A - men!

This is it ! Total cute boy in the teen group in his suit on Sunday morning, the one your preacher daddy thought was "such a good boy" and came from "such a wonderful family". Who would sneak a squeeze in the back of the church bus on the teen trip or even better would make out in the empty baptismal during a church Lock In when the chaperones fell asleep. He's the one who would unbutton his shirt giving you peeks of his abs as you sat in the pew trying to make it look like your were really listening to the sermon. And would laugh as you changed the words to the hymns to something that you will have to pray about later. And then that devil grin widening when he would talk to the Sunday School teacher and check everyone in the class out, and of course could to tap a keg faster than the thirsty front line of a football team . Of course later in college you find out he liked kissing boys a hell of a lot more than any of you girls.

Austin could totally be the son of a preacher man - cause he could charm all the old ladies, the moms would want him to date their daughters, he'd have that innocent angelic face while singing in the choir, but hold a "special prayer meeting" somewhere in one of Sunday School rooms later. And not just with the girls either, no one could resist the devil in that peacher's boy. Talk about the laying on of hands, and the speaking in tongues. You know you gotta make see what sinnin's all about before saving 'em.

Thanks again Hjulia for the picture and check out the rest from Prayers for Bobby on her site Austin Media.


OMG Season of Sharing

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence. Their students come from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Their trademark small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements. They have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged people to benefit from a guide/helper dog. In addition to providing Second Sight through their guide dogs, the Guide Dog Foundation offers extensive public education vehicles to broaden society's understanding of vision, visual impairment, blindness, and disability rights.

Happy Birthday Jakey!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy!
Find that song you've got and sing it!!


Today let's put it all aside celebrate, and just give what we want to give.

“Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness.” - Richard Bach

That's it - what we all want for Jake.

We may all have different opinions about where and how to get it, but when you get right down to it, that's the same thing on everyone's list by Jake's name.


Jake may you find more smiles, spend more time with those who bring you joy, and fill your heart with love x 10.




OMG Season of Sharing

LA Conservation Corp

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year the LA Conversation Corp's primary mission is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success through job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community.

Shin and Gimel

Jake

Don't think you get a free pass because its your birthday, you have to deal with some blonde chick, Austin just celebrates Christmas, or you are like some prince or something, you got some work to do mister.

Who else is going to show your goy boy what the Festival of Lights is all about? Teach him all about the Maccabees? Who's going to explain what Nes Gadol Haya Sham—"A great miracle happened there" has to do with the dreidel? Who's going to make latkes, or at least explain the nuisances of sour cream vs. apple sauce? You. That's who. So get your Hannukah on. Since there's only so many ways to sing Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel, why not do some music. By the way no fixed dreidels! This is not all Gimel (take all) there's got to be some Shin too (put in).

Should you go with the classic - like Sol Zim, Yeah, he does have that Children's Chanukah cd, that could work. But how about something a little back in the day? Like the Joy of Chanukah, how can you go wrong with Sol? He's the descendant of five generations of cantors, and self proclaimed America's Best Loved Jewish Singer. You just may have to both work on your Hebrew to sing along.

Or go with something retro, like Ray Brenner and Barry E. Blitzer, Have a Jewish Christmas…?, 1967. This classic album includes such seasonal favorites as “Tanta and the Tree,” Christmas Machers” and called “Shut Up, Irving.” It's kind of a bridge to the blending wouldn't you say?


Then you've gotta give a gift at least for the first night. Sure you could give some really nice cashmere socks (Hanukkah Harry approved) or slacks (another good HH gift) but you know you going to be using them yourself. "Hey they were in the drawer, on the hanger, in my bag."

But Christmas is his biggie so hopefully you already picked the big stuff up in all your travels these past few months - London, Paris, Morocco, but just in case you need some stocking stuffers, (cause you know he's got yours):

You love your Disco Duck shirt he got you, so give back the love with "Say Yes to Michigan" tee or "Sparky the Sun Devil".

How about something smooth and seductive? Maybe the Ray Barbee Meets Mattson 2 CD? Mattson 2 creates some lush jazz and teamed up with Ray Barbee in Japan to make an incredible album. Definitely one to put on and unwind with a nice bottle of wine, no phone, no paps, just some serious private time.

You know accessories make the man - especially yours so how about some, maybe Horny cuff links (made from fallen deer antlers) or Nickels ones, or maybe gold handsewn tie with a rounded off end something a little different for your golden guy (Better living through chemistry - periodically speaking of course).

Or just a reminder of a sleepy but smirky morning with a baby owl pendant?


No doubt you'll cook, as you fatten up from all these lean months, but don't forget Austin loves a good taco truck, maybe give him a little adventure as you try to track down from twitter where the Kogi BBQ truck is going to be. Hey getting there and back is half the fun.

Don't forget he's got a birthday in the Spring, maybe book the loft now at the new Ace Hotel in NY. A little rocker vibe like the one in Portland, but with a serious nod to NYC. You know all the cool kids will want to stay there and you could get a little jump ... on it and ....

Ok leaving the Festivus stuff for you to figure out. The pole, the airing of grievances, and the feats of strength - just remember Festivus isn't over until someone gets pinned.

OMG Season of Sharing

Water for People

Founded in 1991, Water For People (WFP) helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs. Their vision is a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation; a world where no one suffers or dies from a water- or sanitation-related disease. Water For People works with highly trained and reputable local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in many of its programs including the Peace Corps, CARE, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rotary International to name a few. In addition to these groups, Water For People considers municipalities, the community members themselves and donors as vital partners in facilitating sustainable water programs.

Want to say thanks again Hjulia for the interview -- check it out on her site Austin Media or at the OTH section on MyFanbase. Big Gold star for you girl!

Say what?

PoP edition
Oh honey please Jennifer Hudson had nothing on my Effie.

Listen, there 's nothing to be scared about . I told you she's not here and she's not really my girlfriend.

So I'm coming to visit you on set

Uh huh

Then I'm gonna come over for a little trip before my movie.

Uh huh

And you know that weekend you planned to come to LA you know to do the stuff you need to do - yeah well if you're in LA -- that means you're gonna to have to do "quality time" with me, you know something fun and spontaneous - like me! - I 'll send you the schedule with all the locations and wardrobe you'll need.

Yeah sure .....

What?!?

Oh............... damn it.



Now its you're turn - whaddya got?


OMG Season of Sharing

It's better than a Unicorn - it's UNICEF

UNICEF

Some of you may know UNICEF from the little orange boxes at from Halloween, but it'ss so much more. Created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations System in 1953. It relies on contributions from governments and private donors and UNICEF's total income for 2006 was $2,781,000,000. Governments contribute two thirds of the organization's resources; private groups and some 6 million individuals contribute the rest through the National Committees.

UNICEF's mission is to provide special protection for the most disadvantaged children: victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. Their work aims to fulfill their basic needs and restore their dignity.

One of UNICEF's most famous Goodwill Ambassadors was the legendary screen actress Audrey Hepburn. Today the International Goodwill Ambassadors include: Amitabh Bachchan, Berliner Philharmoniker,Roger Federer, Ricky Martin, Shakira Mebarak, Lord Richard Attenborough, David Beckham, Harry Belafonte, Jackie Chan, Judy Collins, Mia Farrow, Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Angélique Kidjo, Johann Olav Koss, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, Femi Kuti, Leon Lai, Lang Lang, Jessica Lange, Sir Roger Moore, Nana Mouskouri, Youssou N'Dour, Vanessa Redgrave, Sebastião Salgado, Susan Sarandon, Vendela Thommessen, Maxim Vengerov

Do you see what I see?

More Austin in 2009. And maybe every week.

Looks like the new Melrose Place is getting a chance for next season on The CW, as they're going to film the pilot this spring. Have wondered all along if One Tree Hill was a long audition to see how he would do on network TV.

With Austin is finding a good audience and fanbase do you think staying with television is the way to go? Or do you think he should stick to just films?

What do you think - should he come back to the CW as Julian if there is another season One Tree Hill? Could you see him staying on and being the bit of a spoiler to Lucas and Peyton's perfect life - or staying on and see what he can heat up with Brooke?


Or would you cast him on the new Melrose Place? Would he be the bad boy on Melrose or would they turn him into the stable young married doctor Michael Mancini type and then turn him later in a baddie after years of playing it by the rules?

And what does that mean if he goes network - will he have to play the rules in real life too?

One thing thing everyone can agree on is that he's too handsome and too talented not to be working more.

OMG Season of Sharing

The Tibet Fund

Under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibet Fund was founded in 1981 to help Tibetan refugees improve their lives and enable them to maintain their Tibetan way of life and culture. They bring urgently needed resources to the educational, cultural, health and socio-economic institutions that sustain the Tibetan way of life, language, and traditions. The Tibet Fund's support helps to sustain the Tibetan refugee settlements in India, Nepal and Bhutan and provide rehabilitation services for the thousands of new refugees who continue to arrive from Tibet every year. The Fund works in close cooperation with the Central Tibetan Administration to develop programs to benefit Tibetans.

Shop till you Drop

Hey Austin -

You have less than 5 days, and you have to get Jake a birthday gift, then's there Hanukkah starting on Sunday and then you've got Christmas a week from Thursday. And you have get presents from not just from you anymore. So many gifts so little time. And whaddya got so far- what? some gelt, the Lifesavers candy story, a book of NY Times crosswords puzzles and an "I got crabs" t-shirt from Wilmington? You've gotta lot of work to do. And we know you can't just throw a party or send of over an autographed picture of you and your Oscar signed To Jake Jillenhall - Sincerely Reese Witherspoon, with a Type A Productions post it attached to saying "By the Way - 360 says, I'm still your Girlfriend. Happy Holidays, LJRW/eg" and two passes to Four Christmases.

So OMG here's to help you with some ideas:


Lakers Tickets - Christmas Day - Lakers vs. the Celtics - at the TD BankNorth "Gahden"
LA has the best record in the Western Conference and Boston well, Boston the reigning champs and have one of their best starts in 25 years. Hey its close to the Vineyard, close to NY, close to Maine/New Hampshire/Vermont for snow skiing and you could get a white Christmas out it. And nobody will make a big deal courtside or up in one of the suites.


Then there's always Cook Books

The Food Life (Ecco; $29.95), NYC's Fairway's master buyer Steven Jenkins tells his and the store’s story with recipes by Fairway Café chef Mitchel London. Totally for the food lovers' food lover.

Urban Italian (Bloomsbury; $35), Andrew Carmellini did what no New York chef has ever done: He started cooking in his tiny apartment kitchen.What came out of it were great recipes and a terrific series of vignettes.

Fat: An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient With Recipes (Ten Speed Press; $32.50), Jennifer McLagan sets out to prove what our ancestors instinctively knew: that fat is good for you (not to mention delicious), and offers some science and history to back it up

or

Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin (Knopf; $24.95), the dyspeptic fry cook reveals all, including why cooking is like sex


You could go with clothes. How about two, two, two in looks in one?

Kinda a LumberJake meets PoP Locks

How about a flannel hoodie by Obesity and Speed, for $115 special order at Seven New York, (Mercer St., nr. Spring St). It covers him and his hair - however he cuts it when he gets home, and the dark hoodie comes in handy when ducking in and out when he doesn't want really be seen.

Or accessories he got to wear all that fun stuff on PoP, he might miss it and need some new stuff.

Maybe something for that chain? Like a 24 karat Texas charm, and with a diamond in its capital. Where is that? Austin? and isn't diamond its the birthstone for April?

Or maybe another ring - something subtle - like numbers instead of letters - like 512?












Of course you could just name it and claim it and make sure everyone knows what's what and who's who's with this Austin Nichols Belt Buckle.



Then again you could just buy a bow and you got it all taken care of.



OMG Season of Sharing

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. They work to improve human rights through campaigning and international solidarity. With more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries and regions and they coordinate support to act for justice on a wide range of issues.

Begun in 1961, British lawyer Peter Benenson launched a worldwide campaign, ‘Appeal for Amnesty 1961’ with the publication of a prominent article, ‘The Forgotten Prisoners’, in The Observer newspaper. The imprisonment of two Portuguese students, who had raised their wine glasses in a toast to freedom, moved Benenson to write the article. His appeal was reprinted in other papers across the world and turned out to be the genesis of Amnesty International.

This year Amnesty celebrated Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th.

Out Spotlight LIII

Today's Out Spotlight is JEB (Joan E. Biren) best known for her photographic portraits, some of the earliest documents of late 20th-century lesbian life and an internationally recognized documentary artist, she began chronicling the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people over 30 years ago. JEB grew up in Washington D.C., graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1966, and pursued graduate degree in she studied political science and sociology at Oxford University and communications at American University.

She joined the women's liberation movement in D.C. in 1969. One of the first out lesbians in the movement, Biren and others (including Rita Mae Brown and Charlotte Bunch) formed a lesbian-separatist collective, the Furies, in 1971. Though the collective was short-lived, it had, through its publications, a significant impact on the strategies of the women's movement.

Realizing the need for affirming images and self-expression she chose photography as a way to make lesbians more visible. She took a correspondence course in photography and worked in a camera store, in the audio-visual division of a large trade association, and on a small-town weekly newspaper in order to develop her talent and technique.

Between 1971 and 1991, JEB concentrated on making photographs of lesbians. Her images reached a national--and sometimes international--audienceher work has appeared in off our backs, The Washington Blade, Gay Community News, and on countless album and book covers. Her two ground-breaking collections of her photography: Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians (1979) and Making a Way: Lesbians Out Front (1987), made lesbian life visible in a way never seen before. In the 1990s, JEB turned from photography to filmmaking. She documented the 1987 and 1993 gay and lesbian marches on Washington. With the Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer, she produced the first lesbian video funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Removing The Barriers, used throughout the nation to train health care providers. Her latest work is the documentary No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin and Phyliss Lyon.

JEB - JEB Media

Queerly Visible: The Work of JEB (Joan B. Biren) (pdf)

OMG Season of Sharing

Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice

Founded in 1977, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is a dynamic global foundation providing critically needed financial support to lesbian-led, LGBTI and progressive organizations. Separated by continents, language and culture, Astraea grantees are seizing opportunities, and laying the groundwork necessary for women and LGBTI people to claim their human rights. Today, Astraea is the only foundation in the world solely dedicated to supporting LGBTI organizations in both the U.S. and internationally. They raise funds and issue grants based on the belief that all women can participate in the philanthropic process - from giving to grantmaking.