Hillary Clinton: I Thought Covfefe Was A Hidden Message To The Russians

Speaking at the 2017 CodeCon Tech Conference, Hillary Clinton was asked about Donald Trump's late night tweets, in particular last night's lulu: "Despite the constant negative press covfefe.”

Hillary took a guess wondering aloud, “I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians.”

When it was pointed out that Sean Spicer had said that only Trump and a small number of people knew the meaning of the word, Hillary immediately understood the scenario. “Ah, the small group explanation,” Clinton said. “You don’t have a high enough classification to know what covfefe means.”

An audience member asked what Hillary might know about the Trumpster since she attended his wedding, she said, "I was never even a social friend. It was kind of a lark to attend his third wedding..." (sly emphasis on the word "third" was hers).

All quite light-hearted, and then she became a bit more serious about citizens getting more involved in politics and more voices pushing back against the lies and "alternative facts" being inserted into the public arena.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Meme Of The Day

Cast Of 80s Hit Show "Fame" To Reunite For Charity Concert

I know a LOT of folks who would love to attend this - the cast of the hit ’80s show FAME is reuniting for a 35th anniversary concert to benefit The Actors Fund.

Via People:

Stars Debbie Allen, Jesse Borrego, Cynthia Gibb, Erica Gimpel, Billy Hufsey, Carlo Imperato, Valerie Landsburg and P.R. Paul are scheduled to appear at the event, which will take place at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California, on July 13.

The evening, which marks the first concert in the U.S. by the cast members since 1985, will feature hit songs from the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning drama series — and will benefit The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that focuses on helping individuals in performing arts and entertainment during times of need, crisis or transition.

As many fans know, Gene Anthony Ray, who played "Leroy Johnson," passed away in 2003 at the age of 41.

People shares several pics of the "kids" today and they look great!

Carlo Imperato

Erica Gimpel - photo: David Zaugh

White House: All Questions Regarding Obstruction Of Justice "Will Be Referred To Outside Counsel"

During an off-camera press gaggle today at the White House, Press Secretary Sean Spicer was quick to respond to a question about James Comey's upcoming testimony in Congress thusly:

"Going forward all questions on these matters will be referred to outside counsel."

Lawyered up and ready to go. Listen below.

Q: Did the POTUS obstruct justice in his conversations with James Comey?

SPICER: Talk to his outside counsel pic.twitter.com/emQYYuDc7f

— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) May 31, 2017

Master Class In How To Kiss Your Boss's Ass

That "magnetic personality" of Donald Trump on full display

White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks emptied an entire thesaurus of superlatives in describing her boss in response to a Washington Post report that President Trump is demeaning and condescending to his staff:

“President Trump has a magnetic personality and exudes positive energy, which is infectious to those around him. He has an unparalleled ability to communicate with people, whether he is speaking to a room of three or an arena of 30,000. He has built great relationships throughout his life and treats everyone with respect. He is brilliant with a great sense of humor . . . and an amazing ability to make people feel special and aspire to be more than even they thought possible.”

I'd guess the Trumpmeister wrote it himself except there are some awfully bigly words in that word salad.

I can only imagine this is what it's like to live in fear of being screamed at by your boss.

(source)

Former FBI Director James Comey To Testify On Pressures From Trump To End Russia Investigation

Former FBI Director James Comey

CNN reports fired FBI Director James Comey will definitely be testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, possibly as soon as next week.

He is expected to confirm the dramatic accounts that have surfaced since his dismissal, including the accusations that Donald Trump asked him to drop the current investigation into ties with Russia.

Final details are still being worked out and no official date for his testimony has been set. Comey is expected to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia during last year's presidential election.

Comey has spoken privately with Special Counsel Robert Mueller III to work out the parameters for his testimony to ensure there are no legal entanglements as a result of his public account, a source said. Comey will likely sit down with Mueller, a longtime colleague at the Justice Department, for a formal interview only after his public testimony.

When he testifies, Comey is unlikely to be willing to discuss in any detail the FBI's investigation into the charges of possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign -- the centerpiece of the probe, this source said. But he appears eager to discuss his tense interactions with Trump before his firing, which have now spurred allegations that the president may have tried to obstruct the investigation.

If it happens, Comey's public testimony promises to be a dramatic chapter in the months-long controversy, and it will likely bring even more intense scrutiny to an investigation that Trump has repeatedly denounced as a "witch hunt."

Just Because: Levi Jackman Foster

Uber-talented Alexander Abramov shoots New York City-based artist and activist, Levi Jackman Foster.

#Face

News Round-Up: May 31, 2017

Out artist Raph Solo drops his new music video, "Love Lives."

Some news items you may have missed:

• The Rhode Island state House just voted to ban so-called "conversion therapy" for LGBT minors. The bill now heads to the Senate.

• A top Russian diplomat vehemently denies verified reports of gay men being tortured in Chechnya.

• Donald Trump's recent tweets show he doesn't really understand how the U.S. Senate works.

• From a new study: In 2015, LGB students reported being bullied on school property at a rate of 34 percent compared to 19 percent for straight students.

• If you love pop culture as much as I do, head over to Boy Culture's awesome collection of opening credits of classic TV shows.

• Out musician Raph Solo recently dropped the music video to his new single, “Love Lives," a celebration of his long journey to self-acceptance. Solo, who once tried so-called "conversion therapy" in an attempt to change his sexuality, says “I have worked very hard to gain the self-respect and acceptance I enjoy today.”

Solo also shares that the music video is meant to show a different side of the artist, complete with "tongue in cheek" choreography: “I dance a lot in this one! It’s all very tongue-and cheek compared to my previous story-based, cinematic music videos. I hope fans like the choreography and chutzpah.” Check out the video below.

Backlash Continues For Kathy Griffin In Wake Of "Beheading" Stunt

After posting a very graphic photo of a fake "beheading" of Donald Trump, comic Kathy Griffin took to Twitter to beg for forgiveness.

“I’m a comic. I crossed the line. I moved the line, then I crossed it. I went too far. The image was too disturbing. It wasn’t funny. I beg for your forgiveness.”

I am sorry. I went too far. I was wrong. pic.twitter.com/LBKvqf9xFB

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) May 30, 2017

The stunt is already affecting Griffin's bottom line as one casino has cancelled a summer appearance, and even buddy Anderson Cooper has denounced the photo as CNN fired her from her high-profile New Year's Eve gig.

CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program.

— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017

The July 22nd performance by Kathy Griffin has been cancelled.

— Route 66 Casino (@RT66CasinoHotel) May 30, 2017

For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.

— Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) May 31, 2017

CNN evaluating Kathy Griffin's role in New Year's coverage after Trump beheaded photo https://t.co/8bYA8Y9cYA pic.twitter.com/5FiB7Kexs7

— The Hill (@thehill) May 31, 2017

This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. https://t.co/zIiuKoMyFw

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) May 30, 2017

Kathy Griffin's Gory Photo of Decapitated Trump Focus of Secret Service Investigation (VIDEO) https://t.co/PWEjp1SEIM

— TMZ (@TMZ) May 31, 2017

Our politics have become too base, too low, & too vulgar, but Kathy Griffin's post descends into an even more repugnant & vile territory.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 30, 2017

Kathy Griffin was way, way wrong. Kathy Griffin apologized.

Your turn, Trump and his enablers.(Pick one of many way wrong transgressions)

— Jeremy Hooper (@goodasyou) May 31, 2017

Donald Trump Handing Out His Cell Number To World Leaders

I'm not sure Donald Trump understands the concept of "secure" phone lines.

From the AP:

President Donald Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly, an unusual invitation that breaks diplomatic protocol and is raising concerns about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander in chief’s communications.

Trump has urged leaders of Canada and Mexico to reach him on his cellphone, according to former and current U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the practice. Of the two, only Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken advantage of the offer so far, the officials said.

Trump also exchanged numbers with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two spoke immediately following Macron’s victory earlier this month, according to a French official, who would not comment on whether Macron intended to use the line.

Presidents generally place calls on one of several secure phone lines, including those in the White House Situation Room, the Oval Office or the presidential limousine. Even if Trump uses his government-issued cellphone, his calls are vulnerable to eavesdropping, particularly from foreign governments, national security experts say.

“If you are speaking on an open line, then it’s an open line, meaning those who have the ability to monitor those conversations are doing so,” said Derek Chollet, a former Pentagon adviser and National Security Council official now at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

The Presidential Records Act of 1981 requires all official communications by the president (that would include calls to world leaders) to be logged and documented.

You might recall a few times during the presidential campaign that Trump lambasted Hillary Clinton for her email server saying it left the U.S. vulnerable to intel leaks.

Maybe? Once or twice?

President Trump To Withdraw From Paris Climate Accord

Reuters is reporting that President Trump has (surprise!) decided to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.

The accord, agreed on by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015, aims to limit planetary warming in part by slashing carbon dioxide and other emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Under the pact, the United States committed to reducing its emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025.

The decision to withdraw from the climate accord was influenced by a letter from 22 Republican U.S. senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, calling for an exit, Axios reported.

Trump has repeatedly expressed doubts about climate change, at times calling it a hoax to weaken U.S. industry. An overwhelming majority of scientists, however, say climate change is driven by human use of fossil fuels.

The withdrawal would mean only the United States joins Syria and Nicaragua as the world's only non-participants in the Paris Climate Agreement.

A recent NBC/WSJ poll shows 67% of Americans support action to combat climate change.

Reminder from April 2017 NBC/WSJ poll: A combined 67% of Americans back action to combat climate change pic.twitter.com/2d8PY0sUZ1

— Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) May 31, 2017

Just Because...

I want to take this guy up on his offer :)

Randy Rainbow Trolls Trump: "Let's Hear It For The Mango Tour"

Randy Rainbow welcomes President Trump back home with this parody of "Rainbow Tour" from Evita - "Let's Hear It For The Mango Tour."

Hit play below and enjoy.

7th Circuit Court Of Appeals Rules In Favor Of Transgender Student

Via press release:

Today the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a groundbreaking ruling in favor of Ash Whitaker, the transgender student plaintiff in Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District. In a unanimous decision authored by Judge Ann Claire Williams, the court upheld the preliminary injunction, issued by a federal district court in September 2016, that has allowed Ash, a senior at Tremper High School in the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to use the boys’ restrooms at school throughout his senior year without fear of discipline or invasive surveillance by school officials.

In this landmark decision, the unanimous three-judge panel held that transgender students are protected from discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The court agreed with the lower court’s conclusions that Ash was harmed significantly by the Kenosha Unified School District’s discriminatory practices that singled him out from other students and that KUSD failed to provide more than “sheer conjecture” that permitting Ash to use the boys’ restrooms would harm anyone. The court wrote:

“The School District has failed to provide any evidence of how the preliminary injunction will harm it, or any of its students or parents. . . . , whereas the harms to Ash are well-documented and supported by the record.” The court further described the school district’s actions as “arbitrary” and in violation of Ash’s Constitutional rights.

With this decision, the Seventh Circuit (which covers Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana) is the first federal appeals court to find conclusively that a transgender student has the right to be treated in accordance with the student’s gender identity at school under both Title IX and the Constitution. Notably, it is also the first decision to reach that conclusion without reliance on the Obama Administration’s guidance on schools’ Title IX obligations to transgender students, which the Trump Administration rescinded in February.

Before the injunction, Ash had been using the boys’ restrooms for the first seven months of his junior year without incident until school administrators intervened, threatened him with disciplinary action, and subjected him to constant surveillance. To avoid punishment, Ash tried to avoid using the bathroom at school altogether. As a result of being singled out for discrimination by his school, Ash suffered serious depression, anxiety, and other physical and educational harms.

Olivia Newton-John Postpones Concerts Due To Cancer Diagnosis

Hubby Michael with Olivia and her husband John at her wedding reception in 2008

As regular readers may know, I've known Olivia Newton-John for almost 20 years as a personal friend. So very dear, and exactly as warm as you would imagine.

Olivia shared today she is postponing concerts this month to cope with a health issue.

Via press release:

Olivia Newton-John is reluctantly postponing her June U.S. and Canadian concert tour dates. The back pain that initially caused her to postpone the first half of her concert tour, has turned out to be breast cancer that has metastasized to the sacrum.

In addition to natural wellness therapies, Olivia will complete a short course of photon radiation therapy and is confident she will be back later in the year, better than ever, to celebrate her shows.

"I decided on my direction of therapies after consultation with my doctors and natural therapists and the medical team at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia,” says Olivia Newton-John.

There will be no interview requests accepted at this time as Olivia’s focus is on her treatment and healing. Ticket buyers for the upcoming concerts should contact venues directly about refunds. Rescheduled concert dates will be posted at OliviaNewton-John.com in the coming weeks.

Many will recall that Olivia was one of the first major celebrities to go public with her breast cancer journey in 1992. It was that journey that inspired her to help raise over $200 million to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

She has also been a staunch LGBT ally for decades. She was one of the very first Aussie celebrities to come out strongly in favor of marriage equality in 2012. She's also performed at packed Pride festivals in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago and Sidney.

Olivia has been touring to promote her inspirational album LIV ON, a personal collection of songs about overcoming challenges and grief inspired by the loss of her sister Rona to brain cancer in 2013.

During my cancer journey in 2009, Olivia was in touch with me constantly checking on my progress and always offer her positive outlook.

She hates the words "cancer survivor" as she has viewed herself as a "cancer thriver" since she overcame breast cancer in the early 1990s. In fact, at the time she wrote a song she now calls her anthem, "Not Gonna Give In To It."

I'm certain she'll be back on stage sharing her music again very soon.

Best thoughts.

Trump Attorney Declines "Invitation" To Provide Information Regarding Russia

Michael Cohen

One of Donald Trump's personal lawyers, Michael Cohen, has received and declined an "invitation to provide information and testimony" regarding the current investigation into contact between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.

From CNN:

"I declined the invitation to participate, as the request was poorly phrased, overly broad and not capable of being answered," Cohen told CNN Tuesday, adding that he considered it a "total fishing expedition."

"They have yet to produce one single piece of credible evidence that would corroborate the Russia narrative," Cohen said. He called the investigation a "rush to judgment."

Cohen is the second person in Trump's orbit to flatly deny a request from congressional investigators. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn refused to respond to a Senate subpoena and rebutted a House request last week through his lawyer.

French President Macron To Putin: We Need "Complete Truth" Regarding Torture Of Gay Men In Chechnya

President Putin of Russia (L), President Macron of France (R)

While President Trump has yet to address the horrific torture of gay men in Chechnya, newly-elected French President Macron brought up the subject immédiatement in his first face to face meeting with Russian President Putin.

From the New York Times:

On human rights, Mr. Macron said he had raised the troubles facing gay and transgender people in Chechnya as well as those of nongovernmental organizations.

Mr. Macron said that he had discussed the reports of collective punishment of gay men in Chechnya with Mr. Putin and that they had agreed on a “very regular monitoring” of the situation.

Mr. Macron said Mr. Putin had told him he had taken measures to “establish the complete truth on the activities of local authorities” in Chechnya, but he did not specify what those measures were. Chechnya is under the control of a pro-Kremlin leader, Ramzan A. Kadyrov.

“As for me, I will be constantly vigilant on these issues, which are in keeping with our values,” Mr. Macron said.

Although he did not dispute Mr. Macron’s characterization, Mr. Putin did not mention gay people during the news conference.

In related news, Joël Deumier, president of French LGBT rights organization SOS Homophobie, told FranceInfo that France has started taking in gay refugees from Chechnya.

Earlier this month, Buzzfeed reported that the U.S. State Department has denied visas to gay Chechens fleeing persecution.

Meme Of The Day

This was sent to me with no attribution, but I sure wish I could give credit to whoever made this LOL...

Funny: Donald Trump Sings The National Anthem On Memorial Day

Check out comedian Peter Sarafinowicz's hysterical voicing of Donald Trump singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" during the solemn opening ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day.

Trump seems to have had a rollicking good time, huh?

(h/t JoeMyGod)

New Music: Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan "There For You"

Earlier this week, DJ/producer Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan released their latest collaboration, “There For You.”

Billboard's take on the track:

The two 21-year-olds take on San Francisco in the highly-stylize clip. Sivan is adorable and endearing as he sings about how fake the world and everyone in it can feel. Sometimes, you just need a good friend, but good friends are made through actions, not just words. Martin Garrix is the friend he needs, giving his vulnerable vocals a pop-colored backbone ready for radio takeover.

“There For You” has a cute hook that shows Garrix' future bass obsession isn't quite finished. This is one bubbly beat that won't let you down. Catch the feels for yourself below.

Trump Finally Addresses Two Portland Heroes Calling The Attacks "Unacceptable"

After three days of silence, President Trump finally "spoke out" via Twitter about the deaths of two men who defended teenagers from a known white supremacist in Portland.

According to Portland police, two men were killed and another was wounded after 35-year old Jeremy Joseph Christian began yelling hate speech at two women, one of whom was wearing a hijab.

The president's tweet read, "The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable. The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them."

The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable. The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them.

— President Trump (@POTUS) May 29, 2017

Interestingly, the message was posted to his official @potus account, not his personal account (@realDonaldTrump) which has almost twice the followers.

Many noted the tweet was sent out at 10:51AM this morning while he was attending Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary, so it's clear he didn't write the post himself.

Joe Biden Officiates DNC Staffer's Wedding

Over the weekend, former Vice President Joe Biden officiated the wedding of Henry Muñoz, the Finance Chair for the Democratic National Committee, and his husband Kyle Ferari.

Actress Melanie Griffith captured the moment for Instagrammers with the caption, “My dearest friends Henry Munoz and Kyle Ferari were married today by VP Joe Biden. Wishing them everlasting love and a joyous life journey!”

My dearest friends Henry Munoz and Kyle Ferrari were married today by VP Joe Biden. Wishing them everlasting love and a joyous life journey!!! ❤️💋❤️👏🏻🌹👏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by MELANIE (@melanie_griffith57) on May 27, 2017 at 4:19pm PDT

This isn’t the first time Biden has officiated a same-sex wedding. You may recall last August genial Joe married White House staffers Brian Mosteller and Joe Mahshie.

Biden shared the happy news on Twitter at the time, writing, “Proud to marry Brian and Joe at my house. Couldn’t be happier, two longtime White House staffers, two great guys.”

Proud to marry Brian and Joe at my house. Couldn't be happier, two longtime White House staffers, two great guys. pic.twitter.com/0om1PT7bKh

— VP Biden (Archived) (@VP44) August 1, 2016

Just Because: Nyle DiMarco

Oh Mexico... how I love youhttps://t.co/J70iaJXaIM pic.twitter.com/wE6uku2eq8

— Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) May 25, 2017

How Nyle DiMarco is spending his Memorial Day ;)

And by the way, in case you were wondering how to say "Happy Memorial Day" in ASL, Nyle's got you covered.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY in ASL! pic.twitter.com/aneef2yPMh

— Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) May 29, 2017

Dan Rather To Trump: "What A President Says Can Set The Tone For The Nation At Large"

Dan Rather

While Donald Trump seems to have time to address any "fake news" story he hears about via Twitter, one topic the Trumpster has not touched on was the killing of two men who defended two teenage girls from an extreme racist in Portland.

Many say Trump hasn't spoken on the subject because this violence was "racist on Muslim" based, not the other way around.

As the nation continues to wait for the president to acknowledge the tragedy, iconic newsman Dan Rather pens this open letter to Trump via his Facebook page:

Dear President Trump,

Their names were Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Ricky John Best. One was a recent college graduate. The other was an army veteran and father of four. I wish we would hear you say these names, or even just tweet them. They were brave Americans who died at the hands of someone who, when all the facts are collected, we may have every right to call a terrorist. A third brave man, Micah David-Cole Fletcher, was wounded in the knife attack.

This story may not neatly fit into a narrative you pushed on the campaign trail and that has followed you into the White House. They were not killed by an undocumented immigrant or a "radical Islamic terrorist." They were killed in an act of civic love, facing down a man allegedly spewing hate speech directed at two teenage girls, one of whom was wearing a hijab. That man seems to have a public record of "extremist ideology" - a term issued by the Portland Police Bureau.

This "extremism" may be of a different type than gets most of your attention, or even the attention in the press. But that doesn't make it any less serious, or deadly. And this kind of "extremism" is on the rise, especially in the wake of your political ascendency. Most people who study these sorts of things do not think that is a coincidence. I do not blame you directly for this incident. Nor do I think other people should. But what a President says, who he has around him, and the tone he sets can set the tone for the nation at large.

Perhaps Portland, Oregon is off your radar. It is, after all, a rather liberal place. It's even a "sanctuary city." But it is still an American city. And you are its President. Two Americans have died leaving family and friends behind. They are mourned by millions more who are also deeply worried about what might come next.

I hope you can find it worthy of your time to take notice.

Donald Trump On "Credible Sources"

Whenever you see the words 'sources say' in the fake news media, and they don't mention names....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017

....it is very possible that those sources don't exist but are made up by fake news writers. #FakeNews is the enemy!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017

Donald Trump went on another of his Twitter rants yesterday railing about the use of unnamed "sources" in news reports about him.

As you can see above, he says "Whenever you see the words 'sources say' in the fake news media, and they don't mention names... it is very possible that those sources don't exist but are made up by fake news writers. #FakeNews is the enemy!"

Now, when he says sources don't exist, is it possible he speaks from first hand experience?

Take a trip with me on the way-back machine...

Podcast: OutGames Cancel At Last Minute, Luxembourg's First Gentleman Represents, New Music From Eli Lieb

In this week’s podcast:

• Survivor’s of Chechnya’s "gay purge" describe the physical and mental torture they endured in their country's gay concentration camps

• Two gay men were whipped with canes in front of thousands in Indonesia for the crime of having consensual gay sex in private

• The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to global health funding could lead to the deaths of over one million people around the world fighting HIV/AIDS

• Luxembourg's First Gentleman represents at the NATO Summit, but the White House forgets

• The 2017 World OutGames cancelled only 24 hours before the opening ceremonies

• New music from acclaimed out singer/songwriter, Eli Lieb.

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

Trump Will Announce Decision On Paris Climate Accord Next Week

President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday he will make a decision next week on whether the United States will withdraw from the landmark Paris climate accord.

At the G7 Summit in Sicily this week, several world leaders attempted to sway Trump into staying committed to the climate agreement.

An official dispatch from the G7 read, the U.S. "is in the process of reviewing its policies on climate change and on the Paris Agreement and thus is not in a position to join the consensus on these topics."

Speaking to reporters after the G7 meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “The whole discussion about climate has been difficult, or rather very unsatisfactory. Here we have the situation that six members, or even seven if you want to add the EU, stand against one.”

Running for president in 2016, Trump often threatened to tear up the climate agreement that President Obama signed. But, aides to Trump say the president listened carefully to his counterparts, and is "evolving" on the issue.

News site Axios reports that Trump has already told several close advisers he plans to leave the accord.

I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2017

U.S. Soccer Teams To Wear Rainbow-Themed Uniforms In Honor Of Pride Month

From USSoccer.com:

In recognition of LGBTQ Pride month in June, U.S. Soccer will activate a number initiatives in partnership with the You Can Play Project, along with the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association and the Women's National Team Players Association.

The You Can Play Project is an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches, and fans without regard for sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

As the highlight, the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams will wear pride-inspired rainbow numbers during the June friendlies.

The MNT will debut the look for the World Cup Qualifying tune-up against Venezuela on June 3 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

The WNT will wear the kits in away friendlies against Sweden on June 8, and Norway three days later.

After the games, the shirts will be auctioned off for charity. In addition, fans will be able to purchase the customized rainbow jerseys online at USSoccerstore.com.

🇺🇸 x 🏳️‍🌈. To celebrate LGBTQ Pride month, the #USMNT and #USWNT will wear pride-inspired rainbow numbers.

Details: https://t.co/WwC7qCZ36z pic.twitter.com/WHJagaFMHk

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) May 26, 2017

White House Omits Only Gay Spouse In Photo Caption

Click image to enlarge

The White House posted a photo taken during this week's NATO summit of the spouses of the attending world leaders.

The LGBT community was quick to hail the inclusion of the First Gentleman of Luxembourg, Gauthier Destenay, who married the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, two years ago.

And yet, for some unknown reason, Mr. Destenay was the only spouse to be omitted in the caption by the White House.

There are ten people in the photo, only nine included in the caption.

Oh, but they did list Melania twice, so, yeah...

Now, can you think of a reason that could explain why he would the only one excluded?

Remember, Donald Trump told the LGBTQ community during the campaign that he would be "much better for the gays" than Hillary.

#ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmm

(h/t The Daily Beast)

President Trump Only World Leader At G7 Summit To NOT Give Press Conference

Remember when Donald Trump dogged Hillary Clinton over how much time had passed since she had done a press conference? He inferred over and over that avoiding the press was due to being crooked.

“She doesn’t do news conferences, because she can’t,” Trump said at an August rally in Ashburn, Virginia. “She’s so dishonest she doesn’t want people peppering her with questions.”

Guess who left the G7 summit today as the only world leader to not hold a press conference?

Via The Hill:

President Trump was the only world leader not to give a press conference following the G7 summit Saturday, adding to already existing tension between the president and the press.

The Trump administration did offer a press briefing after the summit by the president’s National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn. The briefing, which was given off-camera but on-the-record, took place around the same time other world leaders offered their post-summit press conferences.

According to a report by The Washington Post, journalists at the briefing by Cohn and McMaster were frustrated as the two officials refused to comment on reports that Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner discussed setting up a secret communications channel between the Trump transition team and Moscow.

Tweet Of The Day: Randy Rainbow

Hillary Clinton: "I Won't Lie. Chardonnay Helped A Little, Too"

Lord knows I don't need another reason to support Hillary Clinton. I've said for years "she's my girl."

But catch this very human laugh line she dropped yesterday speaking at her alma mater, Wellesley College.

Joking about walks in the woods and organizing her closet, Hillary included one more coping mechanism:

"I won't lie. Chardonnay helped a little, too."

More wine!

Watch the moment below.

Hillary Clinton jokes about coming back from her election loss, crediting long walks in the woods and chardonnay https://t.co/Sm9vGlCwNe

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) May 26, 2017

The Simpsons: The Ghost Of Richard Nixon Visits Donald Trump

In this delicious new short from The Simpsons, President Trump makes one more desperate plea to patch things up with now-fired FBI Director James Comey.

I don't know what's more on the nose: Mike Pence erasing the "Vice" from his name plate or the ghost of Richard Nixon thanking Trump for helping him move up to being "the 44th best president."

Watch below.

Trump Campaign Cancels Rally Due To "Unforeseen Change" In Schedule

Just last week, the Trump campaign announced a rally to be held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

But today, the campaign announced the rally would have to be "rescheduled" due to "an unforeseen change in President Trump's schedule."

"Due to an unforeseen change in President Trump's schedule, we will need to unfortunately postpone the previously scheduled rally in Cedar Rapids on June 1st.

"Stay tuned for information on a rescheduled date early next week. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may have cause. President Trump will see you in Iowa very soon."

Gee, I wonder what came up...?

National Security Adviser "Not Concerned" About Kushner/Russia Communications

So happy together...

Responding to reports that President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had talks with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak about setting up "secret lines of communication," National Security Advisor Gen. H.R. McMaster said he’s “not concerned.”

From Politico:

McMaster told American reporters traveling with Trump at the G7 summit in Sicily that the U.S. frequently sets up backchannels to countries for discreet communications.

“We have backchannel communications with a number of countries,” McMaster said in response to questions.

“What that allows you to do is communicate in a discreet manner so I’m not concerned.”

"Red Nose Day Actually" - The Love Actually Reunion

Christmas in May?

Fans of the 2003 rom-com Love Actually got a special gift this year for Red Nose Day - a short film
reunion of the original cast members!

The short film was created for the Red Nose Day charity broadcast, which aired in the UK back in March, and finally aired for US audiences on Thursday.

The clip begins with Keira Knightley opening her front door to Andrew Lincoln and his cue cards (“How do you like the beard?”

Lots of familiar faces from the original film abound: Liam Neeson, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Rowan Atkinson, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Lucia Moniz, Laura Linney, and cameos by Patrick Dempsey and Kate Moss.

Hugh Grant, returning as the UK prime minister, wraps up the film speaking to reporters about the state of things in the world: “Usain Bolt has run his last Olympics, the Harry Potter films are finished, Piers Morgan is still alive.”

But he shifts the topic to more a more positive view bringing the story around to giving, “Metallica’s album is an absolute cracker. And on a deeper level, I’m optimistic. Wherever you see tragedy, you see bravery, too. Wherever you see ordinary people in need, you see extraordinary people come to their aid.”

The film’s original writer-director Richard Curtis made the reunion happen for Comic Relief, the charity that organized Red Nose Day, to raise money and awareness to help children living in poverty in America and around the world. The effort has brought in more than $1 billion in donations worldwide.

You can still donate to Red Nose Day by clicking here.

News Round-Up: May 26, 2017

(via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Memorial Day weekend means we head into the dog days of summer. I'm not complaining ;)

• During a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told lawmakers she had no problem with private schools receiving publicly-funded vouchers denying admission to students from LGBTQ families.

• United Airlines wrongly accused a gay dad of having his hand "too close" to his son's genitals during a flight. United has since apologized but asked the man to "keep it low key" due to the airline's recent bad press.

• In high school, Wyatt Pertuset was homecoming king, prom king, student body president and an out football player. Check out his terrific coming out story over at OutSports.

• Speaking of out athletes, the former CEO of the Cleveland Browns thinks Michael Sam's short foray into the NFL could prevent other closeted football players from coming out.

• The White House may have a team of lawyers vet President Trump's tweets before the Donald sends them out into the interwebs.

• Check out hottie Rob Gronkowski get soaking wet washing his car, serve sushi from his bare bod and literally flip out in a pillow fight in the new “On My Mind” video from dance music DJ/producer 3LAU. I like the song, btw.

Jared Kushner Discussed Setting Up White House/Kremlin Secret Channel Of Communication With Russian Officials

The Washington Post is reporting Donald Trump's closest adviser, son-in-law Jared Kushner, spoke to high level Russian officials regarding setting up a secret line of communication with the Kremlin.

Jared Kushner and Russia’s ambassador to Washington discussed the possibility of setting up a secret and secure communications channel between Trump’s transition team and the Kremlin, using Russian diplomatic facilities in an apparent move to shield their pre-inauguration discussions from monitoring, according to U.S. officials briefed on intelligence reports.

Ambassador Sergei Kislyak reported to his superiors in Moscow that Kushner, son-in-law and confidant to then-President-elect Trump, made the proposal during a meeting on Dec. 1 or 2 at Trump Tower, according to intercepts of Russian communications that were reviewed by U.S. officials. Kislyak said Kushner suggested using Russian diplomatic facilities in the United States for the communications.

The meeting also was attended by Michael Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser.

The White House disclosed the fact of the meeting only in March, playing down its significance. But people familiar with the matter say the FBI now considers the encounter, as well as another meeting Kushner had with a Russian banker, to be of investigative interest.

Now, why would you want to hide your communications with Russia unless you were doing something you shouldn't?

“Secret” meaning “not subject to monitoring by the US government.” Anybody got an innocent explanation for that? https://t.co/qFnGjtNuGK

— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 26, 2017

In addition to being a super shady idea, this was also a really stupid idea. Classic Trump! https://t.co/HlcomAtxFx

— Josh Barro (@jbarro) May 26, 2017

Who among us has never set up a secret, secure back-channel line of communication with the Russian government?

— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) May 26, 2017

If true, this is treasonous activity, whether borne of malice or naïveté, or both. https://t.co/Wm4rk3bgtC

— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) May 26, 2017

World OutGames Cancelled 24 Hours Before Opening Ceremony

Less than 24 hours before the opening ceremonies in Miami, the organizers of the 2017 OutGames cancelled most events including the opening and closing ceremonies.

From the Miami Herald:

The long-planned sporting and cultural event known as the World OutGames, a 10-day LGBT-themed event advertised as a spectacular gathering of athletes from around the world, unraveled Friday about 24 hours before the opening ceremonies.

Organizers announced that the opening and closing ceremonies, along with nearly all of its sports events, were canceled due to financial issues. The bombshell revelation came via a short Facebook post from the event’s board of directors Friday.

“It is with deep regret that due to financial burdens, World OutGames must cancel its sports programming and Opening and Closing Ceremony with the exception of soccer, aquatics and country western dance,” reads the text. “The Human Rights Conference and cultural programs will continue as planned. We thank everyone who has supported the effort and apologize to those who will be impacted by this difficult decision.”

And with that, the high hopes for the 10-day event were dashed as athletes from around the world streamed into Miami, ready to compete only to learn the games were canceled. Some arrived before the announcement, and others found out mid-air.

How very disappointing for the athletes. According to reports, many participants found out in mid-air on their way to Miami.

New Music: Sia "To Be Human" feat. Labrinth

In anticipation of the premiere of the upcoming Wonder Woman flick on June 2nd, check out "To Be Human" by Randy Report favorite, Sia, from the film's soundtrack.

And, in truth, who better to voice a track from Wonder Woman than Sia?

The film, starring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, marks the first superhero film ever to be directed by a woman (Patty Jenkins) with a leading female protagonist in the storyline.

No stranger to film soundtracks, Queen Sia has contributed songs to 50 Shades Darker, The Hunger Games, Twilight, The Neon Demon, and San Andreas.

U.K. artist Labrinth guests on the sweeping, anthemic track.

Listen below.

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" Turned Into Dark Movie Scene

Love this video from Corridor Digital that turns the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen into a dark movie scene.

Any way the wind blows...

First Gentleman Of Luxembourg Proudly Joins Spouses Of World Leaders At NATO Conference

People Magazine reports that Gauthier Destenay, the First Gentleman of Luxembourg, joined the female partners of world leaders for dinner at the current conference of NATO leaders in Belgium.

The gathering took place at the Royal Castle in Brussels.

Prime Minister Bettel, 44, and Belgian architect Destenay entered a civil partnership in 2010 and married in 2015 after Luxembourg’s legislators approved gay marriage. Bettel became the first openly gay Prime Minister of Luxembourg in December 2013, after an election campaign in which his sexuality was not a secret nor an issue.

Bettel is the world’s only gay head of government since Iceland’s former Prime Minister Johanna Sigurðardóttir, a lesbian, and Belgium’s Elio Di Rupo finished their mandates in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

This is great. Luxembourg’s First Husband lines up with the First Ladies at a NATO conference.🏳️‍🌈
Via @Channel4News pic.twitter.com/lZbLeAmS5u

— Greg Hogben (@MyDaughtersArmy) May 26, 2017

#FBF - The Electric Company

A friend on Facebook just shared this and it took me back. Waaaay back.

Oh yes, I grew up on PBS shows like The Electric Company, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Zoom :)

Good times.

And how about that cast for The Electric Company? Academy Award winners Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman? Plus Irene Cara, Mel Brooks and Zero Mostel? Dang, we had it good.

The show ran for 780 episodes from 1971 - 1977.

Watch the zippy show intro below.

Out Music: Eli Lieb "Hollywood"

I was thinking earlier this week that we need more music from the uber-talented Eli Lieb.

And here it is.

Eli shares on his Facebook page,"I've made a lot of life changes - You can hear about them in my new single, 'Hollywood'. On to the next phase..."

The new song, "Hollywood," paints a plaintive portrait of "broken angels," "tired halos" and "the ghosts of Hollywood" in the City of Angels.

"So I'm leaving for a life that's good, and I'm so fucking sick of Hollywood"

Journey on, Eli.

I'm a big fan of the singer/songwriter - you can find more of his music on The Randy Report here.

The new song is available on iTunes here, and you can watch the video below.

Human Rights Watch Reports On Beatings & Electrocution Of Gay Men In Chechnya

President Ramzan Kadyrov of Chechen Republic

Human Rights Watch has published a report detailing the horrific treatment and torture of gay men in Chechnya.

According to the report, the speaker of Chechnya’s parliament, Magomed Daudov, was involved in authorizing the violence.

Radio Free Europe details the torture ranging from beatings to electrocution devices.

"All of the victims suffered repeated beatings," the report said. "Security officials kicked them with booted feet, beat them with polypropylene pipes and sticks, and made other inmates beat them" -- mostly on the men’s buttocks and legs.

"They put you face down on the floor and beat you with pipes," one victim told Human Rights Watch. "Then they force other prisoners [held for allegedly supporting insurgents or for alleged drug offenses] to carry on with the beating. Each man gets some 70 to 80 blows. And so it goes.... And you literally turn black and blue from waist to toes."

The rights group says local Chechen authorities also used electrocution devices to torture the victims.

Former detainees described those devices as machines with a knob on one side and wires sticking out of it with metal clips at the ends -- clips which were attached to the victims' fingers, toes, and earlobes.

"They turn the knob, electric current hits you, and you start shaking," a former detainee told Human Rights Watch. "And they keep turning the hellish machine, and the pain is just insane. You scream and scream and you no longer know who you are."

"Finally, you faint," the former detainee continued. "It all goes dark. But when you come to your senses, they start all over again. And once they’re done with you and you get your bearings, you hear other inmates screaming. The sounds of torture are just there all day, and at some point you start losing your mind."

Many of the victims were returned to their families where authorities suggested the relatives perform "honor killings"

Human Rights Watch urges the European Union and the United States to intervene and offer sanctuary to the victims.

Former Vice President Joe Biden has called on President Trump to address the human rights violations. Trump has not spoken publicly to date about the ongoing atrocities.