Andy Bell Competes On Opera Show

From the British show Popstar To Opera Star.

(Via - Pop In Stereo)

Brits Fear "American-Style" Health Care

The Los Angeles Times looks at the health care debate going on in the UK.

Britain is now embroiled in a healthcare argument of its own, prompted by a proposed shake-up of the NHS. And the phrase on everyone's lips is "American-style," which may not be as catchy as the "death panels" that Palin attributed to socialized medicine but which, over here, inspires pretty much the same kind of terror. Ask a Briton to describe "American-style" healthcare, and you'll hear a catalog of horrors that include grossly expensive and unnecessary medical procedures and a privatized system that favors the rich. For a people accustomed to free healthcare for all, regardless of income, the fact that millions of their cousins across the Atlantic have no insurance and can't afford decent treatment is a farce as well as a tragedy. But critics here warn that a similarly bleak future may await Britain if a government plan to put more power in the hands of doctors and introduce more competition into the NHS succeeds — privatization by stealth, they say.

Take That - Love Love

CNN Speaks To Ben Cohen

Obama Fumbles Toast To Queen

SCOTLAND: Gay Clergy Allowed

The Church of Scotland has voted 351-294 to allow openly gay clergy.

Scotland's largest protestant church has swept away centuries of tradition and voted to allow gay men and lesbians to become ministers, opening up the prospect of the church allowing civil partnerships for same-sex couples. The Church of Scotland imposed a temporary moratorium in 2009 on admitting gay and lesbian ministers after Scott Rennie became the first openly gay clergyman in a homosexual partnership to be officially appointed as a minister in the church. The church's general assembly, its law-making body, voted on Monday to lift that moratorium, officially officially allowing gay ministers to take on parishes for the first time since its formation 450 years ago.

Designed By Disney?

(Source)

Caption This

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Luciana - I'm Still Hot

I probably shouldn't like this so much. You might remember her 2006 hit with Bodyrox, Yeah Yeah. Luciana also co-wrote Kylie Minogue's Cupid Boy.

Dick Coughlan - It's Getting Better

Another classic from YouTube's rant king.

LONDON: Islamists Stage Mock Osama Bin Laden Funeral At U.S. Embassy

Hundreds of Islamists rallied outside the U.S. embassy in London today in a mock funeral for Osama Bin Laden. Riot police had to step in and separate the group from counter-protesters from the neo-Nazi English Defence League. Many more photos at the link.

I'm With The Kid

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Married

Marriage Protest At Buckingham Palace

Yesterday noted British activist Peter Tatchell led a marriage equality protest in the middle of the royal wedding media storm outside of Buckingham Palace.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell delivered a gigantic wedding card to Buckingham Palace which, according to the website of Chicago Gay Pride, read: "Congratulations William and Kate on your Wedding Day. We wish you a happy life together. You can get married, gay people can't. We are banned by law. We ask you to support marriage equality. Equal=Love." Gay marriage supporters have put together a waved pink Union Jack flags as the giant card, part of the so-called Equal Love campaign, was unveiled. Tatchell said he hoped the royal couple would "find a way" to back the protest.

Tatchell: "I'm sure Kate and William have gay and lesbian friends. I'm sure they wouldn't wish to see them discriminated against."

Punk Singer Poly Styrene Dies At 53

Poly Styrene, lead singer of the seminal 70's British punk band X-Ray Specs, has died of breast cancer at the age of 53. The band was best known for their hit single Oh Bondage, Up Yours, but I always liked the below track, which I believe was one of the first import 45s I ever bought. Only two months ago Styrene released her long-awaited comeback single, Virtual Boyfriend.

Viagra Beer

In honor of this week's royal wedding: "Created by the Scotland-based BrewDog Brewery, 'Royal Virility Performance' ale is laced with herbal Viagra, chocolate, goat weed and 'a healthy dose of sarcasm,' the company’s website says. Drinking three bottles of the potent brew is supposed to be the equivalent of swallowing one Viagra pill."

LONDON: Gays To Protest For Marriage Equality At Buckingham Palace

As the entire world becomes enveloped in royal wedding fever, tomorrow LGBT activists led by Peter Tatchell will stage a marriage equality protest at Buckingham Palace. Tatchell:

We plan to deliver a giant wedding card to William and Kate. As well as wishing the royal couple every happiness, we will highlight the fact that William and Kate can marry, but same-sex couples can’t. Our event will urge the royal couple to support moves to end the ban on gay marriage. We want equal marriage rights for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Kate and William had a choice. They could get married, or not. Same-sex couples don’t have this choice. We are banned from marriage by law. All welcome. Bring your friends for a party in front of Buckingham Palace. Come with flowers, rainbow flags and pink jack flags.

Facebook event page here.

AbFab To Return, Sweetie

After months of speculation, confirmation arrives today that the cast of Absolutely Fabulous will reunite for three new episodes.

Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley will reprise their roles as Patsy and Edina in three new episodes of the sitcom expected to begin filming later this year. The BBC said it was "putting the finishing touches to the deal" and is expected to confirm it imminently. Lumley is reported to have told Hello! magazine that shooting will begin in the summer, but she said Saunders had not yet started on the script. "In late August I start filming on three episodes of Absolutely Fabulous, which we are all ecstatic about," added Lumley. "Miss Saunders has been so busy writing Uptown Downstairs Abbey for Comic Relief and also Spice Girls: The Musical, I don't think she's started [the script]."

The last new episode of AbFab aired in 2005.

LONDON: Arrest Made In Anti-Gay "Fear Allah" Sticker Campaign

London police have made an arrest in connection with the anti-gay "Fear Allah" stickers that appeared around the city earlier this year. The stickers prompted the formation of East London Pride, a group that was later revealed to have been organized by one of the co-founders of the violent far-right English Defence League.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with homophobic stickers plastered around London’s east end. The teenager, from Leamouth, was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence yesterday, police said. He has been bailed to return to police on Sunday May 8th pending further enquiries. The stickers, which have been found in Brick Lane, Poplar, Bow and Canary Wharf, show a red line through a rainbow flag and the words ‘gay-free zone’. They say: “Arise and warn. Gay free zone. Verily Allah is severe in punishment.” At least 70 have been reported.

Another 18 year-old was detained and released without charges last month after being found in possession of the stickers. The name of the man arrested yesterday has not been disclosed. Some local LGBT activists have long suspected that the stickers were planted by non-Muslim agitators intent on sowing violence between the gay and Muslim communities.

Royal Wedding