Friday, September 17, 2010

Gaga for Gaga



Yes, yes.  There are plenty of reasons why I shouldn't be so gaga for Gaga: she pushes the envelope to such extremes that everyone is offended by something she's done.

Yet.

I love her brashness, how far she pushes gender bending and asexuality, and that she's not afraid to be overtly political.

This week, she got my attention again when she attended the Video Music Awards escorted by United States servicemen and women discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell.

The video song above is from her performance last fall at the annual Human Rights Campaign dinner.  She followed President Obama, and frankly, put him to shame.  Towards the end, she changes the lyrics of Lennon's "Imagine":
It isn't equal if it's sometimes

I want a real democracy
Imagine all the people
Could love equally
The last time I paid serious attention to the VMAs, the big political statement to watch for was who was wearing the red AIDs ribbons.  Of course, Gaga's star could quickly fade, but at least she's using her fifteen minutes to draw attention to issues she cares about.  And yes, I love her music, too.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Lipstick LobbyList 9.14.2010

A fantastic way to celebrate ninety years of women's suffrage: women legislators hitting the campaign trail for other women.  This is particularly timely given reports like these continue to persist: Number of Female Chiefs of Staff in Congressional Offices Remains Deficient.



Some things never change in Texas: a men only fundraiser for Gov. Perry. "Yes, because that's how Rick Perry thinks things work here in Texas. If you're a woman, you speak when spoken to, eat when your husband's done eating, and certainly don't have enough social standing to even be invited to a fundraiser."



The best Mad Men episode to date.  Peggy has always been my favorite character, and I'm so excited to see that they are developing her character so much this season.  She perfectly captures the complexities of an often hostile and unwelcoming workplace, yet she loves her work and wants to find a way to belong and contribute.  Love her, and can't wait for more.

I loved the replay of Dolly Parton's Fresh Air interview last week.  Her first top ten song in 1965 was titled "Dumb Blond," with the lyrics "Just because I'm blond/don't think I'm dumb. 'Cause this dumb blond/ain't nobody's fool."

This year's it campaign shoes.   Yes, a group of my friends emailed about a possible bulk order.

And a hat tip to Nebraska; better late than never: The Omaha World Herald to accept gay wedding announcements.