P!nk's amazing Grammy performance

P!nk performing "Glitter in the Air" on the 2010 Grammy Awards.
I love her!!!! Amazing Performance!

Bob Out

Ted Haggard has been cured from being gay

Ted Haggard has been cured from being gay. How convenient for him.

In case you don't know who Ted Haggard is let me refresh your memory...

He is the founder and former pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and was leader of the
National Assoc of Evangelicals. In November 2006, he resigned from all of his leadership positions after he admitted soliciting prostitute Mike Jones for homosexual sex and methamphetamine. Initially Haggard denied even knowing Mike Jones, but as a media investigation proceeded he acknowledged that some allegations, such as his purchase of methamphetamine, were true. Although, he later said he never actually did drugs, he just bought them. He later added "sexual immorality" to his list of confessions.

After the scandal was publicized, he entered three weeks of intensive counseling, overseen by four ministers. In February 2007, one of those ministers, Tim Ralph, said that Haggard "is completely heterosexual. Ralph later said he meant that therapy "gave Ted the tools to help to embrace his heterosexual side."

Through all of this his wife, Gayle Haggard, has stuck by his side. Just this week they appeared on Oprah to talk about her book, "Why I Stayed". She told Oprah that at first she didn't believe any of the allegations that the press were making against her husband. This was despite the fact that he had admitted to her 25 years ago that he had an "encounter" with another male in a book store. This had happened after the birth of their first child and he immediately sought counseling and they had no issues until this latest incident. Is love that blind?

I had a friend who was married and got busted at a local park for soliciting sex from a police officer. After that he went into counseling and he and his wife tried to make it work. She even said she felt like she was in love with him all over again because she now knew what his "issues" were and they could work thru them together. His "issue" was that he was a gay man trying to live as a heterosexual. Ted Haggard has the same issue. I wonder how many gay men are married to women and trying to live as heterosexual because of religious or social stigmas? My friend later got divorced and is now living as a gay man with his partner. I watched Ted Haggard saying he was "cured" of his gayness and he was careful not to put himself in situations where this supposed gay disease will rear it's ugly head again. He even made hints that now his sex life with his wife is very healthy. I'm sure it is, thanks to viagra and nude men dancing in his head.

Bob Out

What I've been up to

There is always something to do in Atlanta. However, most of the time I'm not doing it. I usually end up hanging with friends and eating at the same places. So as part of my 10 goals for 2010, I visited a new place last Saturday...The World of Coke. An entire museum dedicated to Coca-Cola.

The museum was filled with all kinds of Coke and Coke related memorabilia. They also had a 4-D theatre that was really cool. And a theatre where they ran old Coke commercials. At the end you got to taste 60 varieties Coke products from around the world.

Three of my nephews. They are great and  a lot of fun to hang with.

Yesterday, my friend Bunny and I went roaming in Atlanta. First we went to IKEA(love) and then headed to lunch. In keeping with my 10 for 2010 goals. I ate at a new restaurant..

 

The Real Chow Baby. This place rocked!

Start by going through their buffet style line, filling a bowl with your choice of noodles, rice, vegetables, sauces, spices, meats, and seafood. Then their cooks transform it into a delicious stir-fry. So great and super fresh ingrediants. Here is my creation..

Delicious!

After lunch we went to see "Avatar".

Here we are outside the theatre in our 3D glasses. Aren't we cute!(hehe)

I LOVED THIS MOVIE....LOVED IT! I've heard that it had great special effects but the story was lacking. I didn't think so! If you haven't seen it, check it out!

That's all for now. I'm supposed to be working. Shhhhhh, don't tell my boss!

Bob Out

Hump Day Hunk(David Bromstad)

Happy Hump Day! Today's hunk is a wonderful decorator,Tv show host & Artist. The first seaon winner of HGTV's Design Star and current host of his own show, Color Splash....David Bromstad.

Call me, David

Bob Out

I received a blogger award...woot, woot

"You like me, you really like me"!That phrase is cemented in pop culture but did you know(I didn't)...
That's not exactly what Sally Field said...the actual quote was "I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!" but I still like the mis-quote better so I just went with it. :)

I won an award and I didn't have to blow anyone this time...

ONE: Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

Thank you, Bob!  I would kiss you but I'm not a lesbian

TWO: Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
Check: see above

THREE: Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
http://ishouldbelaughing.blogspot.com/

FOUR: Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.

Oh No. I'm not sure if there is 7 interesting things about me but I'll try :)'

1- I was born on Christmas day just 19 minutes after midnight
2- My mom didn't have insurance so she checked out of the hospital at 9am. She & My Dad couldn't afford to pay the bill so they set up a payment plan. They made the first payment b4 leaving the hospital. When my mom went back to make the second payment they told her that someone had paid the entire bill.. We still don't know who did it.
3- I LOVE music! Almost all kinds. My Ipod is filled with country, pop, rock, alternative, gospel and so on...
4- After graduation from high school I was enrolled in Bible College. Well, it was held in my church but it was tought by an accredited proffessor. It was supposed to be a four year degree but because It was only held once a week, I went four years and only got about half way through.
5- I had a couple of "gay" experiences in high school but soon afterwards felt weird about it and "convicted" of it due to my religious background. I was pushing 30 b4 I had another sexual encounter with a guy.
6- I am a foodie. I love The Food Network and just about any other type of cooking shows or shows involving food. The highlight of my recent trip to DC was seeing Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian. I've been to eat at Paula Deen(The Lady & Sons) & one of Bobby Flay's(Mesa Grill) resteraunts. I would give my left nut(well, not really) to meet Ina Garten. I LOVE HER!!!!!!
7- I am a radio station contest winner. Actually I have won a lot. Somewhere in the neighboorhood of 300 contest and all sorts of different prizes. You can check out part of the list here.

FIVE: Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers and post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

1- My friend, Bunny at Bunny-Go-Round. She is a dear friend and just loves gay men so  much that she married one...haha j/k...check her out!
2- http://www.bos-bowl.com/- He can cook! Look at the pics and recipes. Mmmmmmm
3-  Rad Homo- Great & Funny guy and he knows how to pick some hot men to feature on his page.
4- Michael Rivers:The Blog- freelance writer with a great blog
5-  http://explodingdoughnut.blogspot.com/- Great Artist and all around nice guy.
6- Spice of Life- An American in Europe. Great blog on good living
7- Be kind and unwind- Another American living in Switzerland with a great blog

I would have also picked one of these other blogs...my favs ...but they had already won the award but check them out anyway(if you aren't already) Bob... Mark...and Sean
 :)

And the Actor goes to...

The SAG awards were held last night. I was out roaming around Atlanta and didn't get to watch it BUT being the good gay boi that I am, I recorded it on my DVR! It was a great awards show and I was soooo excited that Sandra Bullock won.  I REALLY hope she wins the Oscar. If she doesn't win I hope Meryl Streep does. She was brilliant as Julia Child in "Julie & Julia".  Here's a list of the winners ....

Movies:

Cast: "Inglourious Basterds."

Actor in a leading role: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart."

Actress in a leading role: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side."

Supporting actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglorious Basterds"

Supporting actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"

Television:

Drama series cast: "Mad Men."

Actor in a drama series: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter."

Actress in a drama series: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife."

Comedy series cast: "Glee."

Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock."

Actress in a comedy series: Tina Fey, "30 Rock."

Actor in a movie or miniseries: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance."

Actress in a movie or miniseries: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens."

&

Life Achievement: Betty White

I LOVE Betty White! She looked wonderful last night! 88 years young and still going strong. You Go Betty!

There were a lot of great(and not so great) fashions last night but I just had to show you guys Christina Applegate.
Check her out...

Fabulous!

 Bob Out

Atlanta is the gayest city in America

I just found out I live in the Gayest city in America. Well, according to The Advocate. Here's what they said...

1. Atlanta

Georgia isn’t the most gay-friendly state, but Atlanta is undoubtedly our gayest city—with 29 gay bars here, there’s a reason it’s dubbed Hotlanta. Atlanta’s several queer events include one of the nation’s largest Prides in October (returning to Piedmont Park this year), and MondoHomo, a May event celebrating art, drag, burlesque, film, and BBQ. The gay epicenter is Midtown, anchored by Outwrite Books, a giant gay bookstore bucking the national trend—by staying in business! Atlanta guys are hunky, the ladies are gracious, the gay sports leagues are seriously well organized, and its housewives (and their gay BFFs, complete with handbags and heels) are now camp icons. And who doesn’t love the sweet lilt of a Georgia accent on a knockout guy or gal?
 
And I still can't find a man. DAMN IT, What's wrong with me?!?! DON"T ANSWER THAT!
:)
 
Bob Out

Cindy McCain supports gay marriage

Cindy McCain, the wife of Arizona senator & 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, has posed for an ad endorsing pro-gay marriage forces in California. NOH8 is a gay rights group challenging Proposition 8 passed by California voters in 2008 banning same sex marriage.

John McCain's office issued a statement saying he respects the views of members of his family but remains opposed to gay marriage. It says McCain believes "marriage is only defined as between one man and one woman." Who cares, John! We are going to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn gay marriage bans throughout the nation. I believe!

A hug from me to you

Did you know today is National Hugging Day?

I would like to send out a great big hug to all my blogging buddies...

Did you feel it? I hope so!

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Bob Out

Hump Day Hunk(Cristiano Ronaldo)

Before you get totally distracted by the awesomeness of the pics you are about to behold I want to talk about my Hump Day Hunk weekly blog.  I will still continue to feature celebrities but I would also like to feature some of my blogging buddies. If you are interested in being a "Hump Day Hunk, send me some pics of you and a link to your blog(robertga99@yahoo.com). The pics can be as revealing(or unrevealing) as you care but not including full nudity. I would like to keep it PG to PG-13.  All shapes and sizes welcome! This is more about getting to know the fellow bloggers and promoting blogs.

I realized this week I have never featured one of my favs...
                                                               

Cristiano Ronaldo

Besides being one of the hottest soccer players on the planet. He is now the new face of Armani Underwear.
Check out the new ad photos followed by random pics of this HOT, HOT, HOT, Hump Day Hunk

You're Welcome

:)

Bob Out

Nepal set to Protect Gays in Constitution

Nepal's will be the first country in Asia to draft a constitution that includes equal rights to sexual minorities.
The new constitution should be completed by May. It will include antidiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex citizens.
Way to go, Nepal!

Bob Out

This is soooooo cute!

Just had to share with you guys...hehe
Bob Out

I need a break...

Let's Dance!

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!

Roma-Roma-ma-ah!

Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!

Bob Out

Two movies I HAVE to see

I just watched the following movie trailers online and they look HYSTERICAL.

Check them out...FUNNY! I hope the movies live up to the trailers.

Bounty Hunter


&

Death at a Funeral


Bob Out

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

It is a time for the nation to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. A time to remember his fight for the freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and peoples. A time to remember the message of change through nonviolence. Especially as gay American's are fighting for their right to marry and be treated as equal to heterosexuals.

One day it will happen...One day, SOON!

Bob Out

And the Golden Globe goes to...

I love a good Awards show and The Golden Globes are one of my favorites. It's non-stop action with great categories. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that Sandra Bullock won for "The Blind Side"! And Meryl Streep for "Julia & Julia". The only disappointment for me was the Stanley Tucci didn't win! I love him!

Here is a full list of the winners tonight...

Best Motion Picture- Drama, "Avatar"

Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical, "The Hangover"

Actress, Drama: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

Actor, Drama: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

Director: James Cameron, "Avatar"

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Robert Downey Jr, "Sherlock Holmes"

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"

Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' by Sapphire"

Foreign Language: "The White Ribbon"

Animated Film: "Up"

Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, "Up in the Air"

Original Score: Michael Giacchino, "Up"

Original Song: "The Weary Kind" (theme from "Crazy Heart"), (written by Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett)

TELEVISION:

Series, Drama: "Mad Men"

Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"

Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"

Series, Musical or Comedy: "Glee"

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Toni Collette, "United States of Tara."

Miniseries or Movie: "Grey Gardens"

Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance"

Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens"

Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: John Lithgow, "Dexter"

Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love"
&
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Scorsese.

Bob Out

Jessica Simpson & Billy Corgan dating? WTF?

Rumor is that Jessica Simpson is dating Billy Corgan! WTF? Ok, this is officially the oddest Hollywood pairing since Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton(Ewww, got a little throw up in my throat over that one.)

What is stranger still ...

They been recording in the studio together!

HUH?

Not that I really care if she hooks up with him or records a record with him..It's just an odd combo!

We know sometimes hot guys can be total dicks so maybe she's trying to go the opposite route.

Hope it works for her.

Bob Out

Jimmy Kimmel on Jay Leno's 10 at 10

I loved this! Jimmy Kimmel ripping Jay Leno on Leno's 10 at 10. Very Funny & TRUE!
I mean come on...Leno said years ago he was stepping down from hosting The Tonight Show and Conan would be his replacement. Just because Leno's new show hasn't worked out doesn't mean he should get his old time slot back. It's time to step down Jay...NBC should let Conan have the show and at it's current time slot.

Bob Out

It's my 100th post

And look...the cast of "Family Guy" came by to celebrate with me

hehe

Folks, I really do want to thank you guys for stopping by "Bob Out".  I did one or two postings and didn't think I would continue but I'm really getting into it and love doing it.

The best part...BY FAR...is meeting you guys. I love reading your blogs and your comments to mine.

I just checked my Google Analytics and I've now had 426 unique visitors and over 4,500 page views.

Thanks Y'all!

To celebrate, come by my house tonight I'll make you some cookies :)

On another note...

Just saw this on "The Wendy Williams Show".  I like the choice too!

Bob Out!

Pat Robertson Comments on Haiti

Evangelist Pat Robertson said on his Christian Broadcasting Network show Wednesday that the earthquake in Haiti was triggered by an old "pact with the devil." He explained the story on his show, saying that when Haiti was still ruled by France the citizens got together and made the pact to escape French rule.
"And the devil said, 'OK, it's a deal,'" Robertson said.

Robertson has made a similar comment in the past — "Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for New Orleans".

Bob Out

Rob Reiner, Doing The Right Thing

I love this video that I saw on my fellow blogger Bob's blog(Say that fast 3 times), "I Should Be Laughing".
Check it out by clicking here

Great post, Thanks Bob!

Bob Out

Hump Day Hunk(Rocco Dispirito)

Rocco Dispirito

Dreamy!

Looks delicious!

His new cookbook is scheduled to hit shelves in March. It looks fantastic!  In it, he takes traditional high fat/calorie dishes and gives them a healthy makeover.

Happy Hump Day!

Bob Out

Civil Union vs. Marriage

What are some of the differences between Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriage?

Recognition in other states: Even though each state has its own laws around marriage, if someone is married in one state and moves to another, their marriage is legally recognized. For example, Oregon marriage law applies to people 17 and over. In Washington state, the couple must be 18 to wed. However, Washington will recognize the marriage of two 17 year olds from Oregon who move there. This is not the case with Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships. If someone has a Domestic Partnership, that union is not recognized by some states and not others. Some states have even ruled that they do not have to recognize civil unions performed in other states, because their states have no such legal category. As gay marriages become legal in other states, this status may change.

Immigration:

A United States citizen who is married can sponsor his or her non-American spouse for immigration into this country. Those with Civil Unions have no such privilege.

Taxes:

Civil Unions are not recognized by the federal government, so couples would not be able to file joint-tax returns or be eligible for tax breaks or protections the government affords to married couples.

Benefits:

The General Accounting Office in 1997 released a list of 1,049 benefits and protections available to heterosexual married couples. These benefits range from federal benefits, such as survivor benefits through Social Security, sick leave to care for ailing partner, tax breaks, veterans benefits and insurance breaks. They also include things like family discounts, obtaining family insurance through your employer, visiting your spouse in the hospital and making medical decisions if your partner is unable to. Civil Unions protect some of these rights, but not all of them.

A lawyer can set up some things like durable power of attorney, wills and medical power of attorney.
There are several problems with this, however...

1. It costs thousands of dollars in legal fees. A simple marriage license, which usually costs under $100 would cover all the same rights and benefits.

2. Any of these can be challenged in court. As a matter of fact, more wills are challenged than not. In the case of wills, legal spouses always have more legal power than any other family member.

3. Marriage laws are universal. If someone’s husband or wife is injured in an accident, all you need to do is show up and say you’re his or her spouse. You will not be questioned. If you show up at the hospital with your legal paperwork, the employees may not know what to do with you. If you simply say, "He's my husband," you will immediately be taken to your spouse's side.

Even with lesbian and gay marriages being performed and recognized in some states, the Federal Defense of Marriage Law prohibits the federal government from recognizing gay and lesbian relationships. This puts gay and lesbian couples who are married in a legal limbo. How do they file their tax returns? Do they have to pay the tax on their partner’s health insurance? How do they fill out legal and other forms, single or married?

Creating Civil Unions creates a separate and unequal status for some of America’s citizens. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial court ruled that creating a separate class for gay and lesbian citizens is not permissible and that is why they have voted that only marriage equals marriage. The precedent was set with Brown v. The Board of Education regarding segregation in public education. Ironically, Massachusetts marriage law went into effect on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.

The United States Constitution guarantees equality for all. As you can see, marriage and civil unions are not the same. Creating equal access to marriage is the only fair way to ensure equality for gay and straight couples alike.


Bob Out

Simon Cowell leaving American Idol

Simon Cowell announced yesterday that this will be his last season on "American Idol".
If you are still watching Idol now...will you continue to watch when he leaves?

Simon is leaving to become a judge on the American version of "X-Factor" which will premiere in the fall of 2011.

So what is the difference between "X-Factor" and "American Idol"?
There is no age limit on "X-Factor" and it includes groups and not just solo acts.
I wonder if Paula will become a judge on "X-Factor"? Hmmmmm

Bob Out

Will You Marry Me?

I've been thinking(I know...Scary, huh?)...

If there is supposed to be a seperation between church and state. Why is anyone denying the rights for same-sex couples to marry? I don't think I've ever heard any opposition other than "according to the Bible, marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman".
So, I need someone to agree to marry me. Any takers? (email me your pics and financial portfolio) I. figure I need to go to the courthouse with my "partner" and when they deny me the right to marry, I sue the state for discrimination. Hell, we could take this to the Supreme Court.

Then I read this today about another law suit...

Groundbreaking gay marriage trial starts in Calif

SAN FRANCISCO – The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way Monday, and the two gay couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses.

The proceedings, which are expected to last two to three weeks, involve a challenge to Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban approved by California voters in November 2008.

Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it ultimately could become a landmark that determines if gay Americans have the right to marry.

The judge who will render a decision, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker, has asked lawyers arguing for and against the ban to present the facts underlying much of the political rhetoric surrounding same-sex marriage. Among the questions Walker plans to entertain are whether sexual orientation can be changed, how legalizing gay marriage affects traditional marriages and the effect on children of being raised by two mothers or two fathers.

"The case is intriguing, exciting and potentially very significant because it addresses multiple important questions that, surprisingly to many, remain open in federal law," said Jennifer Pizer, marriage director for the gay law advocacy group Lambda Legal. "Can the state reserve the esteemed language and status of marriage just for heterosexual couples, and relegate same-sex couples to a lesser status? Are there any adequate public interests to justify reimposing such a caste system for gay people, especially by a majority vote to take a cherished right from a historically mistreated minority?"

The sponsors of Proposition 8, which passed with 52 percent of the vote, won permission to defend the law in court after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown refused to. The attorney general and the governor are defendants in the case because of their positions in state government.

Lawyers for the measure's backers plan to argue that because same-sex marriage still is a social experiment, it is wise for states like California to take a wait-and-see approach. Their witnesses will testify that governments historically have sanctioned traditional marriage as a way to promote responsible child-rearing and that this remains a valid justification for limiting marriage to a man and a woman.

The anticipation and tension surrounding the trial were evident over the weekend, when Proposition 8's sponsors asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the proceedings from being recorded and broadcast on YouTube. Walker approved such a plan last week, saying the case was appropriate for wide dissemination because it dealt with an issue of wide interest and importance.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, who oversees the federal courts in western states, did not act on the emergency petition Sunday night.

While other courts have wrestled with the constitutional issues raised by prohibiting same-sex marriages — the Supreme Court last took a look at the issue 38 years ago — Walker's court is the first to employ live witnesses in the task. Among those set to testify are the leaders of the Proposition 8 campaign, academic experts from the fields of political science, history, psychology and economics, and the two plaintiff couples — Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier, who live in Berkeley, and Paul Katami and Jeffrey Zarrillo, who live in Los Angeles.

Chad Griffin, a political consultant who helped spearhead the lawsuit, said the four were recruited to represent California couples who say they would get married were it not for Proposition 8 because they lead lives indistinguishable from those of other couples, gay or straight, who have jobs, children and a desire for the social stamp of approval that matrimony affords, Griffin said.

"Our story, I think, is pretty ordinary," said Perry, 45, the title plaintiff in the case registered on legal dockets as Perry v. Schwarzenegger. "We fell in love, we want to get married and we can't. It's pretty simple." The women have been together for almost 10 years and since 2004 have been registered domestic partners, a legal relationship that in California carries most of the benefits and obligations of a full-fledged marriage.

Stier, 47, was married to a man for 12 years. She said the differences between marriage and domestic partnerships, part of what will be debated during the trial, are profound. She and Perry have to take extra legal precautions when they travel to states that do not recognize gay relationships and continually explain to friends and family what a domestic partnership is, Stier said.

"I had that feeling of security that comes with marriage and the assumption of many of the comforts and protections society affords. I can feel the difference in a very personal way," she said. "The word 'partnership' is used for business deals, tennis matches and golf games. It doesn't feel like the appropriate kind of word to describe my relationship with the person I love."

What do you think?

Bob Out

Frozen

And now a word from our Queen...

hehe
Just because I love this song/video and the title reflects how I am feeling right now :)
Bob Out

I've got chills. They're multiplyin'!

Brrrr, It's cold! We got some snow(and ice)...YAY!. Just as predicted...maybe an inch. What can you do with an inch? I mean really. I need more!

It's not supposed to get above 32 degrees until Monday. I'm cold, but I will deal with it because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the snow.

Hope you guys all have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Bob Out

Portugal Parliament votes to permit gay marriage

YAY for Purtugal!

Portugal's Parliament passed a bill Friday allowing gay marriage in the mostly Roman Catholic country.

The Socialist government's bill won the support of all left-of-center parties. Right-of-center parties opposed the change and sought a national referendum on the issue, but their proposal was rejected.
Voting figures were not immediately available but the President of Parliament Jaime Gama announced that the government's bill had passed, as was widely expected. The proposed law goes to Portugal's conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva who can ratify or veto. The veto can be overturned by the parliament.
If there is no presidential veto, the first gay marriage ceremonies could take place in April — a month before Pope Benedict XVI is due on an official visit to Portugal.

Its approval would make Portugal the sixth European country to allow same-sex marriages. Gay marriage is currently permitted in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Norway.

"This law rights a wrong," Prime Minister Jose Socrates said in a speech to lawmakers, adding that it "simply ends pointless suffering." The bill removes a reference in the current law to marriage being between two people of different sexes."It's a slight change to the law, it's true. But it is a very important and symbolic step towards fully ensuring respect for values that are essential in any democratic, open and tolerant society: the values of freedom, equality and non-discrimination," Socrates said.

COME ON AMERICA, WAKE UP!

What right do you have to stop two consenting adults from marrying? Two people who are in love should have the right to marry regardless of their sexual orientation.

Bob Out

New Jersey Senate Defeats Gay Marriage Bill

The New Jersey Senate voted Thursday against legalizing same-sex marriage. The Freedom of Religion and Equality in Marriage Act failed by a vote of 20 to 14.

Governor-elect Chris Christie, a Republican asshole, had vowed to veto the legislation if it passed. Christie takes office Jan. 19.

Atlanta Braces for a Snow Storm

Snow Storm 2010

Atlanta is bracing for a massive snow storm expected to hit this afternoon. Preliminary indications suggest that we could see between 1-2 inches of accumulation in the north Georgia mountains and half to 1 inch in the metro area. Y'all I have never seen people worked into such a frenzy over 1-2  inches. I need at least 6 inches to get me going.

This "storm" isn't even expected to arrive until 5pm today but the schools are closing at 1pm. Delta has canceled flights tonight in preperation and grocery stores are running out of bread and milk.

From your Winter Storm Center

Bob Out