Hey, blogosphere. As a resident of Los Angeles, you meet a lot of different kinds of people and learn, sooner than some other folks, that basically we're all just people and there's no reason to go throwing stones over our differences. Seems FOX NEWS could use a lesson in good behavior after bashing America's Next Top Model transgender contestant Isis.

Gay, straight, bi, transgender or closeted Martian, we've all got room to get along.

New York, NY, August 14, 2008 – On August 14, Fox News Channel aired a crude and obnoxious segment concerning the recent announcement of America's Next Top Model's first-ever transgender contestant. Isis, who will begin appearing on the new cycle of the popular CW program when it premieres on September 3, was interviewed exclusively in the current issue of Us Weekly. Fox News anchor Gregg Jarrett and Us Weekly Editor-at-Large Ian Drew spent the segment gratuitously insulting the America's Next Top Model contestant, using dehumanizing terminology, inaccurate and inappropriate pronouns and offensive references to her anatomy. While laughing and joking, Jarrett mocked Isis' description of herself as a woman whose "cards were dealt differently," and said, "That's an understatement!" Drew referred to recent instances of transgender visibility on reality television as "The Crying Game '08," going on to call the show "America's Next Top Tranny." Drew then said that she doesn't look any different from other contestants because "they are not exactly the most high-class group of women." Throughout the segment, Jarrett switched back and forth between male and female pronouns, and both Jarrett and Drew suggested that Isis "fooled" people by "blending in."

They went on to make crude remarks about her genitalia and the pitch of her voice. Soon after the segment aired, GLAAD contacted both Fox News Channel and Us Weekly, calling on both to apologize.

Us Weekly issued the following statement: "We apologize if any group was offended by our editor's comments as it was by no means his intention." Fox News did not respond.

The segment can be viewed on YouTube. Please contact Fox News Channel and call on them to apologize for these obnoxious, insulting and dehumanizing comments.

        

Okay, so the headline's a little too sensational. Sue me.

Writer pal Julie O'Hora's friend Deborah Chesher, the photographer behind the rock-doc photography book EVERYBODY I SHOT IS DEAD, is selling a number of her limited and open edition photos of popular musicians at reduced rates to help fund her daughter's brain surgery.

I've never met Deborah or her daughter, who, by all counts is one of the brightest UC Berkeley undergrads y'ever did meet... but I'm passing the link along in case anyone's interested in one of her works.

http://everybodyishotisdead.blogspot.com/2008/08/brain-surgery.html

        

Allee Willis, the pied piper of new media (or she would be if she was trying to get you to follow her instead of your own creative gut) just debuted her latest work last night at a huge party at her pad.

Behold... Editing is Cool.

        

A hearty handshake and a slap on the back to Joe Lawrence on his new job.  Way to go, Joe.

        

Just read that VIACOM's won a court order that'll force YouTube to hand over a list of all-things-Viacom ever uploaded or viewed by YouTube users.

Any videos of uncertain origin have been removed from the blog today as a precaution.  I am so anti-piracy, it's bananas... and better safe than sorry if some content from heaven-knows-where turns out to be Viacom's --- I'd hate for Mr. Redstone to have to get all Metallica-RIAA lawsuity on my keester.

Be safe out there, surfers.  And I encourage you to flock to content offered freely by its creators.  Anyone seen a good episode of Powerloafing online lately?

        

Super-collabo-friend Allee Willis's site just went explosivo with a new look and lots of new content. If you've never been there or haven't seen it in a while, get thee to www.alleewillis.com.

It'll shake your brain until the good stuff floats to the top.

        

James Gunn's new project for XBox live went public last week. I had a great time as first AD for JG, this being my third project with him and producer Stephen Blackehart.

Offbeat and full of campy gore, Humanzee's at once poignant and puke-inspiring. Enjoy.

        

If you read this blog (does anyone read this blog?), you hear me mention Full Sail Universty quite a bit. Here's a video glimpse into my alma mater, now grown into an even more hulking, brain-smashing temple of technological wonderment.

Interviewed here is Garry Jones, one of the founders and easily one of the top ten most influential people in both my career and the way I approach life.

        

Another informative video for those with an interest in writing for reality tv.