Later, 2008... Hurry Up '09!

Gone Ice Fishin'...

Hola kids! It's the end of 2008 and we're on a bit of a hiatus here at NNN! Check back with us for good new stuff starting on January 5th, 2009.

For some dandy year-end wrap-up stuff check out our pals at AfterEllen and AfterElton, and get a good look back at some of the best gay news video clips of 2008 over at 365Gay.com.

Cheers!

Christmas Classics from Mariah, Wham!, Run D.M.C. and Nat King Cole

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Merry Merry! What are you doing online? Go ice skating! See a movie! Open presents! Hug somebody!

Anyway, here are some Xmas tunes, just in case you pop by... And yes, it's all about the classics. Namely, Mariah! And after the jump, 80's classics from a pre-out George Michael & Wham, and Run D.M.C.!!!!

And yes, even a chestnut (pun intended) from the godfather of all great pop & soul, Nat King Cole. Here's wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday.

Christmas with The Killers, Again

Brandon Flowers and The Killers have been whipping up Xmas songs every year for the past three years at least. Heck, it's a tradition at this point.

You can see their clip for "A Great Big Sled" above. That's 2006's edition, and one of their best I think! It's got a big romantic epic sweeping vibe to it, and how can you argue with a chorus that pleads "I want to roll around like a kid in the snow..."

But in last year's edition, "Don't Shoot Me, Santa" we saw Brandon and the boys held hostage by a renegade Santa in the desert. It was way cute and featured Brandon in a great Xmas sweater, and looking even better when he's tied up! You can have a look at that one after the jump!

Jill Sobule's "Merry Christmas from the Family"

If you're heading anywhere to visit family this holiday season, there might be apprehension. You have to see those cousins you have nothing in common with, and make small talk with your parents' next-door neighbor's brother-in-law who might think it's weird that you're not married with seven children. Well no worries. Jill Sobule feels your pain.

The brilliant lesbian singer/songwriter tackles just this sort of thing in her fabulous tune "Merry Christmas from the Family." Enjoy! And don't have too much egg nog. You really don't know what your aunt's 3rd husband dumped in there anyway...

And if you're feeling it, have a listen to Jill's fab seasonal tune "Jesus Was a Dreidel Spinner." As Jill herself puts it: It's "quite possibly the only punk Hanukkah song ever written. Or the only one you can dance the Hora to anyway."

Best Christmas Moments from The Daily Show

Happy December 23rd! As of today, posts will be a bit more scarce here on NewNowNext, as we've all pretty much decamped for the holidays. Between now and the New Year, we'll keep you distracted with some fun seasonal clips, but check back with us for more full-on daily action after January 5, 2009. Which isn't really that far away, now is it?

And to start, here's The Daily Show's killer recap of some of their best holiday reporting from recent years. Merry, indeed!

Daily Buzz Bits: Sam's Hospital Visit, Pattinson's New Do & Thomas Jane = Hung

Samantha Ronson feels stressed. Checks in to the hospital. Eats soup. Checks out. And how was your weekend? - NY Mag

Twilight hottie Robert Pattinson has chopped off his glorious locks! Why, God why? - People

TMZ says that Matthew McConaughey jogs without underwear. I’m not convinced. - TMZ

MTV asked music stars like David Archuleta, Vampire Weekend and Cobra Starship’s Gabe which tunes they dug this year. And they answered! – MTV

AfterEllen smartly asked cool lesbian rockers and celebs what were their favorite tunes of 08, and they answered. Yay for dialogues! – AfterEllen

Sometimes we might forget how gay sports fans can be. Thanks to Andy and Deadspin for reminding us! (Congrats Brady Quinn! Tom Brady must be miffed!) – Towleroad & Deadspin

And one more reason why HBO rules: They’ve greenlit the series Hung, about a guy who uses his large thang to get ahead. Starring Thomas Jane. Schwing! – Dlisted

Lily Allen Covers Britney Spears' "Womanizer"

This is rollicking good fun! Lily Allen, on the rounds of talking up her big album coming in 2009 -- to be called It's Not Me, It's You-- served up a treat for her pal Mark Ronson, by letting him play a fun new tune on his East Village Radio show. And voila -- you've got Lily Allen covering Britney's "Womanizer."

Stereogum has the mp3, and it's a piano-laced romp! I approve!

Lily's even blogged about why she did it -- and the trouble Ronson's gotten her into!

...now some of you may be wondering why i covered "womanizer", simple really , i love britney and i love the song. it wasn't my intention for it to have whizzed round the world like it has, mark ronson asked me for something no one had heard to play on his radio show and womanizer was the only song i had as an attachment on my blackberry and i couldn't get home to send him anything else in time. i had asked him to talk all over it so it wouldn't get ripped, but he didn't , thanks mark for getting me in serious trouble with my record company.

Ha! Thanks indeed, Mark!

Ellen Page to Star in Lesbian Drama

-- Dorothy Snarker from AfterEllen.com

On screen, Ellen Page has played a pregnant teen, an X-Man and a dark metaphorical cousin to Chris Hansen. And now she will play one of us. The 21-year-old actress has been attached to the feature film adaptation of Freeheld, the true story of a terminally-ill lesbian's struggle to pass her pension benefits to her partner.

Good As You reported on Friday that Cynthia Wade, the director of the Oscar-winning short documentary, was turning her film into a full-length feature with Ellen attached. Freeheld is based on the story of Laurel Hester, who became terminally ill and could not secure any rights for her partner, Stacie Andree upon her death.

Laurel Hester (left) and partner Stacie Andree

Laurel, a 25-year veteran of the police force, and Stacie were registered domestic partners. But because they were not and could not be legally married her county freeholders (like a county supervisor, but in Jersey) denied Laurel's request. So she fought them, while dying, for her rights. On Jan. 25, 2006, after extensive public outcry and Laurel's own hospital-bed appeals, the freeholders reversed their decision and granted Stacie full benefits. Laurel died 25 days later.

Happy Hanukkah from Jon Stewart!

It's Hanukkah time! Or is it Hanukkah vs. Christmas time? Here's a lovely roundup of some of the best Daily Show moments honoring the Jewish holiday through the years.

Shalom!

Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson Video - "Winter Song"

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Welcome to the big holiday week! This adorable video from indie-pop singer/songwriters Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson will help you ease into it beautifully. The tune is "Winter Song" -- it's from the pretty excellent Hotel Cafe presents Winter Songs release out now.

The album has folks like KT Tunstall doing "Sleigh Ride," Nicole Atkins singing "Blue Christmas," Fiona Apple doing "Frosty the Snowman" and other delightful females presenting new and old takes on seasonal songs.

This may just be the sweetest video you see all season. Animated, rosy-cheeked yet sad, wintery and also a valentine to friendship, love and survival. Stay warm out there!

Rachel, Aisha & Alyson in the Running to be Crowned Sexiest Geek

-- Trish Bendix from AfterEllen.com

Geeks are hot.

Isn't the word "geek" itself kind of like "dyke"? It used to be an insult, but now we've reclaimed it to say, "Yeah, that's right — I'm smart/gay, and it's totally awesome." Being a geek puts you in good company with intelligent people who wear glasses and have opinions and starred as Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

That's right — Alyson Hannigan: geek. A well-liked one, apparently, because she's up for Wired magazine's award of Sexiest Geek of 2008. But she's got some stiff competiton: Tina Fey, Zooey Deschanel, Danica McKellar, Jeri Ryan, Aisha Tyler, Mila Kunis and Rachel Maddow are also up for the title.

Ari Gold Interviews Brandy: It's His New "Naked City" Vlog!

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

You guys know Ari Gold, right? The self-described "homofessional gaylebrity" has been making music and bopping around the downtown NYC scene -- and all over the planet basically -- for years now. And he's kicking off a new online interview series, right here, right now. Welcome to Ari Gold's Naked City.

Ari will be interviewing all kinds of musicians, celebs, gay folks and then some, and for his first installment he does no less than sit down to chat up R&B/pop superstar Brandy! The artist formerly known on TV as Moesha is back with her first album in four years, "Human," so she and Ari sat down to talk about it.

Fun facts: Ari and Brandy share the same birthday (Feb. 11). Ari's new single is "Human" (riffing on the Human League classic) and Brandy's new album is called Human. Crazy eh?

Watch Ari and Brandy talk it out above, and after the jump catch their latest videos -- and a classic. Cheers!

New "Best Supporting Vlog" - Just in Time for Movie Awards Season!

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Hey movie nuts and Oscar fans! It's new vlog time! As you’ve surely noticed, it’s the time of year when Hollywood releases their uber-important films, and as critics’ best-of lists issue forth daily,  you’re likely trying to figure out when the hell you can see everything.

Liz Dahmen and John Polly feel your pain, and their brand new Best Supporting Vlog is all about the Oscar buzz, which heavy-duty movies are coming out, what’s gonna win, and who’s getting shafted. Plus: freaky Oscar party ideas, trailer reviews (in case you can’t see the whole damn movie) and loopy insight on how this all might matter to gay folks.

This week the pair talk Oscar history, Rumer Willis, Revolutionary Road, Hugh Jackman vs. a lesbian Oscar host and those baffling Golden Globes. Plus, ice cream and Harvey Milk balls!

And since we discuss it, here's the trailer for Revolutionary Road.

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Best Gay Year Ever? It's Time for the AfterElton & AfterEllen 2008 Visibility Awards!

It was the best of times (Obama wins! Rachel Maddow! Ellen! Matthew Mitcham! Torchwood!), it was the worst of times (Prop 8, Grey's axes its lesbians, Katy Perry). And all year big gay entertainment sites AfterElton and AfterEllen have been keeping close tabs.

Now they're announcing the winners (and losers) of their 2008 Visibility Awards! And you voted! Check each of them and see how your faves like Brothers & Sisters, Project Runway, The L Word, Kathy Griffin, Ugly Betty, Uh Huh Her, 3-Way, Brad Pitt and the rest all fared.

Woo-hoo! Thanks 2008!

Daily Buzz Bits: Neil Patrick Harris Takes Over, Seann's Strapping & Jonny's Just Naughty

Neil Patrick Harris does TV Guide's "Best of 2008" cover. - Just Jared

Speaking of NPH, he and his HIMYM castmates re-enact the year’s biggest moments. Cute! – EW.com

Cynthia Nixon is gonna float into the New Year. - AfterEllen

Seann William Scott looks good in a jock strap. And a cheesy ’stache. What? You’re surprised? – Towleroad

What’s a Golden Globe anyway? Milk scores a fridge-load of Screen Actors Guild award nominations! And a bunch of Critics Choice Awards, too. Three cheers for lactose! – AfterElton

What would we do without her? Check out Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s “25 Most Annoying Moments of 2008!” – Jezebel

Jonny McGovern’s jonesing for a “Dirty Gay Christmas.” He’s got “six queens ki-ki-ing and five gold c*ck rings...” and so forth. God bless us everyone! – Queerty

Holiday Help: 2 Ways to Give Back

Helping stuff gay stockings: (clockwise from left) Debbie Harry, "Simply Barbra" and Lady Bunny -- with Vanessa Williams!

Christmas is a week away; Hannukah's even closer! If the seasonal spirit of giving charitably hasn't hit you yet, we understand (we're all feeling poor right now). But if you do want to share the love and donate during the holidays, here are some ideas how to help!

Today's Huffington Post has a piece by Ryan J. Davis illustrating the urgent situation faced by homeless LGBT youth in New York City. Right now, the Ali Forney Center, the city's leading organization that houses and serves these kids is in a bind, financially. If you can chip in with a donation, you can help make sure that a gay kid who's been kicked to the curb by his or her family gets a second chance at life.

If you need a little theatrical urging, Barbra Streisand might influence you. Actually, the supreme Babs impersonator Steven Brinberg is doing his "Simply Barbra" show this Saturday in NYC as a fundraiser for the Ali Forney Center, fyi...

Plus, a hot GMHC/Deborah Harry/Lady Bunny/Xmas party fundraiser after the jump!

Grace Jones at 60: The Ultimate Hot Chocolate

-- the linster from AfterEllen.com

Last month, AfterEllen.com’s Trish Bendix gave us the very good news that the new Grace Jones album was on its way. On this side of the world, the wait will be a bit longer than we’d like; the U.S. release date for Hurricane now is “sometime in 2009.”

Hurricane is Jones’ first album in 19 years and early reviews from its positive. Based on sound samples posted on The Independent site, I have to agree with the BBC: “Her Royal Graceness is back.”

Meiko Video - "Boys with Girlfriends"

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

L.A.'s Meiko is snagging some lovely attention with this nice tune, "Boys with Girlfriends." But is it weird that I feel bad for the big bear-girlfriend in this video? After all, the guy is kind of being mean to her! The dude should man up and call it quits and stop torturing his hairy beloved. Don't ya think?

I also think this tune would be cute sung from the prospective of a gay boy. Then all parties involved would have some real stuff to figure out.

If you're lucky enough to be in Honolulu, Meiko's playing a show there tomorrow night. And next Tuesday (12/23) she's doing a gig in her home state of Georgia (in Macon).

I'm also just really liking Meiko's classic throaty/dry indie girl voice. And lucky M also had a tune on the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy this past season. That means, expect more to come!

"Ugly Betty" returns with Zac Posen, Bernadette Peters and Nikki Blonsky

Zac, posin'...

-- Brian Juergens from AfterElton.com

Looks like local favorite Ugly Betty is hitting the ground running for its first episode of 2009 when it welcomes out designer Zac Posen and gay-faves Bernadette Peters and Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky as guests.

The January 8th episode picks up with Betty and Marc (Michael Urie) starting the Y.E.T.I. program (how excited am I that Marc has been pulled into this plotline?) and coming head-to-head with Betty's idol, editor Jodi Papadakis (Peters), and an annoying assistant at ELLE (Blonsky).

More pics after the break!

RuPaul's Drag Race Preview: It's About Charm, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

On the high heels of the "RuPaul Does the Obamas" holiday card that popped up all over the place yesterday (Who knew Kanye West was a big RuPaul fan?), comes a super sneak peek at some of the wigged-out antics which go down in the first episode of the forthcoming drag-queen reality show, RuPaul's Drag Race.

In the clip above, glimpse Ru working his male "Tim Gunn" role as advisor to the queens-to-be. I love how the gals grimace with disgust to learn they have to make do with dime-store drag gear. One draglet moans that she can't use her $25,000 worth of Versace and diamonds! Lady, please!

Best of all: Ru tells the chickens that they're gonna be judged on the basis of their "Charm, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent." Wurd.

The show premieres on February 2nd, so you'll have to make do with little tidbits like this 'til then. After the jump look at hot sneak peek at the entire season.

Bless.

Mamma Mia! Is the Biggest UK Film Ever. Want Some Deleted Scenes?

Dominic Cooper in "Mamma Mia!" The more skin the better...

It does seem kind of insane that Mamma Mia!, the loopy Meryl Streep-does-ABBA musical, has become the highest-grossing film ever in the U.K. But the Brits love their ABBA and their cheesey schmaltz. And frankly, I'm just a little embarrassed that I've not seen the film.

I know gays who love it. My mom loved it. My teen nephews loved it. (Really!) So I need to catch up. Luckily it's out now on DVD with special sing-along tracks included.

And the film's publicist sent along this special clip which was deleted (or part of it, at least) from the film. Since it features a boatload of strapping shirtless guys emerging from the ocean, he thought I might like it. Hmmm... It's a bit wonky. But I do like Dominic Cooper's eagerness to "get drunk and drop his trousers!" That I can fully get behind.

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

After the jump, more of Dominic's goods...

Daily Buzz Bits: Out Cover Flashback, Lost & True Blood Sneaks, The Year in Gay TV

Want a look back at the year in gay TV? Lucky for you AfterElton is on it. – AfterElton

Out Magazine has assembled on online album of their covers since 1992. Yikes, gay old memories! – Out

Because you can never get too much of Candis Cayne... - Pink Is the New Blog

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have jumped on the Xmas song sleigh ride. They’ve got their own take on “All I Want for Christmas.” And no it’s not the Mariah tune. - MySpace

Gahhhh! A sneak peek at the new season of Lost. Ben and Jack are shacked up in a hotel. And Locke’s still in the orchid station? Plus, Sawyer! And Juliette! And general confusion. - NY Mag

All this and True Blood season 2 dish, too??? Fang-bang me, already! - EW.com

Finally, the Kardashians' modest Bev Hills manse is on the market. For $3.4 million. Can you keep up? – L.A. Times

Rachel Maddow Makes Her Mark in Vogue

-- jamie murnane from AfterEllen.com

Rachel Maddow is "making her mark on cable news by keeping her cool when everyone else is losing theirs," says the January issue of Vogue. Yes, Vogue — the fashion magazine.

Of course, we weren't surprised when our Rachel (we can say that, right? It's not creepy, it's prideful, I swear) made it in the OUT 100 or on the cover of The Advocate; that's to be expected, given Maddow's rise to news superstardom this year. And now she's making her way into mainstream style magazines.

The Vogue feature on Maddow, Katie Couric and Campbell Brown, called "Shaping the News," was posted online today and features a fantastic photo of Maddow sporting — not the typical ridiculous Vogue-esque get-up some might have imagined — but her usual quirky glasses, snazzy suit and Converse sneakers. That's it above!

RuPaul's Dreaming of a White House Christmas!

RuPaul must feel that Christmas came early this year, namely on November 4th (I might agree)! The Supermodel of the World's new holiday card is a fierce homage to the next Commander-in-Chief and First Lady Michelle. Wurk it out, Ru!

The hot photo above is part of a bigger holiday card that Ru whipped up to celebrate the spirit of "change" rocking the season. And isn't about time somebody put a little bit of the "ho" back in "hope"??? Talk about audacity! I expect to see this on sale on TV as a commemorative plate by nightfall.

I think Ru may just be jockeying for a Cabinet appointment (are there any left?). Maybe she can head up the Department of Homeland Realness. Or Secretary of Ki-Ki, perhaps. She can be sworn in on the Christopher Street piers, and then we'll have an Inaugural "Ball" in the real sense of the term. Are you feeling the House of Obama??!

But I digress... You can see the full card below, which is also a sassy plug for Ru's new reality show, RuPaul's Drag Race, coming in February.

And get a little old-school Ru holiday flavor after the jump! Santa: Consider yourself warned.

Not Bad, Just Drawn That Way: Top 10 Film Femme Fatales

Eva Mendes, Jaime King and Scarlett Johansson vamp it up in The Spirit

-- Snicks from AfterElton.com

The highly stylized film adaption of the comic book The Spirit is coming out soon (Christmas Day, to be exact), and in addition to the hotness of Gabriel Macht as the title hero, we also get three sexy, badass dames to enjoy.

Scarlett Johansson plays Silken Floss (love that name!), accomplice to The Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson); Eva Mendes is Sand Saref, whose cold heart may be melted by former flame The Spirit; and Jaime King is Lorelei Rox, who lures men to their deaths with her siren song.

Why do tough, dangerous broads prove so irresistible to so many gay men? While we ponder that question, let's take a look at some of our other favorite film femme fatales!

(Pssst! Logo's got a sweepstakes running for The Spirit where you can win over 200 killer movies on DVD. Have a look if you're feeling lucky!)

Our top ten, after the break...

Daily Buzz Bits: Daniel Radcliffe's Gay Horse Dance, Star Trek Update, Naked Aussie Ruggers

God, I love Australia. Presenting the Gods of Football 2009 Calendar. Sexy. Ridiculous. Necessary. – AfterElton

Daniel Radcliffe sings and dances gaily about “The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Neigh.” Awwww... – Towleroad

Brody Jenner and his Bromance men did sort of gay it up in a hot tub. And he’s cool with that. – E! Online

And I don’t think I can link there directly (we're a family site), but go over to Defamer and scroll down if you’re a fan of Scott Caan. – Defamer

J.J. Abrams is talking to MTV about the Star Trek movie. Woo-hoo! - MTV.com

David Archuleta looks like he’s nine years old in his new video “A Little Too Not Over You.” – Just Jared

A nice gay NYC couple got married at their country house in Connecticut. They met in the Hamptons, have a super cute dog, a great home or two, and matching sweaters. Watch the video. And don’t hate them. You'll meet the right guy someday. Of course you will... – NY Times

Jingle Belles: Very Merry Lesbian Holiday Tunes

-- Trish Bendix from AfterEllen.com

Every year, I hear the same Christmas songs blaring in my ears while doing my shopping. At least at home I can choose my own brand of holiday music, and I don't care if they're redone or completely new contemporary wintertime tunes — I just like them different from the same songs I hear every single year. ("Jingle Bell Rock," get out of my life.)

Several artists record songs for the season, so I'm going to focus on those of the Sapphic variety. No, they aren't lesbian Christmas songs per se (is Lesbian Christmas different from regular Christmas? Maybe it is and I just never knew about it. Must only be visible to the straight eye), but they are sung by out artists.

Here are some of my favorites (for listening or for laughing at; your choice).

Various Artists — A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 2 (1992)

This charity holiday album featured several well-known singers doing renditions of traditional tracks as well as more newly penned songs, including Sinead O'Connor's cover of Bob Dylan's "I Believe in You." Not too Christmasy, but fitting enough.

Give Neil Patrick Harris His Golden Globe or the Clarinet Player Gets It

-- Brian Juergens from AfterElton.com

Okay okay, he's not actually going to shoot anyone. But as a part of his presenting gig at last night's Spike Video Game Awards the recently-nominated out actor tapped his inner Jack Bauer while handing out the award for Best Indie Game.

Not sure what the joke was around the gun (but I'm sure there was one); to be honest I was more distracted by the other metal on NPH's hand ... while boyfriend David Burtka wasn't on the red carpet with NPH, he was there in spirit.

The testosterone-targeted event was hosted by Jack Black and featured appearances by Kiefer Sutherland, Eliza Dushku, Jerry Stiller, Megan Fox, Weezer, 50 Cent and more. Oh, and gay metal god Rob Halford of Judas Priest was also on the red carpet; check him (and more NPH pics) doing what he does best, after the jump!

Plushgun Video - "Just Impolite"

Brooklyn's Dan Ingala is the man behind Plushgun. And Brittany Snow (yep, as in "Hairspray" and "Prom Night") is the one in the black wig wielding a crobar in this lovely video for Plushgun's "Just Impolite." She's a woman scorned, but not for the reason you might think. Queer video plot twist alert!

I do think Brittany should have been wearing safety goggles when she was punishing that nice car, though.

Plushgun's full-on album, Pins & Panzers, comes out on February 17th. For now enjoy this clip, which follows our attractive cast around London and Paris.

Band-leader Dan isn't gay (I asked his publicist. I was curious.) but he's a big supporter of queer causes. And he lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which means he's surrounded by skinny-jeans gayness 24/7. And there's a pic of him after the jump. Expect more from him here soon!

Daily Buzz Bits: Hugh Bags Oscar, Tom Ford Flips, Next's Men of '09

Tom Ford has some advice for gays: "Sleep with a woman for once, why don’t ya?" - Queerty

Javier Bardem sucks on a stogie in L’Uomo Vogue. This came yesterday, but I still love it! – Towleroad

Next Magazine is serving up its 2009 Calendar in this week’s issue. It features NYC bartenders in their undies. Cheers! – Next

Hugh Jackman to host the Oscars? Must he wear clothes??! – Gawker

Feeling chipper and full of holiday spirit? Not for long! Here’s a roundup of the saddest Xmas tunes—ever! “Please Daddy Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas” is only #9. Ouch! – EW.com

And as if you hadn’t heard, Liza’s on Broadway. And you really oughtta go. - AfterElton

Finally, let’s all have a moment of silence and serve up some leopard-print bikini-clad homage: Bettie Page has died. – AfterEllen

And finally, here's sort of a holiday song... It's Miss Piggy and Rudolph Nureyev - really! - getting frisky in a steam room. Ah-maz-ing!!!!!

Happy Weekend!

Mary-Louise Parker Guest Stars in "Cat on the Prowl" Vlog!

-- Trish Bendix from AfterEllen.com

This week, Cat is on the prowl in New York City with special guest Mary-Louise Parker. The ladies attend the Emery Awards, where Mary-Louise is honored by the Hetrick-Martin Institute for her support of the LGBTQ community. Tim Gunn hosts, out actor Cheyenne Jackson croons (and almost turns Cat straight) and the youth of Harvey Milk High School inspire.

Then Mary-Louise shows off her "wingwoman" skills when she and Cat cruise for chicks in the never-before-seen sketch that was the inspiration for Cat on the Prowl.

Editor's Note: This is pretty amazing. Don't miss the last 5 or so minutes, when you get to see MLP and Cat cruise WeHo looking for ladies. "There's a hot one in front of the taqueria!" MLP screams. It's like Sean Cody gone lesbian. "I'm Mary-Louise Parker. Get in the van!" Genius.

Cat on the Prowl: Episode 16

Lesbian video from AfterEllen.com

 

For more information on Cat, visit www.myspace.com/catdaviscomedy.

Tom Cruise = Musical Theater Queen?

First off, by using the term "queen" above I am in no way implying that Tom Cruise is queeny, gay, prissy, sexually fluid, a man-lover, or a fella who likes backrubs from men who advertise in the back of gay bar rags. Tom sues people for that kind of innuendo and who can afford that?

By "queen" I just mean he's a big Maria Von Trapp-loving fan of musical theater, and hey, if Hugh Jackman or Ed Westwick can work that angle, why not La Cruise?

Anyway, Mr. Cruise has told folks that he wants to make a big splashy movie musical. And maybe he'll costar with wife Katie. Here's what he said:

"I always wanted to do a musical, and I'm glad musicals are now back in vogue," says the self-proclaimed Sound of Music fan. "I gotta sing, I gotta dance and I'm going to figure all that out."

Okaaaayyyy... What do you think would be a good musical vehicle for Cruise?

One note: Don't stars of musicals have to be... You know... Likable?

"The Real World: Brooklyn" Trailer - Meet the Bi, Trans & Gay Cast Members

MTV Shows

From the looks of the new trailer for The Real World: Brooklyn (which is #21 in the series -- oy!), the producers seem to be going for a bit less drunky Girls Gone Wild in a hot tub vibe, and they seem to be playing up some emo-fueled self-identity crisis drama. With of course, lots of yelling, tears and self-important grand-standing thrown in! And a smashed coffee table.

In the clip, they set up the discussion of trans cast member Katelynn up front and center. Maybe it's good to present that right away, so people can respond and move on respectfully. And Katelynn is a martial arts whiz with a black belt. Maybe she can chop someone if they get out of line. She also does advocacy work in the LGBT community, says Newsday.

There's a bisexual sex educator, Sarah, with her "intense past" which includes "sexual abuse." While in NYC shooting, she managed to teach art therapy at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center.

There's apparently an Iraq War vet (Ryan) on board, too. Sounds like a loaded bunch. I'm guessing they had therapists on the set?

And yes, there's a gay! It's JD, who's a U of Miami grad who at 18 became one of the youngest dolphin trainers ever! Awwww. Of course, he's got a troubled family past too. (But then again, who doesn't?)

Pics of Sarah, JD and Katelynn after the jump! And the whole cast out partying!

Dara & Karman's Hit List: Attack of the Lesbian Stereotypes!

-- Karman Kregloe from AfterEllen.com

Sick and tired of all those nagging, pervasive lesbian stereotypes? Secretly wondering if any of them are true? Us too.

This week, Dara and I talk about the top 10 stereotypes about lesbians and deliberate on their validity. From handiness to angriness, we traverse the landscape of lesbian mythologies. Along the way, we take a break for a brief musical interlude.

Naturally, no list of lesbian stereotypes would be complete without mention of sports, The L Word, and U-Hauls. And, perhaps stereotypically, we process those things too.

What stereotypes annoy or amuse you most? Let us know!

Lesbian video from AfterEllen.com

Dara & Karman's Hit List is sponsored by Rock Band!

 

Watch previous episode of Dara & Karman's Hit List, and visit Dara and Karman on MySpace at MySpace.com/KarmanKregloe and MySpace.com/bad_machine.

Rufus Wainwright and the McGarrigles Bring Xmas to Carnegie Hall

Last night, as he’s done before, Rufus Wainwright brought his family—plus a slew of starry guests—to Carnegie Hall for what seems to be now a biennial holiday concert known as The McGarrigle Christmas Hour.

Sister Martha, Mom Kate McGarrigle and aunt Anna McGarrigle and her kids joined in. As did longtime Wainwright collaborator Teddy Thompson, and other pals like Justin Bond (of Kiki & Herb), Emmylou Harris, Laurie Anderson, Jimmy Fallon, Lou Reed (as a sort of Grinch/Scrooge character) and a few more.

Rufus has been busy week. He and mom Kate made Xmas cookies with Martha Stewart on Tuesday. Watch him screw up the cookie-making process, and tell Martha about his new opera (debuting in Manchester in July)! And check out the entire family in ski sweaters on Martha, too.

Also, Rufus recently talked to Rolling Stone about other new work and being stalked by Amy Winehouse.

Dish on last night’s show comes after the jump.

Golden Globe Noms Ain't Got Much "Milk"; Neil Patrick Harris Scores

-- Brian Juergens from AfterElton.com

This morning the nominations were announced for the Golden Globe Awards, and there were a host of nominations of gay interest. But disappointingly, Milk was all but shut out of the nominations, failing to earn nominations in any category except Best Actor.

Okay, that just sucks.

On the bright side, out actor Neil Patrick Harris earned a nomination for How I Met Your Mother, and several gay-inclusive television shows got nods, including Alan Ball's True Blood, The Office, Ugly Betty, Weeds, Mad Men, The Office, and Bernard & Doris. A list of the noms of interest, after the jump.

Worst Songs of 2008: T. Cole Rachel's Rant! Watch out Pink, Rihanna, and Katy Perry!

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Ha! Music scribe extraordinaire T. Cole Rachel (he contributes to V Magazine, Interview and The Fader) is big fan of all thing musical. Well, sort of. As he says in the clip above, he may be a bad gay but he simply has no patience for the pop junk from the likes of Pink, Rihanna ("sounds like a robot"), Britney and more... Ouch!

After the jump, Kim Stolz skewers another of 2008's big winners, Vampire Weekend. Humbuggery all around!!!

Ellen DeGeneres Makes Her Easy, Breezy Cover Girl Debut

-- Dorothy Snarker from AfterEllen.com

Ellen DeGeneres has had, by all accounts, a banner year. She beat Oprah. She won even more Emmys. She got married. And now, just in time for the holidays, come the first shots of her new CoverGirl campaign.

Say what you will about the cosmetics industry and its practices (and I have and do, often), but I think it’s a coup for a very out, somewhat butch lesbian to be the new face of CoverGirl. I think lipstick and Chapstick lesbians alike win when the beauty norms bend enough to embrace one of our own.

Daily Buzz Bits: Brit's Tour Togs, Ricky Martin's Babies, Brad's Bad 'Stache

Gay/Trans designers The Blonds are suiting up Britney for her big tour! - Hollyscoop

Oh, Daddy! Ricky Martin debuts his surrogate-born twins! He doesn’t have a nanny... Who wants to volunteer? - People

Er, not the best Rolling Stone cover shot for Brad. The ’stache is creepy! - DListed

I don’t watch Battlestar Galactica. But the way gays love it I assumed the whole cast was queer already. But now it’s official! They have a gay! - AfterElton

The whole T.R. Knight “I want off the show” thing with Grey’s Anatomy is not going to end well. - NY Mag

Somebody at MTV whipped up a list of the best songs of 2008. Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” is #2. Wha? Check out where Kanye, Estelle, Katy & MGMT fall in there, too. - MTV.com

I could watch Candis Cayne dance and fling her hair around forever. - Queerty

And finally, Morrissey has new music coming in 2009. And that’s not his surrogate baby. Is it? - Brooklyn Vegan

Harvey Milk's Message: Remixed!

I came across the above well-made video (via Queerty), which sends out a pretty powerful message. It uses an audio excerpt (with some nice music mixed in) from a Harvey Milk speech to drive home the urgency that we have to elect gay people, and be visible as gay people to truly effect change and give young LGBT folks hope.

It's as relevant today (maybe moreso?) as it was 30 years ago... And it's good to remember here on International Human Rights Day.

Similar bits of this show up in the Milk film, which is riding a wave of year-end film critics awards. Mostly notably it just snagged the NY Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film. The same batch of movie mavens also named Sean Penn as Best Actor and Josh Brolin as Best Supporting Actor for Milk, too.

Given Harvey Milk's impactful message it's no wonder...

Ellen Takes Britney Christmas Caroling! Fa-la-la-la-lesbian!

-- Karman Kregloe from AfterEllen.com

On the Tuesday, Dec. 16 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Britney Spears drops by, wearing a few extra layers of clothing, to go caroling with Ellen.

In search of some good old-fashioned fun, Britney and Ellen reportedly don their gay apparel and take their show door-to-door.

No word yet on what timeless tunes they'll be serenading, but I know my favorite holiday songs are those given a modern spin. I'm thinking that maybe "Frosty the Womanizer," "Walking in a Toxic Wonderland," or maybe "I'm a Slave 4 The Little Drummer Boy," would be some good ones.

What request would you make if they came knocking at your door?

Carrie Fisher Is Hilarious Discussing Her Gay Husband, Eating Acid

Carrie Fisher is priceless. She's always been outspoken, but she's taking it to new levels these days as she's promoting her new memoir, Wishful Drinking.

This morning she hit the Today Show and make quite the splash. She's by turns absolutely loopy and slightly deranged, while also being completely on point and sharp. Watch! And Matt Lauer basically pants and wags his tail, he's so happy.

Watch her riff on her gay husband, Mom Debbie Reynolds, being too fat to play Princess Leia, eating acid, drug advice from Cary Grant and other cuckoo-ness. The Today Show producers were in fact so thrilled with the bonkers-ness Carrie brought, they kept her around and had Al Roker chat her up later in the show.

Maybe she can join up with Kathie Lee and Hoda and they can start a daily mini-View of their own! I'd watch that forever.

Gossip Boy Ed Westwick Loves Show Tunes, Old Gays

Gossip Girl baddie Chuck Bass, aka actor Ed Westwick hung out last night in NYC's West Village at the lovely basement bar, Marie's Crisis on Grove Street, deep in the heart of the super-gay Christopher Street hood. Why? Here are some multiple choice options:

A.  He loves show tunes. Marie's Crisis, where Ed and his Gossip Girl bud Jessica Szohr were hanging, is known as the most legendary haunt for musical theater queens. Every night gays cram down the stairs to the below-street-level joint to sing-along as a piano player plonks out songs from Little Shop of Horrors, Les Mis and Cabaret.

B.  He loves the gays. Yep, while Marie's welcomes anybody, 95% of the clientele are gents who still get a sparkle in their eye recalling their high school production of Pippin.

C.  He loves history. Marie's Crisis is ancient. In fact, Thomas Paine (remember him from American Lit in 11th grade?) wrote one of his big scribes here. Either Common Sense or The Rights of Man or one of those. And he died in the building. Also, Bette Midler's first apartment in NYC was upstairs, too. The building just oozes austerity.

D.  He loves a drink. Yep, the hooch at Marie's is a bargain. With generous vodka-crans doled out for $4, betcha can't drink just one.

E.  All of the above.

Get the answer after the jump!

Bisexual "90210" Character Gets a Girlfriend

-- StuntDouble from AfterEllen.com

When Lauren London guest-starred as cheerleader Christina Worthy on 90210 this season, she gave a drive-by shout out to her bisexuality. Today, it was reported that London will be back when the season returns — and this time she's got a girlfriend.

The skeptical part of you is probably yawning and saying, "Oh, wow, and just in time for sweeps, too." Or maybe, "Still being billed as a guest-star, I see. I guess that's so she can disappear into thin air when the Very Special Episodes are over." Or even more likely, "Wow, has this show not been canceled yet?"

I understand the reluctance to jump up and down, especially after the lesbian community has been burned so badly by network TV this year, but a teenage bisexual woman of color isn't exactly something you see every day on television, so I say it's probably a good thing.

Andy Samberg's SNL "J*zz" Video

Who knew you could say "jizz" on TV? On NBC even?

Andy Samberg's latest outing (pun intended) picks up where "Dick in a Box" left off. Well... Actually, Samberg's goods don't even make out of his pants this time, and that's the problem. The lad is so excitable that he just can't control himself! Awwww...

With "Jizz in My Pants," Samberg and pal Jorma Taccone pretty much nail the precocious indie-electro-synth thing. It all reads very Dangerous Muse to me. Or I can see Jonny McGovern and Adam Joseph serving up their take on this one. But with a lot of skanky boys in briefs prancing around.

Turns out that Samberg and Taccone are making this the first single from their album due in in February, "Incredibad." Can you imagine what a merch table at their show might offer? Pre-used H&M briefs? Handi-wipes?

And did you spot JT's cute cameo amid the "Jizz?"

New Music Tuesday: Brandy, Cat Power & 2 More Women We Love

-- Trish Bendix from AfterEllen.com

While most people are putting together their best-of-2008 album lists, others are still working hard to release an end-of-the year album. Here are a few this week that would make great stocking stuffers.

Brandy — Human (Epic Records)

After a four-year hiatus, the R&B singer (reclining above) returns with a new record label and several producers creating upbeat tracks to aid her lyrics. Brandy seems to have been able to channel her controversial personal life into fodder for her album, and it's better off for it.

Hetrick-Martin's STARS Awards Ball Wurks It Out!

Ready for the STARS Ball? Justin was... And down on the floor, even the Hetrick-Martin staff were striking poses.

Were you out in high school? Did you have a posse of fabulous and devoted gay friends to call your own? How about your own ball-rocking "house" to back you up? If not, then you might learn a thing or two from the brave and brilliant kids who are served by the good folks at NYC's Hetrick-Martin Institute which provides services for at-risk (and just plain fierce) LGBT youth. Hetrick-Martin also runs the Harvey Milk High School, which was pretty much the first LGBT high school to provide a safe haven where endangered kids can get an education in peace.

All that said, the Hetrick-Martin kids now how to throw down and have a ball. Last Thursday was their annual STARS Ball, where the kids bring forth their "houses" for a voguing and walking competition that would make the LaBeijas and Extravaganzas of Paris Is Burning very, very proud. The houses competing included those of McQueen, Mujer, Mini, Mafia and the Pink Ladies.

We got to attend and snap some photos, and the evening was inspiring. The theme was "Disturbia" and the children infused the night's events with a vocal and thematic message about safe-sex and HIV Awareness. Most impressive was the confidence and fun that they all brought to the occasion. Gay, trans, lesbian -- all was represented and honored.

You get the idea... Just check out the pics and gag at the fabulosity, already. More details after the jump!

Tomorrow Is "Day Without a Gay" - Will It Look Like This?

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Tomorrow, December 10th is national Gay Strike Day. Or "Day Without a Gay!" Or "Call in Gay!" day. Whatever you want to call it, activists are asking LGBT folks all over the U.S. to not go to work as a way to demonstrate just how great of an impact LGBT Americans have on our daily life. When our absence becomes political, it makes a statement. That's one theory, anyway.

Ideally, if you're planning on calling in "gay," you'll spend the day being productive and donate your time to queer-positive community service. But how would your absence at work affect your co-workers? Have a look at the little video we cooked up above for one scenario...

If you can't skip a day at the office for the gay cause, Day Without a Gay has other ways you can participate and help. And here's a report from the news folks at 365Gay about the whole shebang.

And maybe you should take your staples with you!

NewNowNext 2008 Year in Review: Kim Stolz's Top 5 Bands for 2009

So, 2008 is ending which means it's time to look back at all the best-of stuff from this past year. You know, best of movies, celebs, music, news stories, Britney moments -- the important stuff.

MTV News reporter (and Top Model alum) Kim Stolz was nice enough to chime in and offer her take on some of 2008's music finds. And she's picked the newest lil' bands that made a dent in 08, and who are poised to twist your panties full-on in '09. Have a look! How many of these artists do you love already?

Watch a clip from one of Logo's big faves (and Kim's too) after the jump! Here's a hint: "Are you really going to eat that pepperoni pizza? It's sooo greasy..."

Solange, Wilson Cruz & Katy Perry Bust Out At Cherry Pop

Perez Hilton, Katy Perry, party producer Tom Whitman and Stephen Theiss get fruity at Cherry Pop! Bring on Solange!

Throw a party in West Hollywood and you never know who's gonna show up... Like last Saturday night, there was a big Levi's Unbuttoned Live mega-event (also brought to you by Downelink & Logo) at Cherry Pop, the weekly gay dance bash that Tom Whitman throws at Ultra Suede. On the bill to perform at the shindig was the faboo Solange Knowles. Sweet, right?

Well, in addition to a tasty show from Sol-Angel, homo party folks also got served up a heaping helping of crazy Katy Perry, who pounced up on the bar (or was that the stage? who can remember?) to smurf her way through her megahits "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold." Seems that Ms. P was brought to the the gayness by media mary Perez Hilton himself.

Lovely Wilson Cruz (who hosted the gig live, and online to 25,000 virtual party folks via TopFloorLive) and a bunch of the cast from Noah's Arc was in the house too. From the look of the festive photos after the jump, a good time wuz had by all. Especially tipsy Katy.

Watch host Wilson Cruz's chat with sassy Solange right here... And after the jump, more dish on Katy Perry and the rest of all the fierce festivities.

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com