Rod 2.0:Beta

Larry Craig Will (Toe) Tap His Memory for New Memoir

Toe-tapping, serial men's room cruiser Larry Craig returns to the news.  The de-closeted, anti-gay "family values" Republican senator from Idaho announces he will write a book on the drama surrounding his arrest last year in an airport sex sting. Sounds like good bathroom reading.

The Associated Press reports, "He told KTVB-TV in Boise, Idaho, the book will focus on 'the state of politics' in Washington, but also will review his career, including his arrest by an undercover officer in a men's room at the Minneapolis airport.

" 'There will be a bit of what's happened in the last year and the way it evolved,' Craig said. 'I think that's important for Idaho and those outside Idaho who are interested to know.' "

Not sure is this supposed to be an autobiography or fiction. Unless the book is completely forthcoming about those five gay men who describe having (messy) sex, or, being propositioned by  the de-closeted right-wing senator, well, this sounds more like a novel.

Larry Craig to tap memory to write new book [P1Q]

More LARRY CRAIG.
More REPUBLICANS

Some Background ...
A Tale of Two Cities [Advocate]
5 Gay Men Describe Sexual Encounters with Craig [R20]
"Romney Threw Me Under the Bus" [R20]
Craig Inducted into Idaho Hall of Fame [R20]
Senate Republicans Knew About "Closeted" Larry Craig's "Weird Problem" [R20]
Larry Craig Vows to Remain in Office [R20]
Larry Craig Pays a Surprise Visit to Senate [R20]
News: Larry Craig Latest, David Vitter [R20]
Larry Craig Latest: "Not Guilty!" [R20]
Craig Latest: Wasn't Going to Run for Re-Election [R20]
Craig Latest: Maybe I Won't Resign After All [R20]
Craig Resigns Senate Seat [R20]
RNC to Larry Craig: Resign or Else [R20]
NY Post Runs "Are You a Gay Senator?" Quiz [R20]
Idaho's Largest Paper Calls for Craig's Resignation [R20]

Daniel Norell Featured in Kurt Brown's "Man Vol 1"

Just to start off your Friday with a smile and prepare you for that last meeting or your weekend shopping ... Last week, we first mentioned San Francisco-based photographer Kurt Brown—previously profiled HERE and HERE—has created his first book of photography of the male physique, Man Volume 1 and showcased some of the new images of model Kairon John.

One of the other models is Daniel Norell, the stunning Swedish-Trini muscleboy and Rod 2.0 crush object whose sculpted body has been obsessively documented on these pages. Daniel is captured in a several photo shoots in the Pacific Ocean, the desert, and, in Los Angeles. The one below is one of our favorites.

"I broke my record with Daniel, shooting about 1,150 photos in one day with him," Kurt tells Rod 2.0. "There are a LOT of great photos," that will be included in Man Volume 1, he adds, including some chosen by the model himself.

If you're looking to stuff the stockings of that special someone over the holidays, or, to add to your coffee table book collection, Kurt Brown's Man Volume 1 is now available. The oversized book measures 8" x 10" and includes 200 plus pages of color and black and white images.

You May Want to Read ...
Daniel Norell's Big Blast [R20]
Duane Cramer in "The Advocate" [R20]
Daniel Norell: Comp Card [R20]
Daniel at the Pool 1 and 2 [R20]
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel [R20]
More in the Daniel Norell Index

Model Kairon John Featured in Kurt Brown's "Man Vol 1"

It's been a little serious around here lately—perhaps too serious—so let's switch things up. San Francisco-based photographer Kurt Brown—previously profiled HERE and HERE—has created his first book of sensual images. Man Volume 1 includes 200 plus pages of color and black and white images that showcase the male physique.

The models include a who's who of Rod 2.0 faves, such as Swedish-Trini muscleboy Daniel Norell—more of him later—and the lovely and talented Kairon John, who is seen here in several new images. Kairon is the Los Angeles-based model slash actor seen in recent advertising campaigns and in episodes of Noah's Arc on LOGO. Kairon is definitely eating his spinach and looks fabulous, especially below.

If you're looking to stuff the stockings of that special someone over the holidays, or, to add to your coffee table book collection, Kurt Brown's Man Volume 1 is now available. Tomorrow and next week, more images from the new book.

You May Have Missed ...
Kairon John [R20]
Daniel Parts 2 and 3 [B2B]
Kurt Brown's Studio [Fleshbot-NSFW]

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Publisher Judith Regan: News Corp Told Me to Lie to Protect Giuliani

The hits just keep coming for Rudy Giuliani and his disgraced former police chief.

Judith Regan, the former celebrity book publisher who had her own imprint with a Rupert Murdoch subsidiary, now sues News Corporation for a whopping $100 million. The lawsuit claims News Corp and FOX executives asked Regan to lie to federal investigators about her then-very-public affair with former New York City Police Commissioner (and now indicted tax and wire fraud cheat) Bernard Kerik, which happened during his ill-fated nomination for secretary of homeland security.

In case you forgot—really, there are so many Rudy Giulaini and Bernard Kerik scandals to track—Regan was the same book editor who published Kerik's memoirs and conducted an after-hours affair with the former top cop in a Ground Zero apartment intended for rescue workers. Classy.

Regan—who was fired in the uproar over the publication of OJ Simpson's revolting If I Did It memoirs of the Brentwood double murders—says News Corp executives favored Rudy Giuliani's then-undeclared presidential campaign and didn't want any bad publicity to undermine him. That is happening anyway.  The allegations in the lawsuit—during election season!—should be just another nail in the coffin for anyone who doesn't believe Rupert Murdoch and FOX News slant the news toward Republicans and Rudy Giuliani. But even Ray Charles can see that bias.

Some Background ...
Bernard Kerik Indicted [R20]
Pat Robertson Endorses Rudy Giuliani [R20]
James Dobson: Just Say "No" to Giuliani [R20]
Giuliani to Speak at Anti-Gay "Values Voters" Summit [R20]
Giuliani Hires Producer of Race-Baiting, "Bimbo" Ad [R20]
Giuliani Aide Arrested for Extortion [R20]
Rudy's "Testosterone Factor" [R20]
Matthews on Giuliani: The Country "Wants Fascism" [R20]
Giuliani Flip Flops on Civil Unions [R20]
News: Rudy and McCain Court Anti-Gays [R20]
Giuliani: Pro-Gay Views "Not the Issue" [R20]
News: Giuliani's Not-So-Secret Plan [R20]
Clinton Leading Giuliani on National Security [R20]
Giuliani: Sorry, Only Millionaires Host My Rallies [R20]
Clinton Leading Giuliani on National Security Issues [R20]
Republican Candidates Skip Black Voters Debate [R20]

Black Gay Writer Jonathan W. Jones Profiled in British Magazine "AXM"

There is an interesting surprise on the pages of the current issue of AXM, the glossy British homostyle magazine. There is a full-page profile (PDF) of up-and-coming Jonathan W. Jones, the New Jersey-based 20-year-old motivational speaker and author of Get By: A Survival Guide for Black Gay Youth. Jones was in London to promote his new book and our friends across the pond were obviously impressed with the handsome and "socially and politically engaged young man."

At just 20, he's writing about black gay history, safe sex and religion and Get By is already a set text at Rutgers University in Newark.  His breezy but steely confidence makes it easy to see why he's so well-placed to advise young gay black people. "I knew for sure I was gay at 15. At 16, I started not to care who knew because my philosophy is that I never have to hid anything if I can justify it. To hide it would be to admit there is something wrong with it."

On the lighter side, the young prodigy dishes his eclectic fashion aesthetic and describes the difficulties in breaking into the corporate world with dreadlocks. That may or may not have factored into his recent decision to cut them off. "I just think it was time," he explains at JonathanWJones.com. "I feel like I'm growing up, and losing the playful hairstyle will help me shed some of the bad youthful habits I have. It's a step in the right direction."

Make sure you read the end, where the author is asked to describe what "gives him the bone." This is very interesting. "I love the military look because like to be dominated," Jonathan Jones reveals. "I like law enforcement types." There is a little more text on a recent shopping trip to a British military surplus store. You can fill in the blanks.

Some Background ...
Simon Webbe Covers AXM [R20]
Amerie's Vibe [R20]
Amerie Comes Out Against Homophobia in Hip-Hop [R20]
John Legend & Cornel West vs Homophobia [R20]
Kanye on Gay Bashing [R20]
Kanye: "My Own Homophobia" [R20]
Hip-Hop and Homophobia [R20]
Pharrell Sets the Record, umm, Straight [R20]

Jamaicans Ban Textbook That Mentions "Same Sex Unions"

In Jamaica, there is a fresh round of homophobia and state-sanctioned gay bashing after this week's report of parental and teacher opposition to a textbook that (gasp) included a positive reference to gays. The island's minister of education ordered the removal of the home economics text from several schools and claimed it promoted same-sex unions, "homosexual relationships" and the "gay lifestyle.

"We want to make it absolutely clear that the Ministry of Education does not endorse or support the teaching of homosexual relationships as the accepted standard of family. We don't teach it and we don't recommend it," the minister of education, Andrew Holness, tells the Jamaica Observer.

The text in question is Rita Dyer and Norma Maynard's book, C-SEC Home Economics and Beyond (Management), which refers to same-sex unions as a possible definition of family: "There is much discussion about what constitutes a family, there seems to be a broadening of a traditional definition of a family structure and when two men or women live together in a relationship as lesbians or gay they may be considered as a family; they may adopt children or have them through artificial means."

The minister of education confirms Rod 2.0's research (=Google search) that shows this is not an approved text, but, another similar title by the same authors, Home Economics: A Caribbean Perspective, is on the official list. 

Authors Rita Dyer and Norma Maynard, both based in St Lucia, tell the Caribbean Media Corporation they aware of Jamaica’s historic intolerance toward gays, and, accused some on the island of exploiting homophobia to inflame tensions." It is unfortunate that four sentences on page four in the text under the sub-heading family forms, were used to label the total text as a gay book; we are very angry about that because that was not the intention.

Substantial unemployment. Crime. Extreme violence against women and children. These are among the most pressing issues facing Jamaica, but, are never addressed by the culture or government. But a passing reference to gays in a textbook that is not even approved for curriculum—now that's a national emergency.

You May Want to Read ...
Jamaican Parents Protest Gay Reference in Text [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying [R20]
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? [R20]
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
JA Leading Newspaper Demands Equal Rights [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Bloodlust at UWI [R20]
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" [R20]
"Jamaica, Island of Hate" [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]

Alabama DEMOCRATS Approve Bible Literacy Textbook

Alabama could become the first state in the nation to use taxpayer funds to pay for a Bible literacy textbook. After failing two straight years amid loud and public debates over its content, The Bible and Its Influence has been "quietly" added to the list of more than 2,500 books approved for the state's public schools. The controversial textbook could arrive in classes as early as Fall 2008.

"I think the term 'under the radar' would be appropriate," board member Betty Peters of Dothan said. "I think that's what it was. If they had gone over it, it might have passed just as fine anyway, but now I'm getting very disturbed because I don't feel like I've been leveled with."

[Board members] questioned its take on Christianity and the need for the Legislature to mandate its use.

Critics were against some of the questions the textbook asked students, such as: "Did Adam and Eve receive a bad deal?" and "If God is good, why does he allow bad things to happen?"

The partisan split over the biblical instructional "was somewhat reversed than past debates on teaching the Bible in school, with Republicans opposed to use of the textbook and Democrats in support."

The board's vote allows local school systems to use "state money instead of local funds to buy the book." The textbook publishers offer "offers free legal representation to any districts that are sued over the curriculum, which uses the Bible as an accompaniment. The book is being taught in 163 schools in 35 states."

Alabama ranks 45th in spending on public schools.

Alabama Approves Bible Literacy Textbook [Bible Belt]
Bible Literacy Text Advances in Alabama [1st Amendment]

Michael Strahan Addresses Gay Rumors in New Memoir

Via Jock Talk, the new blog from Out Sports: Michael Strahan, the (newly single) star defensive end with the New York Giants, addresses those persistent gay rumors. Inside the Helmet: Life as a Sunday Afternoon Warrior debuted last week and is described as "venturing into territory no previous football authors had the nerve to tread."

Appearing on ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption, "Strahan told hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon why he addressed the [gay] issue. 'Because they linked me to Tony Kornheiser and I said, 'Come on. I like the guy, he’s good looking, but he ain’t my type,' Strahan said."

Newsday advances Inside the Helmet: Life as a Sunday Afternoon Warrior with a colorful anecdote about Strahan and Ronde Barber—superstar cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and twin brother to Strahan's legendary former teammate Tiki Barber: "Strahan came in for a fair amount of ribbing about the gay rumors, at one point getting this text message along with a photo from Tampa Bay defensive back Ronde Barber: 'I don’t believe your denials. Meet me behind the 12th tee box. Love, Ronde.' "

We've mentioned several times before that Michael Strahan is a class act on and of the field, especially how he has welcomed gay fans and handled the rumors. Jim Buzinksi at Out Sports amplifies the observation: "Strahan, who has a gay relative, has addressed the rumors, using humor without becoming indignant or outraged the way other athletes have and denigrating gay people in the process. Strahan has worked with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, an AIDS advocacy group, so he knows gays as people and not stereotypes."

More Michael Strahan HERE.
More Sports HERE.

Strahan and the Gay Rumors [Jock Talk]
Inside the Helmet [Amazon]

You May Have Missed ...
Two Men Outbid the Women for Michael Strahan in Bachelor Auction [R20]
MIchael Strahan and Ian Smith? [R20]
Strahan and Smith "are Heterosexual" [R20]
Strahan Divorce [R20]
On the "Outside Looking In" [R20]
Out of Bounds [R20]

Tyson Beckford and Other Style Icons Fête Ralph Lauren

Let's start the weekend off with something pretty. On Thursday evening, Bergdorf Goodman hosted the book party for Ralph Lauren, the new 500-page coffee table book by the iconic American designer of the same name. The store was packed with fans waiting to have their books signed by the legendary designer, and, packed with the many former gorgeous faces of his empire.

This photo from the event is a bit of history repeating with Ralph Lauren standing next to Rod 2.0 fave  Tyson Beckford, who was the lead model and spokesman for the Polo brand when it debuted in1993.

The 500-page Ralph Lauren is a retrospective of the designer's "beginnings and his 40 years in the fashion business through 750 photographs and personal narration" and retails for $135.

Photo via ELLE Tell All
More Tyson Beckford HERE.

Ralph Lauren: An Icon Meets His Admirers [WRAL]

You May Have Missed ...
Tyson Beckford on Barack Obama [R20]
"Generation Obama" Ads Feature Tyson and Mehcad [R20]
The Hot 100 [R20]
The Gays Vote Jake as the "Hottest" [Popnography]
News: Tyson Beckford, Hillary and the Gays [R20]
Tyson Beckford's (Alleged) Secret Beachfront Wedding [R20]
Taye: I'd Do Tyson [R20]
Tyson Beckford @ MFW [R20]
Best Oscar Moment Ever [R20]
I Just Wanted to See My Son [R20]
Ray J Says "No", Tyson Says "Yes" [R20]

News: Maryland Gay Marriage, Stanley Bennett Clay, Bob Allen

· Maryland's highest court upholds the state's ban against same-sex marriage. "The Court of Appeals ruled that the state's 1973 ban on gay marriage does not discriminate on the basis of gender and does not deny any fundamental rights guaranteed by the state constitution. The court also found that the state has a legitimate interest in promoting opposite-sex marriage." Bills allowing gay marriage and civil unions will soon be introduced in the legislature. Read the ruling here

· California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will once again veto legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry.

· Last week. black gay HIV/AIDS activist Phil Wilson called for presidential candidates to address the AIDS pandemic. This week, more than 100 HIV/AIDS organizations issue a "Call to Action" statement "to all presidential candidates asking them to develop results-oriented, national HIV/AIDS strategies."

· Jury selection begins tomorrow in the case of Florida Republican State Rep. Bob Allen, who was arrested after offering $20 to perform oral sex on an undercover police officer. Attorneys for the state legislator—who argued the black undercover officer "intimidated" him—are requesting a continuance.

· ENDA moves forward and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) says he expects the House to pass the bill.

· Brotherlove has an insightful two-part interview with Stanley Bennett Clay, the prolific writer and author of Looker and applauds "the fact that it was written by an out, black gay man who is older than the majority of writers in his genre. While a lot of focus in black gay writing is on the down low, coming out and how to find a man, Clay uses those issues as backdrops with a mature aesthetic." Bennett Clay's In Search of Pretty Young Black Men review/interview on Rod 2.0 here.