Out Spotlight LI

Today's Spotlight is on the International Lesbian and Gay Association.

The International Lesbian and Gay Association is a world-wide network of national and local groups dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people everywhere.

ILGA held its 24th world conference Nov 3 – 6 in Vienna, Austria. 200 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex activists from over 80 countries attended the event, to celebrate ILGA’s 30-year-long history. 120 are scholars from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe.

Founded in 1978, it now has more than 600 member organizations. Every continent and over 90 countries are represented. ILGA member groups range from small collectives to national groups and entire cities.

ILGA is the only international non-profit and non-governmental community-based federation focused on presenting discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation as a global issue.

Their aim is to work for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their liberation from all forms of discrimination. Seeking to achieve this through the world-wide cooperation and mutual support of our members.
Focusing public and government attention on cases of discrimination against LGBT people by supporting programs and protest actions, asserting diplomatic pressure, providing information and working with international organizations and the international media.

“Activists are using ILGA as a platform to exchange and strengthen their campaigns to fight discrimination and achieve equality. This was particularly important before internet eased communication for groups which were isolated. The conference is still the place where the association interacts with its network which can discuss the movement’s agenda and elects its representatives.

ILGA has campaigned to have Human Rights groups such as Amnesty include sexual orientation in their work and to have the World Health Organization delete homosexuality off of its list of mental illnesses. ILGA was also the first group to speak openly at the United Nations of the many human rights violations faced by lesbians, gays, Trans and intersex people. 86 countries still criminalize same sex relationships between consenting adults in the world.

“Decriminalization is of utmost importance in countries such as mine so that our brothers and sisters can live freely and with dignity as wholesome citizens,” says Rosanna Flamer-Caldera. “Our work at the UN aims at highlighting the many atrocities carried out against LGBTI communities worldwide in the name of the law and to put and end to judicial persecution of LGBTI persons all over the world”.

ILGA is working with a coalition of international groups such as Amnesty International, Arc International, Global Rights, Human Rights Watch and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission to make sure sexual orientation and gender identity stay on the UN agenda.

ILGA: International Lesbian and Gay Association

PoP Quiz

Who's Who?

One pair played a couple on film.

One pair is a couple in real life.

And one is a couple of guys watching a game.



What is it about the courtside seats at the Lakers?

And Joe Jonas wanting Jake to play him?!?!?!????
Just Jared Jr

Sweet Spot

A little late but no missing an Austin Friday -thanks for your patience.

Austin.... he's one long lean Tex but he's got a dangerous curve or two.

Now some may his shoulders and others might say that it his chest, but its his waist that seems to get have everyone grabbing on to.

Have you ever notices how when anyone puts there arm around him, their hand somehow just has to hold to his waist? Doesn't matter who they can't help it, its like a magnet. It narrows just a little bit just a perfect spot to rest someone's hand and it shows of that his got a little curve to what everyone thinks is just a long drink of water.

And the other - well its neither small or narrow but it's definitely dangerous.





One more thing Texas whipped Texas A&M like you would a potato, 49-9 last night. And yes there was a stadium of full of people throwing horns. Only if Mr. Potato Head could.


Pictures: Austin Nichols Journal

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Today in the U.S. we are celebrating Thanksgiving. a day to stop and spend time with family and friends, and yes , ok eat. A day to spend together, maybe eat more than we usually do, and indulge a little bit more and watch a lot of football and nap, but it's good to have days like that because everyone needs those. But there's one more thing we need to do more and we really don't do enough. It is to be thankful for all the things we do have. And that's one thing everyone can do wherever they are.

Thinking about a Thanksgiving awhile ago, one that happen a few weeks into filming on a five month shoot. There was a lot to be thankful for then, but they didn't have a clue much more they would have to be thankful for 7 years later.


Now the only way turkeys can really fly is by plane, but a Goose well they could but a plane might make it faster. Do you think someone has flown the coop and brought a little American Thanksgiving to England and reminisce about another Thanksgiving on a movie set ? But this time with a little gosling. (And no not named Ryan)



To everyone at OMG: Thank you for coming and becoming a part of this little place, without you would never be what is it a community of friends who are like family. Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving.

Jive Turkey

Now it may look like to some that Jake likes breasts. But think it's a safe bet he likes wild turkey a bit more. And more than a bit.

And Austin, .... it seems more like Austin prefers thighs. What do you think?

Little Prince - Prince of Persia

"My little man, where do you come from? What is this 'where I live,' of which you speak?

Who do you think you are?
Prince: I am the Prince of Persia.


It's only with the heart that one can see clearly. What's essential, is invisible to the eye.


Prince: How long have I been gone?

It is the time you have wasted on your rose that makes your rose so important.


The Prince: [smiles] Most people think time is like a river that flows swiftly and surely in one direction. But I have seen the face of time and can tell you, they are wrong. Time is an ocean in a storm. You may wonder who I am and why I say this. Come, and I shall tell you a tale like none you have ever heard...

"What makes the desert beautiful," says the little prince, "is that somewhere it hides a well."

But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart.

The Prince: You are an insistent inner voice, aren't you?
The Dark Prince: Well, *someone* has to make the decisions.



What is important cannot be seen.
It’s the same as with the flower.
If you love a flower that lives on a star,
it is sweet to look up at the night sky.
All the stars are in bloom.
It’s the same as with the water.
What you gave me to drink was a kind of music,

"But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."

Charmed I'm sure

One more new One Tree Hill, before a long winter's nap of repeats.

Tonight Julian stirs the pot even more with Lucas, Peyton and Sophia. Can this boy stay out of trouble? Doubt it. It's not like trouble finds Julian, its more that Julian makes the trouble. And don't think its just Peyton and Sophia, Julian and ... Sam? Birds of a feather could we say? That leaves just Haley, Mili, and wild intern Gigi. Julian is gonna have to hook up with somebody. And come on if you have to watch OTH and see Van der Beek without a shirt, you deserve to catch a glimpse of Austin his preferred modus operandi on screen.

For all Julian's smariness and not so innocent intentions, there's one thing about this role that is great, beside showing more people Austin needs more screen time. It really show how much of a natural charmer he is. Jake might have flashed grinned and given those eyes, but come on, who charmed who there? I suspect that its not only the ladies that fall for that Texas charm.


OTH News: James Van Der Beek shows up tonight as the director Julian wants for bring The Ravens to screen. It won't be the last we see of the Beek, he's signed up for two more episodes.

And a little audio spoiler for tonight. Have fun.

Out Spotlight L

Today's Out Spotlight is Roland Emmerich.

Roland Emmerich (born November 10, 1955) is a German film director, writer, and producer, and created some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood history. He's worked with Will Smith, Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, and oh yes two guys you may have heard of Jake Gyllenhaal and Austin Nichols. Roland is a part of a small group of Hollywood players who are gay and out.

Born in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in a middle class family, Roland decided not to go into the family business of garden machinery. As a teenager, he pursued painting and sculpting, but after watching the Irwin Allen productions of the early 1970s and Star Wars, he decided to turn his attention to filmmaking. He attended the Munich Film and Television School 1977 to 1981 studying production design but finding himself an accidental director, taking his thesis and turning into a full scale movie. The Noah's Ark Principle, went on to open the 1984 Berlin Film Festival. The feature became a huge success and was sold to more than 20 countries.

Hoping to tap into the American market, Emmerich began directing English-language supernatural fantasy features in his native Germany. Eventually, his science-fiction film Moon 44, went straight to video in the United States and featured Dean Devlin who subsequently switched jobs to become Emmerich's writing and producing partner once Emmerich set up shop in Hollywood.

Emmerich founded Centropolis Film Productions in 1985 with his sister Ute Emmerich, and later renamed it Centropolis Entertainment. Centropolis has recently teamed up with Mythic Entertainment and Electric Entertainment to foray into the online computer game market.

Catching the attention of producer Mario Kassar, he was invited to America to direct Isobar. Dean and Roland rewrite the script for Isobar but when Kassar want to use the initial screenplay Roland dropped out of the production Kassar then abandoned the project altogether.

Instead, Roland was hired to replace director Andrew Davis for the action movie Universal Soldier with Jean Claude Van Daam. After Universal Soldier his next project was the science-fiction film Stargate, an unexpected success that spawned the television shows Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis.

But Roland really hit his blockbuster stride with Independence Day. The alien invasion feature became the first film to gross $100 million in less than a week and went on to become one of the most successful films of all time. When you soar so high there are the lows and , the much-hyped Godzilla didn't fare well with the box office or the critics. Roland took a change of pace after Godzilla directing the American Revolutionary War movie The Patriot with Mel Gibson and Heath. After The Patriot Roland returned to his bread and butter and directed the visual effects-disaster spectacular - The Day After Tomorrow. Roland has gone on to make the prehistoric 10,000 B.C. and his newest 2012, a disaster movie with political implications coming out July 10,2009. 2012 has been dubbed by some The Day after Tomorrow 5 years later. (Funny, I picture a completely different story than what Roland is making ; ) )

"While Hollywood has embraced Roland Emmerich's action-packed, effect-laden style of epic story-telling, the director is less than enamored with its lifeblood, the film industry.

'I don't really like the movie business, I have to say. It's a very cold, brutal business. It's not a cozy living. But, on the other hand, I really like making movies," he says.

'I'm constantly torn between, should I keep going or not. And then I always want to make another movie and then I have to deal with it. But every time I come into a situation, I'm always talking about early retirement, which makes all my friends laugh out loud.'"

Roland not only talks the talk but walks the walk about many causes he feels passionately about.

In 2006, he pledged $150,000 to the Legacy Project, a campaign dedicated to gay and lesbian film preservation. Making the donation of behalf of Outfest, it was the largest gift in the festival's history.

“These images [from gay and lesbian films] have saved countless lives and shaped the LGBT communities we know today. The independent gay and lesbian films of the last 30 years have had no one to save, restore and protect them until now. I'm proud to play a part in launching the Legacy Project and encourage everyone to help save these precious, affirming images.” (Outfest Press Release, Jan. 23, 2006)

In 2007, on behalf of the LGBT community, he held a fundraiser at his Los Angeles home for Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Roland's also been in favor of the campaign for stunt performers to receive recognition at the Academy Awards, and has worked to raise awareness over the issue of global warming.

Along with several other celebrities, he is a producer of The 1 Second Film, a non-profit project intended to raise money for women's rights in the developing world. (And you can be too, check out the link below.)

One thing you might not know, Roland sister Ute is married to some who is familiar in reality television in the U.S. Ute is married to furniture maker and carpenter Faber Deware, from the popular home decorating show "Trading Spaces" on The Learning Channel. (TLC)



"There's not really much destruction in New York besides the weather and it's a natural force so it's not like any destruction. But LA gets leveled (laughs). That's my comment to Hollywood. "

"In every movie I say: How can I slip something in?"

Roland Emmerich - Accidental Director
Check out the video of his home and beautiful garden. You might see something familiar.


The Outfest Legacy Project


Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton on behalf of the LGTB community

Powerful Gay Men in Hollywood

1 Second Film
"The film's animation only lasts one second, but the credits will last over an hour! A feature-length making of documentary will play during the credits. Our goal is to build a platform for global collaboration starting with the World's Biggest Shortest Film. To take part, simply donate $1 or more to add your name to our producer credits. Then create your profile, connect with our crew, and collaborate more. It's all for a great cause; support the arts and share a moment with the world!"

Centropolis Films

OMG Movie Club

It is one of the hardest things most people have to do deciding between putting others first and neglecting your own dreams, or choosing to put yourself first and fighting for what you truly want. For some it's easy, for others its hard, and for some people they will spending their lives struggling to do just that.


That's what this month's OMG movie club movie Shelter is about, putting yourself first and having what you really want or putting the needs of others ahead of your own. And at the same time is a journey about finding out who you are, what you need, and taking the chances to have the life you are meant to have.

"Forced to give up his dreams of art school in order to take care of his family, Zach (Trevor Wright) has become accustomed to a life where he neglects his own needs in favor of taking care of his older sister, Jeanne (Tina Holmes) and his nephew, Cody. When his best friend’s older brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe), returns home to cure a case of writer’s block, Shaun and Zach develop a friendship that develops into a true, intimate relationship. Shaun presses Zach to take control of his life, and to take ownership of his artwork. He also develops a strong bond with Cody, and Zach happily notices the positive effect Shaun’s attention has on him. As time progresses, however, a host of new issues come up. Zach struggles with his identity, his family, and friends, while trying to understand the new emotions Shaun has brought into his life. When the cat is let out of the bag, Jeanne threatens to take Cody away. Wanting nothing but the best for him, Zach is forced to decide between his pattern of always putting others’ desires first or fighting for what is really most important and appropriate for both his and Cody’s future."

Back Talk

One of the big A's for an Austin Friday....

A is for Acting.

The Trevor award recognizing Prayers for Bobby brought the movie back up to the front of the mind list so to speak. It will be the next thing we see of Austin's work, and this time its a little different twist to it. This is no Julian, or John for that matter.

Playing Bobby's brother in the film, he's faced with dialog as Ed, that is intolerant to who Bobby is, while being rooted in a faith and belief. During the course of the story that changes.


But what is that like as an actor? Was just another part? Or did it become personal? If that is not who you are and your beliefs, what do you tap into to find that?

Was Ed a chance to exorcise feelings and frustrations? Was it a chance to spit it back out and show those people how it really sounds?




And can't forget this: being the Texas raised boy is - he knows what happens this coming Thursday. And not just Thanksgiving - but Football - Texas Football. Thanksgiving Day Texas will take on Texas A&M in one of the longest running college rivalries in the U.S. This will be the 115th time they meet. Where ever Austin is to celebrate and give thanks, you know he's gonna be rootin' his Longhorns on.

OMG Movie Club starts tonight at 5:00pm EST and goes through tomorrow. The movie is Shelter, written and directed by Jonah Markowitz. Shelter tells the story of Zach, when his college dreams are sidelined by family obligations, he finds comfort in surfing with his best friend's brother.

The Austin Friday post will remain open for comments not related to movie club through Saturday.

Picture: Austin Nichols Journal

Cook it up!

Cooking with the Swedish Chef

No not that one ...

We all know Jake's a foodie. And from the most recent interview he's already looking forward to eating all his favs and getting fat and happy. Bet there's shelves of cookbooks in his kitchen, he's got his best friend, a chef just a call away, and can count on celebrity chefs for cooking advice. And let's not forget, his sous chef. ; )

But did you know he doesn't really have to even look that far? He's talked about him mom baking during writer's block and in fact his aunt, Beverly Mills is a former food editor and restaurant critic. Mills now co-writes a syndicated cooking column called Desperation Dinners in the U.S. and has written several cookbooks with her co-columnist Alicia Ross. So Jake has no excuses not to have a recipe handy.

" The first thing I'm making when I'm done Prince of Persia...."

"See... I can cook"

"Pinch the ends and bring them together"

"Always tastes better with a little wine."

While Jakes on a mission to fatten himself up, and get back the happy pappy tummy. We shouldn't get left out so let's get our cook on.

So OMG - let's share some recipes.

Couple of things:

Let us know the categories for your recipes: Vegetarian, Sugar Free, Appetizer, Contains Nuts etc.

Here is a conversion chart if you want to beat us to converting US or UK measurements to metric and vice versa.
Gourmetsleuth - Kitchen conversions calculator

If you are using UK measures please note, because a US teaspoon and UK teaspoon are not the same.

Share one or as many recipes as you like - we are not keeping track, it all for fun.

It's not a competition, a cook off or a bake off. So don't worry about your cooking skills or level of cooking. Its more about the sharing.

Let's know what you like about it or why you wanted to share it.

All recipes submitted will be organized and have two versions put on a permanent link on OMG.

Ready, Set, Cook...

Pat the Bunny

Some days you just have to go back to the well, to fill up again

Donnie Darko is my well. Jake had done a great performance before in October Sky,- but Darko - well Darko was different, Darko was something that doesn't happen very often. It showed Jake taking a part and making his, completely his. No one can imagine anyone but Jake as Donnie, Donnie is Jake, no one else will ever be thought of Donnie Darko. Jake's gone on to do that with Jack Twist, but Donnie was the first.

So when the circus and din grow too loud, it's back to the well for me.

And it's bunnies today -

Of course Frank is a bunny and in the director's cut there is a mention of Watership Down, which the story of bunnies but have you ever notice that there are more bunnies in the movie? What do bunnies represent? When Donny is sleeping on the couch there is a picture of young Elizabeth (Maggie) holding a bunny. And in the last scene you see Donnie and Elizabeth she is sleeping in a chair, you see a stuffed bunny to the right. Is it innocence? Why does he see symbol of innocence in almost frightening way?

Elizabeth is sleeping Frank, who Donnie see represented as a man bunny, what does that mean?

Rabbits are seen as symbols of fertility and rebirth. They are also symbols of playful sexuality, which also relates to the human perception of innocence. Is this Donnie's way of rationalizing the sexuality of his sister and his own feelings of sex, desires and the struggles of growing up?

One of the most poignant scenes is Donnie in the theater with Gretchen, where he sees Frank.



Donnie: Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?
Frank: Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

Is Donnie questioning himself - his "innocence", or that he's trying to be a man and he's not a man yet?


Watership Down is a heroic fantasy. The story begins with Fiver, a young runt rabbit who is a seer, receives a frightening vision of his warren's imminent destruction. How he and his brother Hazel journey to find a safe place. Fiver's visions promise a safe place in which to settle, and the group finds Watership Down, an ideal location to set up their new warren. They are soon reunited with Holly and Bluebell, also from the Sandleford Warren, who reveal that Fiver's vision was true and the entire warren was destroyed by humans. Watership Down is peaceful but the future is uncertain. Is Donnie Fiver?

Are the branches of the tree where Donnie goes the source of Franks ears in Donnie's vision of him?



Remember OMG Cooking Klatch tomorrow.

OMG Movie Club - Starting Friday at 5:00pm EST and all day Saturday - this month's movie is Shelter

Devil's Food

Break off a big piece of that.....

Austin channeled a little bit of Big Julie from Guys and Dolls, half the bad guys in Sam Spade movies, and a little Jake (hello Toothpick!) for last night's episode. And he was a bad bad boy indeed. No doubt he loved every minute of playing a thug who was the muscle for Dan Scott. The episode was a dream of Lucas' so it's subconsciously how he sees Julian. A bad guy. Despite that, Lucas is working with Julian on bringing Ravens to the big screen.



Julian is the devil indeed. Will he shake things up between Peyton and Lucas? Will it be Peylian Nation? Is he gonna use Brooke to get Peyton back or just have some something something while he's in Tree Hill. Oh if he's truly the devil he would have Peyton, hook up with Brooke, and take Mili's V-card. And in true One Tree Hill over the top lunacy get them all pregnant.



He's got to be the devil, because something looking this good must be sinful.


Next week is the last new episode before the end of the year.

6.12 You Have Got to Be Kidding Me"
Lucas goes to Hollywood to meet his film director. Peyton's trying to get Mia to focus on her follow-up album, Haley takes a reluctant Jamie to his school's talent show and Nathan getting a chance for a pro-basketball try-out.
Brooke is shocked to find out that Samantha is in her room with a boy named Jack, Millicent confronts Mouth about Gigi. And Julian asks a skeptical Brooke about designing clothes for his movie.


Here's a sneak peek.



Now we know how Jake's gonna get fat and happy, a whole lot of devil's food (beef)cake.


Speaking of cake, pie, bread..
Thursday is the first OMG Cooking Klatch.
So bring one, two, or even more of your favorite recipes to share.
Some categories include:
Appetizers
Salads
Main Dishes
Desserts
Cookies
Snacks
Vegetarian
Sugar Free
Comfort /Guilty Pleasure
Regional Favorites

Again since the U.S. decided everyone else can have metrics we'll use our own measuring systems, OMG will provide a conversion link to help calculate the conversion so everyone can enjoy all the recipes.


And one more!

OMG's Movie Club starts Friday Night November 21 at 5:00PM EST and runs through Saturday November 22nd. Our movie this month is Shelter. Join us!

Pictures: Austin Nichols Journal, CW

TimberJake Throwdown?

This TimberJake thing is getting out of hand.

It started off small and not many noticed what was brewing.

First it was Bee Gees love.

Then it was the falsetto

And then both hanging with Jamie Fox.

Who could forget the plaid?

Then Jake really did it. He threw down a double whammy - going there on SNL in THE gown, AND working on Nailed with the girlfriend.

What else could Justin do? But strike back with Jessica in Rome this fall. With the Piggy Back

Then he saved his best till last this past weekend on SNL


When will this madness stop?

Advantage - Jake's shoes (oh you know the ones)




Don't worry - can't forget Austin.

What's he doing? Tonight looks like he's tying one on at One Tree Hill.


One Tree Hill Episode 6:11 "We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)"

Austin is a henchman for Big Dan in a 40's Noir episode written by Chad Michael Murrary (Lucas). Next week - back to the future with Julian working on preproduction and finding a director(James Van der Beek) for Lucas' book. But who will be fall for his charms? Peyton? Brooke? or will it be Milli? Ahh the dark horse that could really be the twist.

Check out our friends Austin Nichols Journal (Spooky2th) and Austin Media (Hjulia) for more Austin goodness.


pictures: IHJ, Just Jared, Austin Nichols Journal

Out Spotlight XXXXIX

Today's Out Spotlight can be summed up like this.



San Francisco


California
Atlanta
Austin

Iowa City

Boston

Chicago
Jacksonville Florida
Washington DCNew York - Thursday

Indianapolis
Philadelphia

Phoenix


Big and small, East West North South, Middle of America - No on 8.