Saturday, July 16, 2016
July 16th is World Snake Day
The 16th of July is celebrated as World Snake Day. Though a relatively obscure holiday with unclear origins, it is celebrated by wildlife enthusiasts the world over with great passion. Tributes sometimes even make the national news. Given human society's age-old fascination with these beautiful but misunderstood creatures, a day to celebrate them seems only fair.
This holiday is celebrated both virtually and physically, bringing together snake-lovers to rejoice in their common wonder at the marvels of nature's creation. In 1967 a Snake Farm was started in Texas, which was subsequently brought into popular culture in the 1970's through a song by the famous rock band the Ramones. Since then, its tourist appeal has only grown, and it has become an irresistible stop for many travelers on road-trips in the area. July 16th is, naturally, the busiest day of their year, and brings World Snake Day to the attention of many who would otherwise remain ignorant of it. Small NGOs capitalize on the day to conduct awareness programs about snakes for the general public.
An important contribution of World Snake Day is to the cause of conservation of a sometimes dangerous but mostly misrepresented reptile. Snakes live on every continent except Antarctica, and can vary from 32 feet long pythons to tiny vine snakes. Only about one-fourth of all snakes are venomous, and all of them would much rather avoid human contact if they could. Maximum snake bite incidents occur when humans inadvertently step on or otherwise disturb the peaceful creatures. India, with all its stereotypes of snake-charmers, is home to only four venomous snake species, but many destructive superstitions and myths. World Snake Day, conservationists hope, can help remove people's fears and illusions about snakes, and help them gain recognition as a marvelous adaptable apex species.
The sinuous muscles and sharp fangs of snakes have captured the imagination of human societies for centuries, with the earliest known carved representation nearly 12,000 years ago in Turkey. They have played a major role in religion and mythology, from the Bible to the Mahabharata to ancient Egyptian texts. Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodents and pests, and greater awareness can help raise support to understand these elusive creatures further. Common species are sometimes kept as pets, but in a rush for exotic species much damage can be done. For example, the species could become endangered, or be introduced to a new area by mistake, upsetting the ecological balance. The initial reaction on finding a snake for most lay-people remains fear and the desire to kill it. World Snake Day can be used as a tool to educate and inform people about how to deal with snakes, whom to call, resources available to them etc.
Why Sony Made “Ghostbusters” Be Coy About The Sexuality of Kate McKinnon’s Character
Director Paul Feig ain't afraid of no ghosts. Lesbians, however, are another matter.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Kate McKinnon is a big ol’ lesbian. This is not a spoiler for anyone who’s read an interview with her or watched her on Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show.
But is her specter-slamming character in the new Ghostbusters reboot gay as well? That’s a little harder to pin down.
Director Paul Feig has tried to avoid answering the question while promoting the film.
Asked point blank by the Daily Beast’s Jen Yamato, the Bridesmaids director replied “What do you think?”
Yamato replied that, yes, she thought McKinnon’s character, Jillian Holtzmann, was a lesbian. To which Feig gave a “silent nod” in response.
“I hate to be coy about it,” he explained. “But when you’re dealing with the studios and that kind of thing…”
We get that Sony, the studio releasing Ghostbusters, is trying to make it appealing to families—heck, maybe even launch a new franchise.
But the character, to quote Vulture’s Kyle Buchanan, is turned on by “nearly everything… including dangerous weaponry and her fellow Ghostbusters.”
So sexual humor and double entendres are fine in a PG movie, but a gay character isn’t?
When the first trailers for Ghostbusters hit the web, they got zapped worse than a poltergeist in the Empire State Building, but critics are giving the film a thumbs up. (It currently has a respectable 77% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.)
We applaud Sony for taking a gamble on a summer blockbuster with four female leads—two of whom are past 40—but don’t get scared now, guys.
Happy Birthday today July 16th
Happy 20th to musician Keaton Stromberg!
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
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| Emblem3 and below, Keaton's ice bucket challenge. |
John F Kennedy Jr. nude oil painting by Chris Mann.
From: MannArt
John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. (November 25, 1960 – July 16, 1999), often referred to as JFK Jr. or John John, was an American lawyer, journalist, and magazine publisher. He was the only surviving son of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and younger brother of Caroline Kennedy. His father was assassinated three days before his third birthday.
From his early childhood onward, Kennedy was the subject of great media scrutiny, and he became a popular social figure of Manhattan. Trained as a lawyer, he worked as a New York City Assistant District Attorney for four years. In 1995, he launched George magazine, using his political and celebrity clout to publicize it.
Kennedy died in the crash of a small plane he was piloting, along with his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her elder sister Lauren, on their way to a family wedding on Martha's Vineyard.
Billboard Of Trump Kissing Ted Cruz Goes Up Right Near GOP Convention
Republicans are in for a big surprise.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
A progressive non-profit is calling out the GOP’s anti-LGBT agenda with a huge billboard depicting Donald Trump kissing Ted Cruz.
Sponsoring by Planting Peace, the billboard depicts the conservative politicians smooching next to the phrase “Love Trumps Hate. End Homophobia.” It’s been erected not five minutes from Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena, where the GOP will be gathering next week for the Republican National Convention.
Aaron Jackson, President of Planting Peace, believes its the perfect response to the pointed hate the GOP sends to marginalized groups.
“What Donald, Ted and the Republican party either fail to realize, or realize and just don’t seem to care about, is that their words and actions toward our LGBT family―especially LGBT children―have meaning and impact,” Jackson told The Huffington Post.
“LGBT children hear these messages telling them they are nothing but second class citizens and are left feeling broken or ‘less than.’”
A draft of the 2016 GOP platform was released this week, and many are calling it the most homophobic and transphobic in the party’s history. In addition to opposing marriage equality, the platform supports anti-trans bathroom measures and conversion therapy.
“Planting Peace calls for the immediate change in the Republican party platform with regard to our LGBT family and LGBT rights,” Jackson continued. He added that “never again” will “hateful messages be uttered in the name of religious freedom.”
In the past, Planting Peace has spread their message of acceptance through billboards opposing anti-gay legislation in Mississippi and North Carolina and the pair of houses across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church, which promote LGBT and Trans equality.
The Republican National Convention is scheduled to run from July 18 to 21.
Alex Pettyfer Shows Off His New “Fighting Fit” Abs
The "Magic Mike" star has a "secret" new role he's training for.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Magic Mike babe Alex Pettyfer picked up more than a few new fans on Instagram this weekend, where he lifted up his shirt to show a fresh set of newly-defined abs.
The 26-year-old actor shared the humblebrag post below after “getting fit” for a secret new film.
He wrote: “I know I know I’m being an idiot, but 6 weeks ago I was eating #inandout and drinking #soda, now getting fighting fit for new movie 😝 #itsasecret #soontoberevealed”
If only we could have a hot set of abs and fries served animal style!
Check out more of Pettyfer’s “fighting fit” body below:
A Message on the GOP Platform from Log Cabin Republicans President Gregory T. Angelo
Date: July 12, 2016
Dear Friend,
There’s no way to sugar-coat this: I’m mad as hell — and I know you are, too.
Moments ago, the Republican Party passed the most anti-LGBT Platform in the Party’s 162-year history.
Opposition to marriage equality, nonsense about bathrooms, an endorsement of the debunked psychological practice of “pray the gay away” — it’s all in there.
This isn’t my GOP, and I know it’s not yours either. Heck, it’s not even Donald Trump’s! When given a chance to follow the lead of our presumptive presidential nominee and reach out to the LGBT community in the wake of the awful terrorist massacre in Orlando on the gay nightclub Pulse, the Platform Committee said NO.
BUT…now is not the time to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves. Log Cabin Republicans has been officially credentialed for the Republican National Convention, and when it convenes in Cleveland in a mere 6 days’ time I want to be able to take a stand, but we’re going to need your support to do it.
Cleveland is rightly making the most of their time in the spotlight, and prices for advertising in area news outlets are sky-high.
That’s why I’m writing to ask for your help.
Please give today and give generously — $500, $250, $100, or whatever you can givewould go a long way to ensuring we don’t go quietly into the night.
Take back the Platform. Take back the Party. Stand up today and let the folks on the Platform Committee who paved the way to this foolishness know you’re not going down without a fight!
Sincerely,
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Gregory T. Angelo
President
A Closeted Movie Star Finds An Unlikely Romance In “Front Cover”
"Love is always in style."
From: NewNowNext
A new film that should be on your radar is Front Cover, directed by Raymond Yeung.
The movie tells the story of Ryan (Jake Choi), a gay fashion stylist living in New York who is forced to examine his life and his relationship to his family after he becomes unlikely friends with a Ning, famous-and closeted-Chinese Actor played by James Chen. To complicate things even more, a gossip rag runs an intimate picture of Ryan and Ning together-outing Ning to the world.
The film looks like a 21st century version of The Wedding Banquet, another story where sexuality and traditional Asian values have a head-on collision resulting in confusion and comedy.
If you are in L.A. you can catch a screening of Front Cover on Thursday, July 14 as part of the Outfest film festival.
Hey y'all! Our screening at @Outfest LosAngeles is on July 14th. Our own @TheJakeChoi really wants you to join us! 😚 pic.twitter.com/qe8aEwnFRT— FrontCovertheMovie (@FrontCoverMovie) July 4, 2016
Front Cover opens in New York and L.A. in August. Watch the trailer below:
Vandals Break Into Pulse On One-Month Anniversary Of Deadly Shooting
"I have no idea why somebody would come to a place where such a tragedy took place."From: NewNowNext
Orlando police confirmed a break-in at Pulse nightclub Wednesday night, just one month and a day after a gunman entered the club with an assault rifle and opened fire, killing 49 and injuring dozens more during an hours-long standoff with police.
The club has been an active crime scene since the massacre, and was released back to owners Barbara and Rosario Poma Wednesday morning.
According to Orlando police, Pulse employees in the area had noticed the club’s vehicle gate was open around 3 am but didn’t realize until later that morning that the front door, which had been secured with plywood, was also open.
Though the club is equipped with security systems and cameras, they were not activated on Wednesday night. It’s unclear what the vandals were doing or attempting to do there.
“Since June 12, we have seen the worst and best of human behavior,” Barbara Poma said in a statement.
“We are disappointed that someone felt compelled to violate the privacy of our beloved Pulse Night Club and the sacred place it has now become. We have faith in the Orlando Police Department and its investigation of this break-in. The club will continue to remain closed to the public as we work to plan the future of Pulse.”
Speaking to WFTV, Barbara Poma’s husband, Rosario, called the break-in “unspeakable.”
“They pried the wood off the doors that was screwed to the walls,” he said. “What did they do inside in there? … We don’t know. I’m securing all the doors so it can’t happen again.”
“It’s a little emotional right now. I have no idea why somebody would come to a place where such a tragedy took place.”
“Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?”: Are You #TeamJoan Or #TeamBette?
“She slept with every male star at MGM—except Lassie.”From: NewNowNext
In the history of celebrity feuds, the beef between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis stands heads and shoulder pads above the rest.
These two leading ladies, who famously co-starred in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? hated each other and let the world know it.
“Miss Davis was always partial to covering up her face in motion pictures,” Crawford once opined. “She called it ’art.’ Others might call it camouflage.”
And Davis once remarked, “The best time I ever had with Joan Crawford was when I pushed her down the stairs in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”
Some say the rift was simply professional jealousy—Davis’ star rose as Crawford’s was dimming. Others claim it was a man, Franchot Tone—whom Davis co-starred with and Crawford married—who caused the bad blood.
Whatever the case, it’s probably the most famous beef in Hollywood. Hell, Ryan Murphy is making a TV show about it!
In celebration of this Sunday’s premiere of Cocktails and Classics: Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?, we’ve concocted a handy quiz to help you figure out if you’re in Joan’s camp or are totally Bette.
Heighten your viewing experience with a good cocktail: Below, check out the recipe for a Sibling Rivalry
“Loving” Tells The True Story Of The Marriage That Changed History
All the feels.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
A trailer for the new film, Loving has been released and all we can say is grab some tissues and prepare for the waterworks.
After already receiving Oscar buzz following its premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Loving tells the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial married couple who were persecuted for defying Virginia’s “anti-miscegnation” laws. Joel Edgerton (Midnight Special) and Ruth Negga (AMC’s Preacher) play the couple whose marriage would alter American history.
Their landmark 1967 Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia resulted in the SCOTUS ruling that barring people of different races to marry is unconstitutional. A similar ruling would happen 48 years later in the Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Watch the beautiful trailer below:
Loving hits theaters November 4.
@HotDudesReading’s Summer Reading List
What to read when you want to be seen reading.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Summer’s here and that means its time to grab a good book to read by the pool, the ocean or even the AC unit.
We asked the folks behind the insanely popular @HotDudesReading Instagram to give us their picks for the season’s best reads. Of course you should also pick up a copy of Hot Dudes Reading: The Book today, available in bookstores and online now
Modern Lovers
by
Emma Straub
This book had me at the title, but the minute I dove in, I couldn’t get out. The themes are almost too relatable and, in my case, aspirational. It follows three women who get married, settle down and build their own families. #NoneDownThreeToGo
Maestra
by
L.S. Hilton
Maestra is one of those nail-biting, edge of your seat thrillers that will have your heart pounding and your mind racing. Where did Judith, the protagonist, go wrong? I’m certainly glad my late-night indulgences haven’t lead me down such a precarious path. #YourSeamlessOrderIsOnItsWay
Sweetbitter
by
Stephanie Danler
This page-turner captures the essence of New York City and all it has to offer—the cuisine, the cocktails and, most importantly, the men. The story follows Tess’ journey toward adulthood and the painful lessons she learns along the way.
It’s the perfect book to read as a New Yorker: When you’re living paycheck to paycheck and getting gouged on a converted two bedroom yin Bushwick, it reminds you how adrenaline-pumping the city can be. #BitterSweet
Homegoing: A Novel
by
Yaa Gyasi
This breathtaking debut from Gyasi chronicles two Ghanaian half-sisters living very different lives: One in the lap of luxury, the other shackled in slavery. Over the course of 300 years, the story explores how their fates have a ripple effect on their descendants. (It covers a lot of ground.) It’s the perfect book-club read, and pairs nicely with wine and deep conversation. #RefillPlease
The Gene: An Intimate History
by
Siddhartha Mukherjee
Need a book that makes you look smart? Read The Gene: This book creatively weaves science, history, and the author’s first-hand experience with mental illness and hereditary defects into a fascinating lesson on genetics—and life.
It’s the perfect book to catch the eye of that cute doctor in scrubs on the 6 train. #DoctorDoctorGiveMeTheNews #IveGotABadCaseOfLovinYou
@hotdudesreading has racked up millions of views and has been covered by the New York Times, People, Vogue, and of course, NewNowNext. Pick up a copy of Hot Dudes Reading: The Book today.
July 16th is Woodie Wagon Day
With nostalgic thoughts of yesteryear, family vacations and surfing, we celebrate National Woodie Wagon Day. This iconic style for vehicles grew in popularity during the 1940s. Steel was being salvaged for the war effort, so car manufacturers turned to wood as a replacement. Placed along the sides of the "wagon", the Woodie was seen carrying families throughout the 40s and 50s. As the cars' popularity subsided and prices dropped, California surfers began picking up these inexpensive modes of transportation that could easily carry their boards. The Woodie revival was subsequently born - and now the car's legend continues to live on.
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