Actualités

Norman Lear, who recently passed away at the age of 101, transformed the network television sitcom in the 1970s by confronting America's cultural contentiousness head-on and daring viewers to laugh at a bigot like Archie Bunker on "All in the Family" or the white-folks-hating George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons." People were more than ready to accept this challenge. "All in the Family" was the top-rated show on television for six of its nine seasons, while "The Jeffersons" ranked in the top 10 for four of its remarkable 11 seasons. Along with "Good Times," "Sanford and Son," "Maude," "One Day at a Time" and "Diff'rent Strokes," Lear basically dominated the decade. It was a creative hot streak that's never been matched and one that Lear could never replicate.

After the 1978 premiere of "Diff'rent Strokes," Lear went ice cold. "The Baxters" and "Palmerstown, USA" only hung around for two seasons, while "Hanging In" and "aka...

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank has sent shock waves throughout U.S. financial institutions. And nowhere was that felt more than at other regional banks. At New York’s Signature Bank — which is one of the two main banks that works with Broadway productions — the board spent days grappling with the repercussions.

Yes, there were outflows on Friday, March 10, as some clients sought to move cash to “safer” banks, but former Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Barney Frank, a Signature Bank board member, says he believed they would be able to open Monday, March 13, without issue. Nonetheless, he spent the weekend lobbying federal officials to guarantee all deposits. It’s an area Frank knows well, having co-authored the landmark 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, a bill that reformed Wall Street by dramatically overhauling regulation of the financial services industry in an effort to stabilize the sector. The feds agreed to guarantee the deposits, making...

The House gave final passage on Thursday to legislation to ensure federal recognition of same-sex and interracial unions, clearing a final milestone in Congress before going to President Joe Biden.

The legislation passed by a vote of 258-169. One member of House Republican leadership, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-ny) joined with 38 other GOP members in voting for the bill. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-mn), who chaired the National Republican Congressional Commitee in the most recent midterms, also voted for it, along with Rep. Liz Cheney (R-wy).

Democrats erupted in cheers as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the final tally, with some LGBTQ members, including Sean Patrick Maloney of New York and Mark Takano of California hugging their colleagues. Barney Frank, the former congressman who was one of the most prominent openly gay members, was present on the floor for the vote, chatting and shaking hands with former colleagues.

The bill, the Respect for Marriage Act,...

@RealDonaldTrump has gone dark.

President Trump has been permanently banned from his favored social media platform.

For years, as he rose to political prominence and through is presidency, Trump has used Twitter as his personal bully pulpit. Until Friday evening, he enjoyed unfiltered access to more than 88 million supporters and detractors — and an ecosystem of journalists that hung on his every tweet.

Since his election loss in November, Trump has used the platform to sow misinformation and spread distrust of the election result and the certification process, spinning unfounded conspiracy...

The second night of the Democratic National Convention will feature two former presidents, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, and nods to some of the party’s revered figures of the past including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The rundown includes remarks by Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and her son, Jack Schlossberg. Also appearing will be James Roosevelt Jr., the grandson of Fdr and co-chair of the credential committee.

Carter, 95, the longest-living U.S. president, will speak along with his wife Rosalynn. who turns 93 today.

Like the convention’s first night, there will be a dose of entertainment: Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross will serve as moderator, while Oscar winner John Legend will perform.

Democratic Convention 2020 Night 1 Review: The Virtual Biden-thon Comes Out Swinging; Eva Longoria Hosts Fast-Paced Trump-Bashing Event From Team Of Rivals

But the evening also will be a bit different, as the party will...

Washington — While much of D.C. made sense of the revelations found in the explosive intelligence-community whistleblower complaint on Thursday, the Trump administration’s methodical campaign to demolish every regulation in sight and cozy up to corporations took a big step forward.

The Senate Thursday evening narrowly confirmed Eugene Scalia, son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, to run the Department of Labor. A longtime corporate lawyer whose client roster has included Goldman Sachs, Facebook, Walmart, and Juul Labs, Scalia will now lead the federal agency tasked with...

“Real Time” returned last night after a two-month hiatus, and Bill Maher wasted little time courting controversy — this time from his own studio audience. During a panel discussion with former congressman Barney Frank, Maher received boos from the crowd when he announced that Ann Coulter would be on the show next week.

“Yeah, that’s called a newsmaker. A policymaker. You’ll have to suck on that,” he said in response to his audience’s vocal disapproval. Coulter has appeared on “Real Time” on several occasions throughout the years, and the two are friends despite holding diametrically opposed political views.

It wasn’t the first time Coulter was mentioned last night. During his monologue, which focused on the ongoing government shutdown as well as the latest bombshell revelations about Donald Trump and his inner circle, Maher alluded to the fact that Coulter and other Fox News personalities have the president...

Update, With Video Bill Maher drew some boos tonight when he told his HBO audience that Ann Coulter would be a guest on next week’s episode of Real Time With Bill Maher. And the jeers weren’t because the crowd had missed out on the controversial right-winger by a week.

With the Buzzfeed report that Donald Trump ordered Michael Cohen to lie to Congress called into question shortly before airtime, the bombshell allegations that had ruled cable news all day didn’t take up much real time on Real Time (Maher still managed some first-rate zingers: Trump, Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump are “the family that needs to be separated and put in cages”; watch that in the monologue above).

So Coulter’s name maybe was a spark the show needed. The rightwing flamethrower’s name came up during tonight’s panel discussion when former congressman Barney Frank...

Sacha Baron Cohen ended his grand experiment seven-episode Showtime series Who Is America tonight with a disturbing segment in which Baron Cohen’s Italian photographer alter ego Gio Monaldo sat with O.J. Simpson and tried unsuccessfully for three minutes to get the former football great to admit he murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The episode just completed its East Coast airing. And by the way, Sarah Palin did not make the cut.

Don’t read further if you don’t want to know what’s in tonight’s finale.

Simpson sat for the duration of the segment that described him as “American hero and women’s rights activist.’ After some banter about making new friends, Monaldo brings in his Italian girlfriend, Christina, who doesn’t respond when Monaldo describes him as a Buffalo Bill and famous football player. When he mimics a stabbing motion toward her neck,...

Sarah Palin didn’t have to worry about appearing on Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Who Is America?” after all.

Baron Cohen’s Showtime show featured the comedian playing a variety of characters who interviewed unwitting real people, frequently political figures — and often got them to say and do some pretty stupid things. The final episode of “Who Is America?” Season 1 included segments featuring former Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank and O. J. Simpson, but the season concluded without airing a much-anticipated segment shot with the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate.

The Alaska Republican and former running mate of John McCain said last month she had been “duped” by Baron Cohen and claimed that the British comedian had disguised himself as a disabled veteran to interview her for his Showtime series.

Also Read: Sacha Baron Cohen Asks Howard Dean If He's Seen Hillary's 'Lady Parts'

Palin said in a Facebook...

Yes, you heard right. If you were watching the YouTube-only Overtime segment of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher tonight, you might have learned something new about former congressman Barney Frank: His cousin was a Stooge. Shemp, to be specific, and a first cousin once removed, to be precise. The former Massachusetts congressman, along with Maher and Real Time guest Bob Costas, were discussing the controversy over Espn’s Jemele Hill, who caused a firestorm by tweeting that…...

Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO sees a lively and raucous panel highlighted by former Massachusetts Congressional Representative Barney Frank and comedian Martin Short. Interestingly, Frank has thrown his ring into the journalistic pool and has penned an interesting op/ed for CNBC where he speculated on Trump’s actual political loyalties. He wrote: “Trump’s handling of Congress in the past month is seriously increasing the chance for Democratic gains in the midterm election. Maybe Trump thinks a win for Democrats in 2018 will help him in 2020 — he can run as a victim of an entrenched bipartisan establishment instead...read more...

We are continuing this Pride Month series of documentaries about queer issues. After last week's look at the life of Armistead Maupin, we detour into politics with Political Animals.

It’s just a matter of fact that men are the predominant voice of cinematic history. This is hardly surprising given that men are the predominant voice of history in general, but this of course means that the stories of women make up a frustratingly small portion of those told on the silver screen (even if we may curate our own viewing experiences to counteract this). The same can sadly be said about queer cinema where films about Lgbtiq women and by women (gay or otherwise) are without a doubt outnumbered by those by and about men.

It’s wonderful then to see Political Animals, a film that seeks to take a side-step away from the more famous names of gay...

On Sunday's Last Week Tonight, John Oliver slammed President Donald Trump for defending Bill O'Reilly amid the Fox News host's sexual harassment scandal.

Over the past 15 years, O'Reilly has paid almost $13 million in settlements to five women who either worked for or appeared on his popular Fox News show, The O'Reilly Factor. The host engaged in "verbal abuse, lewd comments, unwanted comments" and "phone calls in which it sounded as if [he] was masturbating," The New York Times recently reported.

Despite O'Reilly's settlements, the network stood by their employee, claiming that...

Now in its 26th year, Washington Jewish Film Festival (February 24 – March 6) explores gender, migration, the supernatural, Arab citizens of Israel, artists’ lives, and Lgbtq themes. In addition to the groundbreaking lineup of films, the Festival will host talkbacks and panel discussions with over 50 domestic and international filmmaker guests. The Festival is one of the region’s preeminent showcases for international and independent cinema.

A project of the Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center (Dcjcc), the Washington Jewish Film Festival (Wjff) is the largest Jewish cultural event in the greater Washington, D.C. area. This year’s Festival includes 69 films and over 150 screenings at the AFI Silver Theatre, the Avalon Theatre, Bethesda Row Cinema, E Street Cinema, the Jcc of Greater Washington, the National Gallery of Art, West End Cinema, and the Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater at the Dcjcc.

“We are excited to present our most ambitious Festival yet,” said Ilya Tovbis, Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. “The Washington Jewish Film Festival is a highlight on our city’s cultural calendar. This has been a banner year for original cinematic visions hitting the screen. It is a genuine pleasure to share this crop of bold, independent, film voices that have been garnering praise at Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and elsewhere, with DC audiences. This year’s Festival simultaneously challenges and expands on our understanding of Jewish identity.”

The lineup includes new and classic films, encompassing a wide range of Jewish perspectives from the United States, Israel, Europe, Asia, and Africa. While the Festival touches a broad set of themes, this year’s lineup offers two programmatic focuses – one on the lives of artists (“Re-framing the Artists”) and the other on Lgbtq individuals (“Rated Lgbtq”). “Reframing the Artist” features an in-depth exploration of artists’ lives, accomplishments, and inspiration. The seven-film “Rated Lgbtq” series explores sexuality, gender, and identity on screen.

The Festival will also engage attendees with off-screen programming including “Story District Presents: God Loves You? True Stories about Faith and Sexuality,” an evening of true stories presented in partnership with Story District, and the 6th Annual Community Education Day on Arab Citizens of Israel. Kicked off by a screening of "Women in Sink," this day features in-depth conversations with Reem Younis, co-founder of Nazareth-based global high-tech company Alpha Omega, and Tziona Koenig-Yair, Israel’s first Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner.

A full Festival schedule can be found at www.wjff.org . Select highlights are included below:

Opening Night: "Baba Joon"

Opening Night features Israel’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award®, "Baba Joon," a tender tale of a generational divide and the immigrant experience. Yitzhak (Navid Negahban of Showtime’s Emmy Award-winning original series “Homeland”) runs the turkey farm his father built after they emigrated from Iran to Israel.

When his son Moti turns 13, Yitzhak teaches him the trade in hopes that he will take over the family business — but Moti’s dreams lie elsewhere. The arrival of an uncle from America further ratchets up the tension and the family’s tight bonds are put to the test. Opening Night will be held at the AFI Silver Theatre on Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. The Opening Night Party, with DirectorYuval Delshad, will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza immediately following the screening.

Closing Night : "A Tale of Love and Darkness"

Closing Night centers on Academy Award®-winning actress Natalie Portman in her debut as a director (and screenwriter) in a hauntingly beautiful adaptation of Amos Oz’s best-selling memoir, "A Tale of Love and Darkness." In this dream-like tale, Portman inhabits Fania—Oz’s mother—who brings up her son in Jerusalem during the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel. Dissatisfied with her marriage, and disoriented by the foreign land surrounding her, Fania escapes into elaborate, fanciful stories of make-believe — bringing her adoring, wide-eyed son along. Closing Night will be held at the Dcjcc on Sunday, March 6 at 6:45 p.m. Followed by a Closing Night Reception and the Audience Award Ceremony.

Wjff Visionary Award Presented to Armin Mueller-Stahl

The Wjff’s Annual Visionary Award recognizes creativity and insight in presenting the full diversity of the Jewish experience through moving image. The 2016 honoree is Armin Mueller-Stahl, who will join us for a special extended Q&A and the presentation of the Wjff Visionary Award. The award will be presented alongside a screening of Barry Levinson’s 1990 film "Avalon," an evocative, nostalgic film that celebrates the virtues of family life. “Avalon” begins with Jewish immigrant Sam Krichinsky (portrayed by Armin Mueller-Stahl) arriving in America on July 4th. He settles in Baltimore with his brothers and raises a family. Director Barry Levinson traces various transitions within the Krichinsky family and conveys his appreciation for the anxieties that afflict the suburban middle-class – and multiple generations of immigrants in particular.

Armin Mueller-Stahl is a German actor, painter, writer and musician. He began acting in East Berlin in 1950, winning the Gdr State Prize for his film work. By 1977, however, he was blacklisted by the communist regime due to his persistent activism in protesting government suppression of the arts. After relocating to the West in 1980, he starred in groundbreaking independent European films, such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s “Lola” and “Veronika Voss” and Agnieszka Holland’s “Angry Harvest.” He gained major recognition stateside with two radically different characterizations: an aging Nazi war criminal in Costa-Gavras’ “The Music Box” and Jewish grandpa Sam Krischinsky in Barry Levinson’s “Avalon.” He went on to earn an Oscar® nomination for his role in Scott Hicks’ Shine and appeared in such varied work as “Eastern Promises,” “The Game,” “The West Wing,” “The X Files” and “Knight of Cups.”

The Wjff Visionary Award program will take place at the AFI Silver Theatre on Thursday, March 3 at 6:45 p.m.

Spotlight Evening:

Compared to What? The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank

A polarizing, revolutionary, effective and a most-singular figure in American politics, Barney Frank shaped the debate around progressive values and gay rights in the U.S. Congress for over 40 years. A fresh and contemporary political drama with unparalleled access to one of Congress’ first openly gay Representatives and easily one of the most captivating public figures in recent memory.

Born Jewish, and a longtime friend to the Jewish community and supporter of Israel, Frank is refreshingly honest, likeable and passionate – a beacon of statesmanship that politicians and citizens alike, can look to for inspiration.

Screenings will take place on Tuesday, March 1st at the Avalon Theatre at 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, March 2 at the Dcjcc at 6:15 p.m. Both screenings followed by a discussion with Barney Frank, husband Jim Ready and filmmakers Sheila Canavan and Michael Chandler.

Spotlight Evening:

Gary Lucas’ Fleischerei: Music From Max Fleischer Cartoons

Celebrating the release of the titular album—on Silver Spring-based label Cuneiform—legendary guitarist Gary Lucas joins forces with Tony®-nominated singer and actress Sarah Stiles (Q Street,Hand to God) for a loving musical tribute to the swinging, jazzy soundtracks that adorned master animator Max Fleischer’s surreal, wacky and Yiddish-inflected "Betty Boop" and "Popeye" cartoons of the 1930’s.

Backed by the cartoons themselves, and the cream of NYC’s jazz performers (Jeff Lederer on reeds, Michael Bates on bass, Rob Garcia on drums and Mingus Big Band’s Joe Fiedler on trombone), Lucas and Stiles have a rare evening in store. Get ready for a swirling melting-pot of jungle-band jazz, Tin Pan Alley torch songs, raucous vaudeville turns, and Dixieland mixed with a pinch of Klezmer.

This event will take place at AFI Silver Theatre on Saturday, March 5 at 8:30 p.m.

Additional Films of Note

The Wjff will present the mid-Atlantic premiere of "Barash." In the film, seventeen-year-old Naama Barash enjoys drugs, alcohol and hanging out with like-minded friends. Her activities are an escape from a strained home life where her parents fight and her rebellious, army-enrolled sister wreaks havoc by dating a Palestinian before going Awol all together. As her parents fret about their older daughter’s disappearance, Naama meets a wild girl in school and discovers the intoxicating rush of first love. “Barash” will be screened three times during the festival, on February 27 at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema, on March 2 at 8:45 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre and on March 3 at 6:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema.

"Black Jews: The Roots of the Olive Tree" will have its World Premiere at Wjff. The documentary offers a fascinating exploration of African tribes with Jewish roots – in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon. Some claim to be descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes; others believe their ancestors were Jews who immigrated from Judea to Yemen. Far from a dry archaeological account, the film focuses on the modern-day personal and institutional practice of Judaism throughout Africa, as well as of recent African immigrants in Israel. This film will be screened on March 2 at 6:45 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and on March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at E Street Cinema.

The mid-Atlantic premiere of "Demon," from director Marcin Wrona, features a chilling, modern interpretation of the Dybbuk legend. Piotr’s joy at visiting his bride-to-be at her Polish home is quickly upended by his discovery of human bones on the property. Since his future father-in-law plans to gift the newlyweds the land, Piotr at first overlooks this ominous find. The disturbed spirit inhabiting these remains isn’t willing to let him off so easily however. Marcin Wrona’s wickedly sharp and creepy story of possession is set against a bacchanal celebration of blissful union. “Demon” will be screened on February 25th at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema and on March 1 at 9:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.

From Spain, the mid-Atlantic premiere of "Dirty Wolves" is a WWII thriller imbued with notes of magical realism. Director Simón Casal works in the Wolfram (aka tungsten) mines in rural Galicia. A ruthless Nazi brigade, intent on harvesting the rare metal to feed the Third Reich’s war machine, has captured the mines. When Manuela’s sister helps a Jewish prisoner cross the border to Portugal, they are unwittingly forced into a desperate test, which puts their survival squarely at odds with their sense of justice. “Dirty Wolves” will be screened on February 27 at 6:15 p.m. at West End Cinema, on March 1 at 8:45 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre and on March 2 at 6:45 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.

In "The Hebrew Superhero," directors Saul Betser and Asaf Galay examine how Israelis long shunned comics as something on the cultural fringe – they were deemed childish, trivial and, perhaps most cuttingly, un-Israeli. Shaul Betser and Asaf Galay (“The Muses of Isaac Bashevis Singer”) outline the medium’s origins, tracing its evolution from quirky upstart to an indelible reflection on the various forms of Israeli heroes. Featuring gorgeous animation and interviews with Daniella London Dekel, Etgar Keret and Dudu Geva, Wjff is presenting the mid-Atlantic premiere of this documentary, which will be screened on February 25 at 7:15 p.m. at the AFI Silver Theatre, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 3 at 8:30 p.m. at E Street Cinema.

Simone Veil’s intrepid fight to legalize abortion in France is brilliantly brought to life in "The Law." In 1974, Veil was charged with decriminalizing abortion and easing access to contraceptives. Facing strong opposition from politicians, an enraged public and the Catholic Church, Veil— an Auschwitz survivor—refused to give up. Fighting for justice amidst a swirl of anti-Semitic sentiment, sexism and personal attacks, her perseverance struck at the heart of national bigotry in a rallying cry for a woman’s right to choose. Wjff will present the D.C. premiere of this French film. It will be screened on February 25 at 8:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema, on February 29 at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema and on March 5 at 4:45 p.m. at the Dcjcc.

At 90, Miriam Beerman is a survivor. This groundbreaking artist and Potomac, Maryland resident has overcome personal tragedy to inspire friends, family, peers, patrons and students about how to remain defiant, creative and strong. Miriam has struggled with her artistic demons to create haunting images that evoke the suffering of generations of victims. "Miriam Beerman: Expressing the Chaosis" a memorable profile of an artist who has elevated her empathy for the plight of the world’s cast-offs into powerful portrayals of dignity. The Wjff is hosting the mid-Atlantic premiere of this documentary. Screenings will take place on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 3 at 6:15 p.m. at the Dcjcc.

Author and director David Bezmozgis brings his film "Natasha" to Wjff for its D.C. premiere. Adapting his prize-winning story collection,Natasha and Other Stories, to screen, Bezmogis delivers a tragic story of young love. Sixteen-year-old Mark Berman, the son of Latvian-Jewish immigrants, wiles away his hours reading Nietzsche, smoking pot and watching porn. His slacker lifestyle is upended when a 14-year-old hurricane, named Natasha, enters the picture. Drawn to her reckless ways and whispers of her promiscuous past, Mark enters an illicit romance with calamitous consequences. Screenings will take place on February 28 at 5:00 p.m. at West End Cinema, March 3 at 8:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 5 at 6:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.

If you believe the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach, "In Search of Israeli Cuisine" offers a delectable, eye-popping culinary journey through Israel is your personal valentine. Weaving through bustling markets, restaurants, kitchens and farms, we meet cooks, vintners and cheese makers drawn from the wide gamut of cultures making up Israel today — Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian and Druze. With James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov as your guide, get ready for a cinematic buffet that’s humorous, heady, and of course, delicious! Wjff will be showing the mid-Atlantic premiere of this new documentary. Screenings will take place on February 28 at 5:15 p.m. at E Street Cinema, March 1 at 8:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the Dcjcc.

A complete festival schedule can be found online at www.wjff.org...

One of the first congressmen to come out and widely blamed for the financial crisis, Frank is a fascinating subject – but this documentary misses the mark

Barney Frank, the former Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, is a hero to many – including me. Not only did he come out of the closet in the 80s, one of the first congressmen to do so, but he was a staunch and powerful voice for liberalism in America. As anyone who ever caught him on CNN, MSNBC, Real Time with Bill Maher or even Fox News, where he was a constant presence, knows, Frank was a colorful character. Irascible and unkempt, Frank has, as Rachel Maddow put it upon his retirement in 2013, “a sense of humour he wields like a wrecking ball”.

Considering his outsize personality and his considerable legislative accomplishments during a 40-year career, you would think that Frank would be an excellent subject...

Showtime has announced a slate of new documentaries that will premiere in the fall - each offering uncensored looks at public figures like Marlon Brando, Jimi Hendrix, Suge Knight, Barney Frank and Warren Jeffs, as well as in-depth interviews with all 12 living CIA directors, who give unprecedented access to the inner-workings of America's most powerful spy network. Of note are: - "Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church" premieres Friday, September 4th at 9 p.m. (Et/Pt). The new documentary chronicles Hendrix's largest ever U.S. performance at the massive Atlanta Pop Music Festival in July 1970 with never-before-seen concert footage of the icon in action. Standout performances...

Sorry, Netflix — Barney Frank is not subscribing for the fourth season of “House of Cards.” The former member of the U.S. House of Representatives told Conan O’Brien on Thursday that the streaming drama is his least favorite TV representation of domestic politics. “I’m a great believer in free speech,” Frank told the TBS host, “but if I was going to make an exception, I would ban ‘House of Cards’ from being shown.” Also Read: Ice Cube ‘About to Kick Somebody’s Ass’ at DirecTV, TWC Over Dodgers TV Carriage Dispute (Video) “It is the most inaccurate, misleading,...

The 4th annual Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff), scheduled for November 12-16, 2014, announced its Narrative and Documentary feature film competition lineups as well as Jury members. The 2014 Festival will screen 22 feature films in competition. The full film program line-up, including out-of-competition special presentations, sneak previews of awards season contenders, and narrative, documentary and animated shorts, will be announced in September.

“Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who have suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said Co-Founder/Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous and big hearted way. As they say in the business, the show must go on.”

“This is an exceptionally strong year for both the Narrative and Documentary competition programs,” said Program Director Herb Stratford. “These filmmakers have created new works that provoke, inspire, educate and entertain. They are the heart of our program each year, which includes more than 100 new independent films and advance studio screenings, and we are excited to announce their participation in the festival.”

Directors of the Narrative and Documentary films in competition participate in Nvff’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented in partnership with the incomparable Meadowood Napa Valley. Directors stay at the luxury resort for six nights during the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors. Serving as faculty for a set of Master Classes at Nvff 2014 are producer Ted Hope ( Adventureland, 21 Grams); writer/director Joshua Michael Stern (Jobs, Swing Vote) writer/director Joe Carnahan (The Blacklist; The Grey, Smokin’ Aces); producer Pam Koffler (Killer Films); and producer J. Todd Harris ( The Kids are All Right; Bottle Shock); Ryan Harrington (Tribeca Film Institute); producer Jason Berman (Struck by Lightning, Luv); producer Anne Carey (Archer Gray Productions); executives Tom Quinn (RADiUS) and David Glasser (The Weinstein Company). Meadowood Napa Valley will also award $10,000 to the winning filmmakers in both the Narrative and Documentary competition categories at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 16.

Narrative Competition Section

Films in the Narrative competition section feature actors Anne Hathaway, Billie Joe Armstrong, Elizabeth Banks, Tate Donovan, Rachael Harris, Zoe Kravitz, Stephen Lang, Leighton Meester, Debra Messing, Dev Patel, Kyra Sedgwick, Chloe Sevigny and Paul Wesley, among others. The 12 films selected include:

"Thank You A Lot"- Music agent and manager Jack Hand has a bad reputation and an even worse track record. He has only two clients left: an indie band on the verge of a breakup and a part-time hip-hop artist. Jack’s future hinges on signing the one person he is barely on speaking terms with — his estranged father, a respected and reclusive country singer/songwriter. "East Side Sushi"- Juana‘s work – preparing fruit for the family’s sidewalk cart – is steady, but hardly her life’s calling. Despite the objections and concerns of her family, Juana decides to pursue her dream of becoming an expert sushi chef, to go where her heart tells her, not where she is expected to be. "Fall To Rise" - Principal dancer Lauren Drake is beautiful, talented and famous. When Lauren is released from her company after being sidelined by an injury, she quickly becomes frustrated with her new domestic lifestyle. At a performance by another dance company, she meets and teams up with Des, a former dancer who is also eager to have a second chance in the dance world. "Little Accidents" (Isa: William Morris Endeavor Entertainment) - In a small West Virginia town reeling from a recent tragic accident in the local mine, a fresh unfortunate incident in the woods leaves a young boy dead. Meanwhile Owen, an injured miner struggling to adjust to his new life aboveground, joins the search for the first boy who is presumed lost in the woods. "Like Sunday, Like Rain" - Reggie Kipper is a sweet, awkward cello prodigy, a composer and overall genius. He’s about to graduate from high school and enroll at MIT — and he’s is only twelve years old. Eleanor Fallon is a 23-year old struggling musician who meets Reggie when she is hired to be his au pair, and the unlikely duo embarks on a summer adventure that neither of them ever expected. "Sun Belt Express"- Allen King, a man living on the Arizona/Mexico border, finds out what his breaking point is when his ex-wife demands money, and his job teaching at a college south of the border evaporates. Allen then finds a unique way to supplant his income by transporting illegal aliens in the trunk of his car. "Sam & Amira" (Isa: Preferred Entertainment) - Sam is an army veteran struggling to assimilate into normal life stateside. He works a variety of odd jobs, tries his hand at stand-up comedy, and is recruited by his cousin into some shady investment dealings. Sam’s already complicated life is made more so by Amira, an Iraqi woman dealing with her own issues who is the daughter of an old army colleague. "Song One" (Isa: Lotus Entertainment) - Estranged from her family, Franny returns home when an accident leaves her brother comatose. Retracing his life as an aspiring singer-songwriter, she tracks down his favorite musician, James Forester. Against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s music scene, Franny and James develop an unexpected relationship and face the realities of their lives. "The Road Within" (Isa: Panorama Media) - Vincent has Tourette Syndrome. When his mother dies, he becomes obsessed with scattering her ashes by the ocean. Too much for his father to handle, Vincent is sent to a residential treatment center in Nevada where he befriends two other “inmates” struggling with their own personal issues. "Kinderwald" - Pennsylvania wilderness, 1885. John Linden, a hard-working German immigrant, is making a go of homesteading with his brother’s widow and her two young sons. John’s visually and spiritually idyllic world is thrown into utter chaos when the two boys go missing while off playing in the woods. "Wildlike" (Isa: Panorama Media) - Mackenzie is a fourteen-year-old girl whose father died last year. When her struggling mother checks herself into a recovery center, Mackenzie is sent from their Seattle home to live with her uncle in Alaska. At first he seems a supportive caretaker, but when his infatuation crosses a sexual line, Mackenzie runs away. With no one else to turn to, she shadows a solitary backpacker, Bartlett, a widowed man with scars of his own, into the beauty and danger of America’s last frontier.

Documentary Competition Section

"American Native" - For years, the legend of the Jackson Whites tribe has been told, passed down from generation to generation of New Jersey suburbanites. While the garish stories and tall tales have never been hard to find, the truth behind them has. Accessing the community is not easy; few outsiders have been able to penetrate the insular walls formed from centuries of discrimination. "Botso" - Dr. Botso Korisheli, 91 and still teaching music along with his unique philosophy, has a fascinating and unforgettable life story. Born in the former Soviet State of Georgia, Botso witnessed his father imprisoned under orders from Josef Stalin while his home was taken over by the Kgb. Forced to dig ditches for the Soviet army, Botso was then captured by the Germans. "Flying The Feathered Edge" - Robert A. “Bob” Hoover, age 92, is considered by many to be our greatest living aviator. Nicknamed “The Pilot’s Pilot” by his peers, Bob is largely unknown outside aviation circles despite his staggering array of accomplishments. Following a storied career during WWII as a fighter pilot, Bob continued to serve for years as one of our best test pilots. Mr. Hoover will be in attendance for screenings and Q&As. "Happy Valley" (Isa: Submarine Entertainment) - Few sports dynasties in the modern era have had a larger and longer-lasting profile than college football’s Penn State and its legendary coach Joe Paterno. State College, Pennsylvania, is in the heart of an area known as Happy Valley, ground zero of a proud football tradition for decades. When the shocking sex abuse scandal of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky rocked that town and college in 2011, the impact was unprecedented. "Havana Curveball" - At age 13 and preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, Mica takes to heart his rabbi’s injunction to help “heal the world.” Mica imagines himself a hero for other kids, and hatches a grand plan to send baseballs, bats and gloves to Cuba. Mica knows only that Cubans are poor and love baseball, and that Cuba “saved” his grandpa’s life when he was escaping from Nazi Germany. "States of Grace" - Dr. Grace Dammann’s life was forever altered when a driver crashed head-on into her car on the Golden Gate Bridge. After a seven-week coma and numerous surgeries, Grace miraculously regained consciousness, with her cognitive abilities almost entirely intact, but her body left shattered and severely disabled. "Underwater Dreams" - The epic story of four teenage boys from the Arizona desert who dare to go up against college engineering students from MIT. Inspired by two energetic high school science teachers, the boys build a robot from hardware store parts and enter an underwater robotics competition sponsored by Nasa. "An Honest Liar" - For as long as there have been magicians and illusionists, there have been doubters and debunkers making sure that the general public doesn’t get taken for a ride. One of the greatest illusionists of his era was “The Amazing Randi,” who made the shift from magic and escape acts to exposing the frauds who prey on unsuspecting victims. "Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank" (Isa: Preferred Content) - Few members of the U.S. Congress have ever been as polarizing and revolutionary as Barney Frank has been over the past 40 years. Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank examines the career, passions and legacy of our first openly gay Congressman. This rare and intimate documentary is entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking. "#chicagoGirl: The Social Network Takes On A Dictator" (Isa: Preferred Content) - In #chicagoGirl, we meet freedom fighters in the streets of Homs and Damascus along with the stateside collection of exiles working to return Syria to a stable and human rights-respecting country. Will 21st century tools of change stand up to guns and violence and terror in the streets? Narrative Features Jury

Christine Vachon , (Producer, "Boys Don’t Cry," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," "Far From Heaven")

Peter Baxter ( Co-founder/Director Slamdance Film Festival)

Dierk Sinderman (Hollywood Foreign Press Association)

Lisa Truitt ( Producer, James Cameron’s "Deepsea Challenge 3D,""Mysteries of Egypt")

Don Lewis (Producer; Editor Film Threat)

Documentary Features and Shorts Jury

Morgan Neville ("Twenty Feet From Stardom")

Tiffany Shlain ("The Tribe; Connected: An Autobiography About Love," "Death & Technology")

Freida Lee Mock ("Anita. G-Dog,""Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision," "Return with Honor")

Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine ("Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden,""Ballets Russes").

Narrative Shorts Jury

Joshua Michael Stern ("Jobs,""Swing Vote," "Neverwas")

Ralph Macchio (Actor, "The Karate Kid;" Director, "Across Grace Alley")

Neil Berkeley ("Beauty in Embarrassing;" Founder Brkl)

Animated Shorts

Bill Plympton (The King of Indie Animation)

Adam Glick (Amazon Web Services)

Ryan Tudhope (Atomic Fiction)

About The Napa Valley Film Festival

The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The ultimate celebration of film, food and wine, Nvff lights up the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga at the most colorful time of year. Nvff features over 100 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in 12 beautiful venues throughout four walkable villages, as 300 visiting filmmakers interact with audiences at screenings and intimate events. Attendees enjoy film panels & culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, the spectacular Festival Gala, Celebrity Tributes, Awards Ceremony, and an array of parties, VIP receptions and winemaker dinners and more. For information or to buy passes, visit NapaValleyFilmFest.org...

As aftershocks continue to rock California’s wine country, the Napa Valley Film Festival unveiled its competition lineup today. “Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who has suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said fest Co-Founder/Artistic Director Marc Lhormer of Sunday’s temblor, the Bay Area’s biggest in a quarter-century. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous and big hearted way. As they say in the business, the show must go on.” Here is the schedule of narrative and docu features vying for awards at the fourth annual event, which runs November 12-16 in Napa:

Narrative Competition Section

Thank You A Lot – Music agent and manager Jack Hand has a bad reputation and an even worse track record. He has only two clients left: an indie band on the verge of a...

Birthday shoutouts go to Tim McGraw (above), who is 47, Rita Coolidge is 69, Judy Collins is 75, and Joanna Lumley is 68.

Kristin Chenoweth will star as Maleficent in Disney Channel’s upcoming live-action TV movie Descendants.

Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Black Attend First Event as a Couple!

Tyler Glenn talks to NewNowNext about coming out.

Barney Frank talks to Seth Myers. “By the time I retired, there was still a disparity between the popularity of being gay and the popularity of being a politician. But it had flipped. My marriage polled better than my service as a committee chairman.”

Mariah Carey has titled her new album Me. I Am Mariah …The Elusive Chanteuse. She tries to explain herself. I love how she says “Please don’t judge me for such a simplistic title, cmon, I was just three and a half.” So … how old was she when she came up with the album titles “Music Box,...

News

It’s official, Gwen Stefani will be a judge on The Voice next season, replacing Christina Aguilera, who is pregnant. Aguilera will return to The Voice next season.

We have the first cancellation leading in to the May upfronts as Fox has let the axe fall on the futuristic, hunktastic buddy cop show Almost Human. While ratings were good enough to merit a second season, apparently there was no room for the show with so many other dramas renewed and three strong drama pilots. I’m a little sad to think that we’ll never see Michael Ealy ask Karl Urban where he can stick his fingers without invading personal space.

My TV’s going to miss these faces.

A beloved Game of Thrones character made his last appearance of the season this past Sunday.

A&E has ordered ten episodes of an English-language remake of French hit Les...

Spotify helps you find the words, in bed late with Parker Young, Russia considers outlawing swearing

Coldplay’s Christ Martin is a big fan of One Direction, especially Harry Styles. ”I think One Direction are the biggest band in the world, their songs are great. I’m saying One Direction are brilliant and I’m not kidding. You know why? Because their songs are really good and I don’t think that any of them are going to go solo. I think they appreciate their chemistry from watching their movie… Harry has come to a couple of our shows, I think I probably said the same thing about chemistry. I can’t remember – I was too enamoured with his hair cut. I was like this, ‘I was pretty sure I was a straight guy before’ – I was having a hot flush.”

In sad news, after failing to find a buyer,...

News

Craig Ferguson announced that he is stepping down from The Late Late Show. His last show will come at the end of the year, which means CBS’ late night will get a complete reboot in 2015. Ferguson will walk away with the longest run as Late Late Show host, having been on the show for ten years, beating Tom Snyder‘s four years and Craig Kilborn‘s five (yes, just five, it only felt like it would never end). At least four late night talk shows (both of CBS’ shows, The Colbert Report and Chelsea Lately) will be different next year. So far we only know who will take over one of those shows.

We’re finally getting more episodes of HBO’s lamented one season wonder The Comeback. E! reports that a six episode “event series” is about to start filming. Series co creator Michael Patrick King will return...

When introducing the world premiere of their documentary Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank at Tribeca, co-directors Sheila Canavan and Michael Chandler told the audience that they had asked Barney Frank for access to follow him "everywhere but the bathroom" and that the now-former congressman lived up to his end of the arrangement. It even allowed the filmmakers to shoot his 2012 wedding, which made Frank the first member of congress to marry someone of the same sex. The film is a positive portrayal of the politician, but based on Frank's and husband Jim Ready's

read more...

Congressman Barney Frank was best known for his significant status as the first openly gay U.S. Congressman, but he was also known for his quick wit and sharp tongue. Infusing his political influence with his own unique personality, directors Sheila Canavan and Michael Chandler's documentary "Compared to What? The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank" manage to get some insight into the complexities behind this politically groundbreaking man. Tell us about yourselves. Sheila Canavan was born and raised in Boston. Mike Chandler was raised in Portland, Maine. Sheila produced, and Mike directed the award-winning "Knee Deep." Together, we directed and produced "Compared to What." "Compared to What" is Sheila's directorial debut. Mike has produced, written and directed numerous documentaries and edited features including "Amadeus," "Never Cry Wolf" and "Mishima." Sheila’s other film work includes "Yosemite: The Fate of Heaven" and "Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter’s Journey." What was your.

New York, March 29: Alec Baldwin, who is trying to make amends towards the gay community after hurling homophobic slurs at a photographer, will apparently not be forgiven that easily.

Baldwin is trying to mend ways by producing a documentary about openly gay former congressman Barney Frank, who he claims is a personal hero of his, the New York Post reported.

However, gay rights activist Allen Roskoff believes that producing the show is simply an act and damage control on Baldwin's part.

She also scoffed at Baldwin's claims, saying all of a sudden the '30 Rock' star has a gay hero who wasn't there when he was screaming.

Prop 8 supporting Mozilla CEO under pressure to resign, Bill Donahue admits NYC Pride bid was a scam, let’s take a “#Dickpic”

Cameron Monaghan is set to star in the reboot of Amityville, which is a pretty high profile project for our little Ian to headline. He’s tweeting that he thinks they can make something that can scare even today’s jaded audiences. Since he’s costarring with Bella Thorne, that’s the most red hair in a horror movie since It.

Can you guess which zodiac sign is most likely to make a sex tape? I’ll give you a hint: It’s my sign, and I guess evidence would point to the story being true.

In his speech in Brussels, President Obama says Russia should be protecting the Lgbt community, not persecuting it. “Instead of targeting our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, we can use our laws to protect their rights.

Kevin Spacey, Ron Howard, Michael Douglas and Aaron Sorkin are just a few of the big names who will be part of the Tribeca Film Festival's 2014 Tribeca Talks and Tribeca Innovation Week's Future of Film series, the festival announced today. Also on tap is Thelma Schoonmaker, Skip Lievsay, Lee Daniels, Terence Winter; Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin, and David Simon. A few non-industry legends will be around to talk as well: Congressman Barney Frank, and legendary boxers Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Tff also unveiled four new documentaries world premiering at the Festival: "Now: In the Wings on a World Stage," "The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin," "Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank" and "Champs," as well as the previously announced "Food Chains," "Supermensch" and the tenth anniversary screening of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."  They will each screen as part of the Tribeca Talks: After the...

The Tribeca Film Festival unveiled its lineup for the 2014 Tribeca Talks and Tribeca Innovation Week’s Future of Film series. The festival, which is marking its 13th edition, will feature conversations with Kevin Spacey, Ron Howard, Michael Douglas, Aaron Sorkin, Thelma Schoonmaker, Skip Lievsay, Lee Daniels, Terence Winter, Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin, David Simon, former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and boxers Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. The Tribeca Talks panels and events will run during the festival from April 16-27 at locations around New

read more...

Top brass at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival (Tff) have announced the line-up for the 2014 Tribeca Talks and Tribeca Innovation Week’s four-day Future Of Film series.

The Tribeca Talks panels and events will run during the 13th edition of Tff that runs from April 16-27.

Tff also unveiled four new documentaries that will receive their world premiere at the festival: Now – In The Wings On A World Stage, The Rise And Rise Of Bitcoin, Compared To What: The Improbable Journey Of Barney Frank and Champs, as well as Food Chains, Supermensch, and the tenth anniversary screening of Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.

Each will screen as part of the Tribeca Talks: After The Movie series.

This year’s series incudes the Tribeca Talks: Directors Series featuring on-stage conversations with Ron Howard and Lee Daniels, as well as Tribeca Talks: Industry Conversations and Tribeca Talks: Pen To Paper exploring subjects related to screenwriting.

“With these talks...

Top brass at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival (Tff) have announced the line-up for the 2014 Tribeca Talks and Tribeca Innovation Week’s four-day Future Of Film series.

The Tribeca Talks panels and events will run during the 13th edition of Tff that runs from April 16-27.

Tff also unveiled four new documentaries that will receive their world premiere at the festival: Now – In The Wings On A World Stage, The Rise And Rise Of Bitcoin, Compared To What: The Improbable Journey Of Barney Frank and Champs, as well as Food Chains, Supermensch, and the tenth anniversary screening of Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.

Each will screen as part of the Tribeca Talks: After The Movie series.

This year’s series incudes the Tribeca Talks: Directors Series featuring on-stage conversations with Ron Howard and Lee Daniels, as well as Tribeca Talks: Industry Conversations and Tribeca Talks: Pen To Paper exploring subjects related to screenwriting.

“With these talks...

NBA Commissioner says NBA shouldn’t be proud of Jason Collins, Max Carver subject of prison rape jokes in GTA: Give Me Liberty, Jane Lynch guesting on Girl Meets World

Paula Deen recently scored a $75 million investment to rebuild her empire after losing all her endorsements after admitting to using the n-word. And she didn’t seem to learn her lesson about keeping her mouth shut. She thinks her comeback is a lot like what Michael Sam is facing in the NFL. “I feel like ‘embattled’ or ‘disgraced’ will always follow my name. It’s like that black football player who recently came out. He said, ‘I just want to be known as a football player. I don’t want to be known as a gay football player.’ I know exactly what he’s saying.” No, Paula, you treated human beings without dignity and faced the consequences, he’s an...

Full disclaimer: I’ve lived in Oxford, Mississippi and have attended the festival for the past 3 years. As a result, I know many of the local filmmakers pretty well, and, as an act of both preventing an explicit conflict of interest while not punishing those who’ve befriended me, the following reviews will be presented with a minimum of evaluative language. Instead, these articles will seek to promote the Oxford Film Festival in the context of acknowledging Mississippi’s willingness to both create and screen its own brand of independent film.

For those who seek it, the small college town of Oxford in north Mississippi can be a mecca of creative culture. Bars pump out hipsters, both good and bad, the local music scene dominated by local label Fat Possum and the satellite bands and music types. The literary scene is just as prominent, although academic and reserved. Nearly weekly...

Utah flails around for stay of marriage equality as hundreds marry, gay life in Sochi, Matt Bomer Christmas cards

Charlie Sheen unleashed a rant on Phil Robertson via Twitter that is pretty epic. For a medium that specializes in 140 characters, Sheen went on for quite a while, but the beginning starts out with “Hey Mallard brained Phil Robertso! you have offended and hurt so many dear friends of mine, who Do Not have the voice or the outreach that I do. I will speak loudly and clearly for All of them, adding, “So, just when your desperately sub evolved a** thought the pressure was off, you are now in the crosshairs of a MaSheen style media beat down.”

Darren Stein, the director for beloved teen movie G.B.F. is fairly upset that the MPAA recently rated his film “R.” “I always thought of G.B.F. as a PG-13 movie. Unfortunately we were...

On Friday's 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, it's only natural to dwell on how the tragedy affected the nation. But while we remember and pay tribute to the charismatic 35th President half a century later, it is also relevant to assess the Kennedy legacy and look forward. The Kennedy family has shaped the politics, news and minds of America. Their power and allure continues with the new generation of Kennedys. JFK's grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews are making names for themselves in a variety of fields. Read on to learn more about the most recent...

News

Now, that’s how you want to celebrate an iconic show’s 50th anniversary. The son of Anthony Coburn, who wrote the very first episode of Doctor Who, claims he owns the rights to the Tardis, the iconic police call box used to travel through space and time. He claims his dad gave the BBC informal permission to use the idea but that ended with his father’s death in 1977.

The CW has ordered a full season of its new dramas — The Originals, , The Tomorrow People and Reign. That last one is a bit of a surprise, since Reign has lost a lot of The Vampire Diaries‘ viewers (apparently, its ratings are consistent with or without the Tvd lead-in and there are a lot of online viewers only The CW can measure).

Sure, the writing on The Tomorrow People has me rolling my eyes, but it also has a...

This morning at 12:01 a.m., New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize gay marriage. From Newark to Atlantic City, it’s official. Time for a celebratory stupor that Princeton alum F. Scott Fitzgerald would be proud of!

To honor New Jersey’s big day, we’re naming 15 ways to celebrate with the help of some of its most glamorous alums. To get the full effect, please nod slowly and say “I do” to all 15.

1. Enjoy Nick Jonas’ fine physique, as he grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

2. Let Dionne Warwick, an East Orange native, soothe your soul with the drama of “Heartbreaker.”

3. Shout down naysayers with Barney Frank, a native of Bayonne.

4. Have a good cry with Summit-born Meryl Streep.

5. Let Whitney Houston unleash your glee, as she’s from Newark and grew up in East Orange.

(And enjoy her duet with Dionne of “That’s What Friends...

Cover your eyes, "House of Cards" fans. Former Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) likely won't be joining your next watch party.

In a Sunday op-ed for the Portland Press Herald, Frank flatly said the show is not how Washington works.

"Having watched several episodes, I agree that it is well acted," Frank said. "My problem is that it might mislead people into thinking that this is the way our political system actually works."

Frank also revealed his preference for "The West Wing," crediting that show as a "far better portrayal" because "the characters made mistakes, were occasionally wrong in their judgments, failed to anticipate important events, and were often troubled by doubts."

After serving more than three decades in Congress, Frank retired at the end of his term in January. In a June 2013 interview with the Huffington Post, he vowed not to return to Massachusetts politics as governor, saying there is...

Bill Maher opened the panel discussion on his show tonight taking on the "huge verbal slapfight" between Chris Christie and Rand Paul that Maher believed was an important "fight for the soul of the Republican party" over national security. He and the panel largely came down on Paul's side in that fight, but former Democratic congressman Barney Frank expressed his personal outrage with...

News

The magnificent Trevor Donovan has been cast for a guest role on Drop Dead Diva, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Apparently his role involves dropping his pants in the courtroom, which is always a good idea for Donovan’s characters.

Fox president Kevin Reilly said that he sees Glee ending at the end of its sixth season saying, “there’s two very clear arcs to get to that end and conclude.” However, he added he could see the show lasting beyond that if a new breakout star is found.

Whew. Syfy has picked up the third season of Continuum. I don’t have to figure out how to follow it without a U.S. broadcaster.

Brace yourselves, Fox is planning on adapting Broadchurch. From what I’ve heard about the original, that could be a challenge. Besides, I’m having a hard time imagining Fox coming up with casting as exciting as David Tennant,...

Barney Frank wants to wait on an executive order preventing discrimination, Carver twins are The Leftovers, the Gay Online Rejection Tutorial

If you were wondering what Rick Santorum was up to, if you guessed becoming a film mogul, you were correct. He’s now CEO of EchoLight Studios, which has raised $20 million to release faith-based and family films. Calling Kirk Cameron!

New documents obtained by the Associated Press should kill the IRS scandal, because the IRS wasn’t just singling out the Tea Party for extra scrutiny, but also groups with “progressive” and “occupy” in their names. So basically, they were looking more closely at groups with an obvious political slant that should never have been tax exempt in the first place, on both sides of the political spectrum.

Taco Bell has begun testing a new “Power Protein” menu aimed at health conscious customers. Every item on the menu will...

Barney Frank supports non-glbt inclusive immigration bill, Justin Bieber requires a waiver to party, and Derek has a bad day on Teen Wolf.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have dropped $26.5 million on a 10,000 square foot home in Montecito, making them neighbors of Oprah. The property is stunning, with ocean views everywhere, 13 acres, what appears to be a wall with an actual portcullis, and nine fireplaces. This is their ninth home.

Just hours before the Boy Scouts vote to allow open scouting for junior members, the organization’s president says that the new policy is the right thing to do. Wayne Perry says “While some people wish the proposed resolution would go further, it was clear from our listening phase that changing adult standards would have conflicted with the majority of our partners, 70% of which are religious organizations, and would have disrupted our ability to deliver Scouting. Conversely, some have...

After 24 years of an early summer schedule (either in June or July), New York's Lgbt film showcase NewFest is moving to September for its quarter-century edition. This year's festival will take place September 6-11. The switch comes a year after the festival was taken over by its Los Angeles counterpart Outfest, with the intent to eventually create a national Lgbt media arts organization. The merger is expected to be complete by next year. Here's the press release: It’s NewFest’s 25th anniversary: Celebrate with us this September! The world of 1987 seems far away — we were deep in the years of the health crisis, and Act Up was first being organized in New York. It was the year Barney Frank, an obscure Congressman from Massachusetts in his 4th term, came out publicly. And it was the year NewFest, New York’s Lgbt Film Festival, was founded by Susan Horowitz, John Lewis and Daryl Chin.

Ex-congressman Barney Frank faced off with Bill O'Reilly tonight over his politicization of the Boston bombings with statements like "no tax cut" would have made recovery efforts any better. Frank argued that just because there is a horrible, tragic event in the news doesn't mean that all political debate should stop entirely, but O'Reilly told him that he unnecessarily divided the country at a time when it needed to come together.

Former Rep. Barney Frank (D-ma), who served his Massachusetts District in Congress for 32 years before retiring this year, spoke to MSNBC host Alex Wagner on Friday about the ongoing manhunt for the surviving alleged bomber of the Boston Marathon. Frank said that, just like in Texas where two prosecutors have recently been murdered, the Boston attacks are a reminder that there are “morally deformed” people among us. He said that this fact is “not new.”...

Recently ex-Congressman Barney Frank is one of my all-time favorite liberal lions (look up "off-the-cuff" in the dictionary and there’s Barney), but liberals who go to town on the likes of Todd Akin, Ben Carson and company for all-star ignorance, have to hold people on the same side of their ideological fence to the same standard when engaging in ignorance. And boy did Barney Frank step in it Tuesday in an appearance on MSNBC.

Former Rep. Barney Frank (D-ma), speaking with MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts on Tuesday, made the case that the government needs to raise tax rates and generate more federal revenue in order to ensure Massachusetts does not have to pay for the post-Boston Marathon Bombing rebuilding effort. Roberts expressed his concern that Frank was politicizing the deadly attack less than 24-hours after the fact.

Here is last week's caption pic winner. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.

Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...

"Why am I getting in shape? I've booked a session with Brody."

Thanks to Rayban for this week's winning caption!

Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Ewan McGregor (above) is 42, Barney Frank is 73, Richard Chamberlain is 79, Tracy Chapman is 49, Lucy Lawless is 45, and Amy Sedaris is 52. In ratings news, American Idol hit a series low..Michelle Shocked Continues to UnravelBeyonce and 32 Other Celebs Who Have Supported The Lgbt CommunityWhy You're a 'Faggot', and the etymology/history/mythology surrounding other words used to describe gay men.HBO has announced that True Blood will return on June 16th with a shortened Season Six (because of Anna Paquin's pregnancy, not because last season stunk.

So there I am, about to do a column themed to last Sunday’s episode of The Good Wife, when the telephone rings. It’s my main DNA-sharer and in the course of the ensuing chat, I mention the column idea and while we talk he does a Google search and – egad! – the digital oracle indicates that my premise is wrong.

Thank whatever benevolence caused Larry to call when he did, even if that benevolence is, in this instance, blind coincidence, because I really dislike being ignorant in print.

What I was going to impart to you is that on the aforementioned television program, a quiet revolution occurred. The title character, who is admirable and capable and sympathetic, came out of the ecclesiastical closet and pronounced herself an atheist. My thesis: with non-Caucasian and gay characters pretty common on the tube these days, the last barrier is the religious one.