin Timberlake’s problem with women?
Tireless battle to save Laguna Beach’s Boom Boom Room goes on: “Supporters of a beachside nightclub that catered for half a century to Hollywood’s gay stars are hitting its owner with a blizzard of yellow postcards urging that the shuttered bar be reopened. Supporters, including ‘Brady Bunch’ co-star Florence Henderson and former National Basketball Association player Dennis Rodman, have sent about 500 yellow postcards emblazoned ‘SAVE the BOOM!!!’ to [owner Steven] Udvar-Hazy’s Los Angeles office…”
Tucker Carlson’s show gets dumped: “The official announcement, expected tomorrow, will include details about who will replace Tucker at 6pmET as well as other political programming additions. Sources say the network is going to beef up its schedule with more NBC News talent.”
Olympic ambassador and former British silver medallist hurdler Colin Jackson: I’m not gay. ” “I don’t mind having people say what they like in that circumstance. I know that I am not but I don’t think it’s for me to be going round screaming it from the rooftops. I think it’s just rubbish. It makes no real sense to me. It’s quite strange and bizarre but people say what they say.”
A gay and lesbian hotel brand with Attitude.
