Yesterday, Attorney General Eric Holder led a Pride ceremony at the Justice Department and today, President Obama will greet LGBT Americans at a White House Pride Month Reception. Good week. However, its really been a good month to be queer, with the Federal Government making moves to sniff out and secure dozens of benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender headed families–especially for same-sex couples where one partner works for the Federal Government. How? Elementary, my dear Watson!

First, in April, the President announced plans to order hospitals to grant visitation rights to same-sex partners. This was followed by the extension of Federal Employee benefits to same-sex partners of Federal workers and the Justice Department applying intimate partner protections in the Violence Against Women Act to same-sex couples all in early June.

The biggest news yet came last night when sources revealed that Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis planned a Wednesday announcement requiring employers extend some of the benefits of the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act to same-sex partner headed households. It seems that the Federal Government is sleuthing through the law and finding tiny bits and pieces of benefits that the Defense of Marriage Act does not prevent them from offering. According to Chris Geidner of MetroWeekly:

“Changes to be announced on Wednesday regarding expansion of family leave benefits for gay and lesbian families will be limited to an expansion related to individuals who are the non-legal, non biological parents of their same-sex partner’s children, a person familiar with the coming changes told Metro Weekly on Monday evening.

[...]

The changes will be limited to allowing individuals who are the non-legal, non biological parents of their same-sex partner’s children to take FMLA leave to care for those children, according to the person.

The changes, the person said, also would apply if one’s partner is having a child that is not the person’s child biologically or legally or if a person’s same-sex partner is adopting a child and the person, due to state law, doesn’t have a legal relationship to that child.”

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill called the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act to allow workers to take leave to care for a domestic partner or a same-sex spouse by amending the FMLA. The bill would expand the definition of “spouse” to include “a same-sex spouse as determined under applicable state law.” This would be the best choice, however, seeing our Detective in Chief trying his best to find the little loopholes in DOMA is heartening.

But its not all joy in Mudville.

Sunday we also learned that Defense Secretary Gates confirmed that the presence of language repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the Defense Authorization bill will not prevent the President from vetoing the bill if the Senate does not remove certain spending provisions. If I were a DADT repeal advocate, I’d be on the phone with my Senator right now telling them to pull out the funding of the C-17 and the alternative engine for joint strike fighter so that a veto is avoided. Now is the time to partner with those groups that are also vying to cut funding for those programs.

All is not terrible, however. Rahm Emanuel is quitting!

I’m elated by this news considering Obama’s chilly response to the charges that he wasn’t doing enough for the LGBT community. If this legislation can get pushed through, I think my faith will be restored in the administration. I know it’s not marriage equality, but the repeal of DADT would be a major milestone in the history of our community. This will not only stop the senseless loss of capable military personnel, but also allow currently enlisted gays and lesbians to be able to live their lives without fear.

The Good: During her deanship at Harvard Law, Kagan supported policy that prevented military recruiters from recruiting on campus, because she felt that the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy discriminated against gays and lesbians, even going so far as to say DADT was “a profound wrong – a moral injustice of the first order.” She is a very vocal supporter of the First Amendment and has written often on the subject. Kagan regularly butts heads with Chief Justice John Roberts and will likely be a foil to his consistent voting record which favors large corporations.

The Bad: The military recruitment thing could come back to haunt her in her confirmation hearings. Conservatives will call this “liberal elitism” at its highest form. She also faces heat from the left as she has defended the White House’s continued use of “battlefield law” to detain suspected terrorists indefinitely without trial.

The Ugly: Unfortunately, time seems to have soften Kagan’s opinions on LGBT rights. She has said that she doesn’t believe the right to same-sex marriage is guaranteed in the Constitution. She has also stated that the government’s ability to defend DADT is strong. Kagan is single and has no children which means it will only be a matter of time before conservatives begin whispering the dreaded “L” word. She has never gone public with her sexuality and I believe this will be a serious point of contention with her nomination.

What are your thoughts on the Kagan nomination? Do you think it’s the progressive change we thought we could believe in or just another safe bet by the Obama administration?

Is Obama now saying he’s for marriage equality? At yesterday’s Prayer Breakfast held by the evil covert group known as “The Family,” both President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the organizations ties to the “kill gays” legislation in Uganda.

President Obama called the bill “odious” and remarkably stated “We may disagree about gay marriage, but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are — whether it’s here in the United States or … most recently in Uganda.” Well, if “The Family” is against gay marriage and he disagrees with them, does that means he’s for it?

Blogger Michael Lehet joins us to take a look at the hot news:

Prada fashion model Nick Snider offers a “get out of jail free blow job” to police officers in Arkansas for a public intoxication arrest. Is this the way he broke into the business?

NBC Black History month Fried Chicken menu controversy.

The Chicago Field Museum’s Bridal Party in Chicago- how gay will it get?

A woman stands trial for selling pierced cats online

A man was found mauled to death by the same dogs he saved from being put down for attacking humans.

And Oscar the Death Cat- a cat living in a nursing home predicted more than 50 deaths.

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But those of us who take a broad view of human rights remember a similar pledge being made about closing Guantanamo Bay in a year, the deadline for which passed, a pledge that’s made even more hollow by insulting proposals like Guantanamo on the Mississippi, continued military tribunals, and extraordinary renditions.

In a move reminiscent of Defense Secretary Les Aspin in 1993 when President Clinton’s pledge to end the ban on gays was swiftly sinking, a few weeks ago administration officials floated the idea of “solving” employment discrimination in the military by setting up separate units for openly gay and lesbian soldiers — the odious stench of ’separate but equal’ institutions in the 21st Century.

President Obama tonight noted that “We face a deficit of trust.” What he failed to note was that with broken promises and proposals like “separate but equal,” is it any wonder?

Fausto –

I just finished delivering my first State of the Union, and I wanted to send you a quick note.

We face big and difficult challenges. Change on the scale we seek does not come easily. But I will never accept second place for the United States of America.

That is why I called for a robust jobs bill without delay. It’s why I proposed a small businesses tax credit, new investments in infrastructure, and pushed for climate legislation to create a clean energy economy.

It’s why we’re taking on big banks, reforming Wall Street, revitalizing our education system, increasing transparency — and finishing the job on health insurance reform.

It’s why I need your help — because I am determined to fight to defend the middle class, and special interest lobbyists will go all out to fight us.

Help me show that the American people are ready to join this fight for the middle class — add your name to a letter to Congress today:

http://my.barackobama.com/SOTU

We have finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade. But we don’t quit. I don’t quit.

Let’s seize this moment — to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.

President Barack Obama

The openly gay actress, who has won rave reviews for her turn as tough cheerleading  Coach SueSylvester in the hit show, insists the decision to ban gay marriage in California in 2008 shouldn’t have taken place – because the majority don’t have the right to vote on the lives the minority.

And Lynch is angry Obama hasn’t stepped up to allow gay marriage across the U.S. – comparing the ongoing battle to the civil rights movement in ’60s America.

She tells Britain’s Guardian newspaper, “Shouldn’t there be safeguards against the majority voting on the rights of a minority? If people voted on civil rights in the ’60s, it would have never happened. It took somebody like (U.S. President) Lyndon Johnson going, ‘F all of you! I’m going to do this.’ Obama won’t do it. He’s a huge disappointment to me.”

The Guardian – UK – Jan  9, 2010

What a miserable year! As 2009 comes to an end, we’re reminded of what a terrible year it was for not just the nation, but for gay folks as well.

Our hopes for the equality promised by President Obama were dashed as hate ran rampant across the world. What happened?

Blogger Alicia Eller at Chicago Now comprised a list of “The Top 25 Homophobic Moments of 2009″ and it’s getting a lot of traffic. Some of the highlights include- Carrie Prejean’s opposite marriage, manipulative sports officials leaking the inter-sex status of champion Semenaya, and politicians caving into the demands of fundamentalists with regards to marriage equality.

But it’s not all bad- 2009 was also a year where millions of people felt empowered to stand up and say “I want my rights.” More people came out of the closet and a lot of people had some sexy good times.

Comedian Adam Guerino joins us to find the healing power of laughter inside all the misery.

Listen as we look at the impact of the ugly Christmas sweater on this holiday season.

The worst Christmas presents ever given.

Health care public option dies.

Plus, snow forts, snowmen and Puerto Rican fashions in the 80s and the winners of our Aretha Franklin Walrus Fur Coat Contest.

We are thrilled to announce the development of the Feast of Fun iPhone app! Like many news and podcasting apps, the Feast of Fun app will allow people to quickly access all the fabulous shows and content on FOF with their iPhone. You’ll be able to interact with the site by submitting you own content, like comments or blog entries, directly from an iPhones.

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Marc Felion, Summer Nettles and Fausto Fernós as Chinese Opera Drag Queens - illustration by Fausto Fernós

On World AIDS Day, Obama Gets an D+. Now technically, is that passing grade? Today we’re taking a look on the day after World AIDS Day at how the world is dealing with dealing with HIV and AIDS.

Activists gave President Obama’s a D plus, due to the US Government’s funding of HIV and AIDS not keeping up the global rates of infection. In contrast, President Bush had an F minus. Should Obama drop out or take a pass fail?

How’s China dealing with AIDS? By opening a fabulous gay bar! But you’re going to have to wait- The Chinese government has postponed their attempts to fight AIDS by opening a gay bar due to the unprecedented media attention.

What will their best selling drinks be? A Maotini or a Singapore Sling?

Our talk radio gal pal Summer Nettles joins us to take a fresh look at the hot stories making it big online.

Speaking of big, pro baseball player Grady Sizemore’s hot naked iPhone photos leaked online, rumors persist that the full monty is yet to come.

Marilyn Monroe does Mary Jane.

Harry Potter can’t keep his clothes on.

Gingerbread Town Massacre.

And the skankiest and luckiest people of the week.

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“With new data showing that worldwide the number one killer of women of reproductive age is HIV, aggressive scale up of AIDS treatment is needed more than ever for the health of communities,” said Asia Russell, Health GAP Director of International Policy. “We are disappointed to report that on his first World AIDS Day in office, President Obama has not made good on his promises to increase funding for effective, life saving programs to fight AIDS around the world.”

The report, released by Health GAP, Africa Action, Treatment Action Group and Global AIDS Alliance states: “This report card gives President Obama a ‘D+’ for his first year as president. This assessment contrasts his one-year record to the promises he made to get elected, and takes into account the areas where some progress has been made, particularly on HIV prevention and support for integration of reproductive health and HIV prevention and treatment.

More

[Via]

Michael Lehet, Fausto Fernós, Robert Gant and Marc Felion - photo by Fausto Fernós

Is the gay rights movement is in the pits? The disappointing November 2009 election left many people struggling to make sense of the narrow margin that took away the right for same-sex couples to wed in Maine.

Many folks blame President Obama and the Democratic Party for this blow to equality. Some high-profile bloggers are asking folks to stop giving money to the Democratic National Committee until we feel the love.

The bloggers aren’t asking for a boycott, just a temporary embargo until careful attention is given to their long list of grievances against the Democratic Party.

The Human Rights Campaign’s President Joe Solmonese, one of the biggest gay rights leaders in this country, recently spoke in Chicago on the progress we have made so far. He mentioned the passage of the Hate Crimes Bill and the passage of Enda through Congress as significant gains.

He also complained that the blogosphere’s timetable for change is unrealistic for the Obama administration and that we need to pull back and cut the President some slack. Joe rates Obama as President as a seven out of ten, with George W. Bush being a negative fourteen.

Blogger Michael Lehet joins us to weigh in on these hot topics.

Listen in as we talk about–

Michelle Williams dazzling performance at the HRC’s Time to Shine Gala but will she follow Fausto’s advice and go lesbian in order to find true love?

Our review of Broadway in Chicago’s Young Frankenstein now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater.

Cristal Connors and Nick Adams

Model Gregory Douglas provides twinkaholics a new drug.

And is 2009 an El Niño year or a La Niña year? Marc knows the answer.

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Almost a year ago, longtime gay rights activist Cleve Jones announced on this show that he was working on an action inspired by the late politician Harvey Milk, asking people from all across the country to demand full equal rights for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, NOW.

Last Sunday it really happened. Was the turnout a meager 250 thousand or a whopping quarter of a million?

Will the March re-invigorate the gay rights movement or was it just a great opportunity to see Lady Gaga out of her gyroscopic dress?

And most importantly, will President Obama listen to our demands?

Listen to today’s show as we give you highlights from the rally- Cleve Jones, StaceyAnn Chin, Kate Clinton and yes, even Lady Gaga.

Interviews with longtime gay rights activists like Equality Illinois representatives Art Johnston and Rick García, and a whole new generation of fun folks like Zach O’Connor, who started downloading the Feast of Fun podcast in 2005 while in high school- find out what happens to you when you’ve listened to the Feast of Fun during your formative years.

Click here for a photo gallery from Washington D.C. Got any photos to share? Upload them to the Flickr group and we’ll feature the best ones on the site.

Obama once again re-affirms his support for the gays, the only question is when?

Barney Frank calls the March “a colossal waste of time at best” and “the only thing they’re going to be putting pressure on is the grass.” Is he right or is he just smoking too much grass himself?

Gov Schwarzenegger signs a Gay Rights Bill and establishes Harvey Milk Day.

And the ultimate question:

What would you say if you had had the opportunity to speak to thousands of gay people?

Comment on today’s show using twitter- Include #fof1073 in your update for it to appear on the site. Learn more about hashtag searches in the Twitter Fan Wiki.

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Oh ominous day! September 9, 2009, a day feared by numerologist as possibly the end of the world came and went and were still here!

A perfect day for the Beatles to re-re-release their entire song catalog, digitally remastered by the folks at Abbey Studios.

Meanwhile at the other Apple, the one that makes iPods, Steve Jobs regained the stage after his liver transplant to introduce iTunes 9, candy colored iPod shuffles and the new video capable iPod nanos. Will everyone have a video blog soon?

After talking to America’s schoolchildren about the importance of a good education, President Obama turned to an even more childish bunch, Congress, to speak about Health Care Reform.

One unruly Republican Representative Joe Wilson shouted out “you lie” when the president cleared up misconceptions on illegal immigrants not benefiting from his proposals. First Lady Michelle Obama shook her head disapprovingly, and the Rep. later apologized for his lack of civility.

Meanwhile in California, anti-gay conservative Republican Assemblyman Michael Duvall resigned after getting got caught bragging about having sex with female lobbyists while he thought the microphones were off.

Are female lobbyists who have sex with politicians for political favors technically sex workers?

Ellen Degeneres replaces Paula Abdul as the 4th American Idol Judge.

Glee returns to television.

The Orange Crowd, a hilarious blog dedicated to the tragically orange people in Chicago’s gay scene.

Swedish man wants to breastfeed a baby.

Eminem’s ex-wife talks smack about his love making abilities.

How to spot a Mexican according to the U.S. Forest Service.

And Garrison Keillor, radio and podcasting legend suffered a stroke, but is making plans to return to regular programming in two weeks. Get well soon!

Comment on today’s show with twitter- Include #fof1052 in your update for it to appear on the site. To learn more about Twitter hashtags and how the work, please visit the Twitter Fan Wiki.

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Are you ready for the Summer? The warm weather has FINALLY arrived, finally. On today’s show we’re talking to our internet gal pal Erica Bethe Levin, creator and editor of Cheeky Chicago, an online magazine for women, but like most chick magazines, the gays like it too.

Erica joins us to talk about how to take advantage of the great weather, and find some fabulous outdoor places to eat- Quartino, Sunda, La Creperie and Volo.

Cheeky has some fresh perspectives and cool ideas on what makes Chicago hot for the ladies and their admirers.

Plus, as a fashion, shopping and beauty contributor for NBC Chicago’s website Erica has some great ideas on summer fashion and picking the pefect perfume.

Great scents carry great memories- how do you choose the perfect scent for yourself. Why is Old Spice so nice?

If you live in Chicago be sure to join Erica for the Cheeky Supports the Arts benefit on Monday July 13 at at Primitive Galleries. The evening of food, drinks and performances will support Lookingglass Theatre and Chicago Dramatists.

A court allows a gay dad’s kids to visit his gay friends.

Man wins almost $50 million in lottery and his greatest desire is to learn how to grow carrots.

Lady Bunny, or is it the Bunny Lady is caught with a crazy hoard of rabbits for the second time.

A man dresses up like his mommy to collect her benefits long after she dies.

Obama fly swat captures the imagination of the people and the ire of PETA.

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What’s under your clothes?

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President Obama signed an executive memo extending some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees.

Sadly, many regular benefits afforded to opposite marriage couples won’t apply because of the Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

But because of DADT and DOMA, Obama’s Memo does not do it for ya- or us. Do you get dat?

This small gesture comes after weeks of pressure from gay rights activists and with the general public support for change. Some see hope but others hear nope.

Did Obama throw this crumb to his gay supporters because so many withdrew their money from a Democratic party fundraiser?

Blogger Michael Lehet joins us to take a look Obama’s memo and where do we go from here.

A contestant for Rupaul’s Drag Race is arrested for attacking her live-in boyfriend, the Mayor of Mulberry, Florida. Please vote for her. She may need the money for legal fees!

15 year old Iowa girl wins the National Texting Competition.

Wisconsin window washer plunges six stories but, just like a cartoon, boing, is saved by the building awning.

A British woman cancels her wedding after finding out that her fiancee is a porn star.

The Sarah Palin Syndrome: a suburban Chicago woman pretends to have a mentally retarded baby on her blog and is caught when a reader recognizes the baby in the photo as a life-like doll.

Motorists in Toledo, Ohio are ticketed for parking in their own driveway.

No Games Chicago travels to Switzerland to officially say “no thanks” to the International Olympic Committee.

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Put your Easter bonnets folks- it’s official! Spring is here.

Marc just made some spring colored Aretha Style cardboard hats that were a hit a our friend’s party this weekend.

Everyone’s wearing Aretha hats, even blogger Perez Hilton was spotted wearing one at SXSW.

Listen to today’s show as Marc and I discuss the hot topics, news and cultural events that shape our world today.

A lot of fabulous TV shows are at the end -Battlestar Gallactica is over, the season finale of HBO’s Big Love aired and RuPaul’s Drag Race is about to end.

What are we going to watch now? Thankfully Grey Gardens is just around the corner.

Oprah pays Ellen a surprise video call, promising to put her on the cover of her magazine- making Ellen the first lesbian to share a cover with Oprah! Will Gayle be jealous?

We love Portia De Rossi’s hysterical apology for her gay marriage on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Props to Jimmy for putting such wonderful gay-friendly viral videos out there.

In animal news- a spider bite cures a paraplegic man, maggots are being used for medicinal purposes and a bat clings to the side of the space shuttle as it blasts into space- will it return bigger and stronger?

President Obama apologizes to the handicapped for calling his bowling special.

Check out this fabulous recipe on do it yourself cream style chocolate eggs.

Plus questions from you through Facebook!

Today’s show is brought to you by you! Your financial contributions make this site and the podcast possible. Thank you. Click here to make a donation.

Got a message to share? Click here to advertise on the podcast and reach iTunes’ largest GLBT audience.

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Spring is just around the corner and we have our pretty song bird Tracy Tyler here to chirp away the winter blues.

Our suburban trannie gal pal is here to share the hot new spring fashion trends and stories of hair do mishaps and wild sex!

Now, Tracy’s sex stories are all true, but they all follow a similar pattern: unusual guy meets trannie gal, hilarity ensues.

We’re turning to you the listener with a special Tracy Tyler Sexy Story contest! Listen to today’s show for details.

Is there a vast left-handed conspiracy in the U.S goverment?

Did you know that over 50 percent of our presidents have been lefties or that same-sex oriented folks and creative leadership types are more likely to be left handed? What’s the correlation?

Michael Phelps gets caught going down on a bong. Follow-up, he apologizes for it and his sponsors forgive him.

Google Earth helps Swiss cops find a stash of ganja. And you thought nobody was looking at you when you sunbathed nude on the roof of your home.

Chicago Bartenders take it off for charity. Who’s going to make the most money?

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Ding dong, the cuckoo clock has run out for Governor Blagojevich. Yesterday the Illinois senate unanimously voted to impeach the unpopular Governor on corruption charges, in their best Donald Trump impersonation- you’re fired.

Meanwhile HBO aired the awkward documentary, The Trails of Ted Haggard, which focused on the fallen homo-hungry evangelist. The short documentary sheds a light on the complex wall of lies that fundamentalist Christians construct when declaring war on same-sex love. Will Ted Haggard rehabilitate his career as a religious leader, or will you buy life insurance from him?

Chicago bear movie night community organizer and viral YouTube star Jaimie Williamson joins us to weigh in on their fates.

President Obama describes the 18 billion Wall Street executive bonuses as shameful.

A New York State High school student gets caught cross dressing to cheat on a Regents exam.

Xanadu the Broadway Musical roller skates into Chicago, much to the delight of fans of the campy 1980 film.

The film was an unofficial remake of the 1947 film “Down to Earth” starring Rita Hayworth. (That’s why they used all that WWII stuff!) Xanadu, the film, attempted to capitalize on Olivia Newton John’s success in “Grease” but it didn’t pan out and she was blamed for the box office bomb. The other leads didn’t fair very well either- a very old Gene Kelly, in his last film performed an awkward three way dance number on roller skates and Michael Beck garnered a Razzie award for “Worst Actor.”

The film took place in the 1980s, but actually was shot in 1979. It was a never-to-be realized vision of what the 1980s could be- a decade of creativity, decadence and sexual liberation. Sadly, conservative Reaganomics, AIDS and the Cold War got in the way of that dream.

Check out these screenshots from the “Dancin” sequence in the film:

Featuring a over-the-top score by ELO and an appearance by The Tubes, the film was an oddball combo of musical styles and tacky sets. In one memorable scene, the Tubes dressed up as a punk/new wave band merges and moans with a 1940’s big band. The result was hilariously catastrophic. Click here to see the video.

Is that Darcel Wyne and Deborah Jenssen, two of the famous Solid Gold dancers? Yes it is!

By contrast, Xanadu the Musical is a candy coated take on the darker film, poking a lot of fun not only at Olivia Newtown John, the 1970s and disco, but also at the conventions of musical theater itself.

It carries the self-deprecating tone popularized by shows like “The Producers” and “Urinetown” and continued in “Spamalot!”

The Broadway version of Xanadu closed in October, but you can catch it in all its glory at the Water Tower Drury Lane Theatre. It’s star Elizabeth Stanley easily dominates the show and surpasses Kerry Butler who originated the role on Broadway. If she pursues a career in pop music, Elizabeth Stanley easily could be the next Olivia Newton John.

With all the bad news, it’s nice to be able to escape to “a place where all your hopes survive, they call it Xanadu” and with tickets starting at $25, you can’t afford to miss this wonderfully hilarious show.

Thank Zeus for Xanadu!

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Is America becoming more like Canada now that Obama is referring to the country as a patchwork quilt rather than a melting pot?

Best known as “Betty Bowers” and her over the top “Brenda Dickson” videos, Deven is one of the most popular comedians working the internet. Deven Green is funnier than Jesus.

Deven and Fausto cook up a pilot for a new TV show, featuring an openly gay wheelchair bound physicist and his karate chopping nurse who solve crimes and foil the bad guys. Will Hollywood bite the bait?

Lots of wild animal news:
Police Find over 100 feral animals running wild in a mobile home in California.

A heartless woman gets arrested for allegedly tossing a puppy from a second story window.

The risks of eating Japanese Blowfish nuts.

Real life bug chasers, people who fetishize getting infected with larger than average crab lice.

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Today we have Jim Pickett, AIDS activist and cheeky writer behind Lifelube.org, the gay men’s health and sexuality blog here to discuss the significant changes wecan expect in Obama’s Administration and what it means for you.

If you live in Chicago, be sure to join Jim today, January 28th, at Hermanos de Luna Y Sol, a forum for Gay Latino Men and their allies at La Estancia Community Center in Humboldt Park.

Soon to be impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevitch is making the rounds on the talk show circuit, including a very odd virtual conversation with Barbara Walters on The view.

Same sex animal weddings are becoming the rage in China, could their human equivalents be next?

Say hello to the Penis-o-meter, a new sex toy that slides on your love pole and counts how many thrusts it takes to get to the center of your tootsie roll pop.

A firefighter steals a severed human foot from a traffic accident with hopes of training her dog to find human bodies.

A new herpes rat cream, Iceland’s lesbian prime minister and grabbing your nuts for cancer.

Let’s take the time in 2009 to check your nuts for lumps!

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Before Ellen, Before Rosie and even before Lily Tomlin, there was Kate Clinton.

A self-described Stonehenge lesbian, feminist humorist or fumerist, Clinton paved the way for many queer people in the world of comedy at a time when being gay was the butt of the joke, not the person telling them.

Because of people like Kate, we can do what we do today on our talk show. Thank you!

Kate just participated in the ancient ritual of sage burning to clear the bad mojo at the White House left by the Bushes and she got into trouble

But not with the Feds, but with Native Americans. Find out what happened on today’s show.

Listen as Kate joins us to talk about video blogging, her hopes for the new president, her long career as a comedian and the future of the gay rights moment.

Thanks to Paula who put us in contact with Kate. Listeners like you make a real difference.

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Rachael Sage – Blistering Sun: Amazon | Site
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Shine on you crazy rhinestones! Everyone still talking about and photoshopping themselves into Aretha Franklin’s gray bedazzled hat.

The whole world’s gone gaga over Aretha’s sparkly gray hat. Even lesbian talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wore a crude copy of the $175 dollar creation of Luke Song, the Korean born milliner who’s struggling to keep up with requests for the fanciful chapeau.

Is Aretha’s Gray Hat some sort of alien mind control device? (Shut up.)

Michael Lehet joins us to discuss Spamalot which is rocking the Auditorium Theater here in Chicago.

We loved Spamalot! The musical is a non stop spectacle filled with laughs and a fabulous gay storyline. We highly recommend going to it even if you aren’t familiar with the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail on which the show based.

In the touring production the legendary actor Richard Chamberlain portrays King Arthur and man the guy has a lot of spunk for his age. He’s 75 years old and kicks butt. No kidding. Tickets start at $25, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Also check out some fabulous Monty Python clips on YouTube if you aren’t familiar with Monty Python.

Sadly the show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will not be coming to Chicago as ticket sales were so chitty that it forced the show’s cancellation.

There is much to celebrate! Milk, the motion picture received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Find out what Cleve Jones, who was portrayed by Emil Hirsch in the bio pic, had to say about it.

Obama takes the oath twice because it’s so nice.

Has Obama replaced the shaka sign with the Obama bump?

Please take a moment and vote for Michael Lehet’s pitiful blow up doll video. What kind of person makes an internet video with blow up dolls? A lonely person.

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Last November – Over the Top or Under the Weather: iTunes | Amazon

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History was made as Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States, sworn to defend the U.S. Constitution which, at one time, defined blacks as three-fifths of a person.

As our country’s 44th president, does Obama have the Formula 44 to relieve the symptoms that plague this nation?

The very funny Cameron Espositio joins us to reflect on this joyful, momentous occasion as we compare Evangelist Rick Warren’s predictable prayer with Gay Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson’s inclusive invocation.

Celebrities from Bono to Oprah showed up in full force, and divas like Beyonce and Aretha delivered the goods.

Oh that hat! Aretha Franklin, sporting a gray hat with an over the top bedazzled bow sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

Besides her striking fashion, what everyone’s chatting about on the internet is how Aretha let out a quick “shut up” in the middle of her song, possibly at somebody in the crowd who wouldn’t presumably stop talking. If you listen to this several times, you could swear she’s getting possessed by Dick Cheney. Fight the evil Aretha!

Plus Jim Bennet joins us on the phone from Washington D.C. to share with us what it was like to be there for this moment in history.

We received our Best GLBT podcast award in the mail today. So all the awards from 2006, 2007 and yes 2008 make a happy little family and they look so good together.

Thank you so much for you support. We also received some lovely gifts from listeners: a sweet donation and a hot calendar of sexy men from Beverly Bacci and a cute Panda Hat from Elsie. Thanks babes!

Mahmut Aygün, the man credited with inventing the doner kebab died at age 87. We will be forever grateful to him for his tasty, meaty treats.

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Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – Dap-Dippin’ With: iTunes

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Writer and comedian Keith Ecker just broke up with his boyfriend six months ago and has worked hard to get in shape and pursue his dreams of becoming a professional comedian. And let me tell you, the guy looks goodand he’s funny.

On today’s show we dive into fitness and comedy as we examine our fascination with athletic men, exercise magazines and gym culture. Keith joins us in sharing some real-life dating horror stories and his plans on video blogging shirtless. Will he do it? (He did.)

Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO takes a five month leave of absence due to complex medical issues. The charismatic computer pioneer was instrumental re-ignighting the digital media revolution with its ITunes Music Store adoption of podcasts and the portable media players, the iPod.

Obama’s Speech may be a virus. Spammers are taking advantage of the President-Elect’s popularity by sending out e-mail messages disguising links to computer viruses as newsworthy sites.

Photographer Theirry Bouet is striking a chord with people’s fear of children with his new photo gallery of freaky, ugly babies.

Klingon computer keyboards now for sale, shivering kittens iPhone game and authorities have taken baby Hitler and his sister Aryan from their crazy family.

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The whole nation has Obama fever, as the Senator from Illinois plans to take the oath on Tuesday January 20 and become our nation’s first black president.

Everything from key chains, candies and clothing has the Obama O logo slapped on it, even Spider Man is getting into the act.

The latest issue of the popular Marvel Comics superhero Features the President Elect teaming up with Spidey to thwart crime and foil the bad guys. They comics quickly sold out and now they are issuing a second printing.

On today’s show the very funny Jim Bennett from GayCo joins us to re-enact the final page of the sold-out comic book.

There is much to celebrate!

Stan Lee, creator of Spider Man is unleashing his first gay superhero, Thom Creed, a high school basketball player who’s forced to hide his sexuality and his superpowers. We’re not quite sure what those super powers will be but we have our hopes!

You heard of the Taco Bell Wedding, well a happy couple from Georgia got married at their place of work, the Waffle House back in July!

Is Beyonce’s song “Single Ladies” causing the downturn in the economy? A new study by New York University finds that Americans prefer music with regular beats during unstable times of economic hardship. So, Beyonce’s song probably isn’t causing the economic turmoil but rather people are turning to it for consolation.

Prince Harry may be a racist by calling his friend a Paki but he’s no homophobe. Video shows Harry mouthing the words “I love you” to one soldier and then kissing him on the cheek and licking his face. He also claims he felt “Gay, queer on the side” after an army exercise.

And the Mexican-born Actor Ricardo Montalban, best known for playing Mr. Roarke on TV’s Fantasy Island, Khan on the Star Trek and his appearance in car commercials uttering the phrase “Soft Corinthian Leather” died on Wednesday at the age of 88.

Don’t settle for anything less than the rich, soft, fine quality of the Feast of Fools podcast.

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Today we continue our delicious latin flavored podcast with our queer Puerto Rican friends Carlos Torres and Gerry Peréz.

Carlos talks about the upcoming documentary “A Sealed Fate” about the plight of baby seals showing at the Silver room in Chicago on Wednesday December 3.

And Gerry’s photography is showing at Ache, Gigi Deluxe’s big art event in Pilsen this Friday November 14th.

What are some good Puerto Rican food restaurants to eat in Chicago? It seems everything is fried, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but why can’t I find a Puerto Rican restaurant that serves fresh, quality foods? How about a little green salad with my chicken and rice?

Scientists discover a potential new cure for aids from a bone marrow transplant, originally intended to cure leukemia.

Madonna’s shopping for a new baby in Malawi, even thought she’s in the middle of divorce proceedings with her soon to be ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

Spam! A new study shows how spamming works and why we might never get rid of it.

Plus an interview with Andy Thayer, from the Gay Liberation Network taped live at the Dump Dobson Protest at the Renessaince Plaza last Saturday here in Chicago.

Join us in protest against Proposition 8 this Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12:30 noon Central (everywhere around the country at your local city hall) click here for directions and info.

Who loves ya? Feast of Fools, that’s who.

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Come to a live podcast taping on Nov. 18 in Chicago.

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Viento de Agua: iTunes
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Marc always is telling me that if someone wants to play Truth or Dare with you, chances are they want to get you naked for some hot lovin’.

Our pal Gerry here (pictured on the right) says he only likes group sex when he’s single, and loves monogamy when he’s in a relationship. It’s all or none. Jerry is an expert on getting two guys to go home from a bar with him.

But if bars aren’t your thing, how do you find two other hot guys to roll in the hay with? How do you keep people’s feelings from getting hurt? How do you make the most of the experience?

We’re joined by two fabulous Chicago gay Puerto Rican artists, Carlos Torres and Jerry Peréz. They are Other Ricans, a term used to identify Puerto Ricans living outside of the island.

Carlos is holding a viewing party for “A Sealed Fate” a bold new documentary about the plight of baby seals at the Silver Room in Chicago on Wednesday December 3. The documentary follows Nigel Barker of “America’s Next Top Model” as he witnesses the hunt for the the baby seal pelts.

Gerry is showing his photography work at Ache, Gigi Deluxe’s big art event in Pilsen this Friday November 14th at “2nd floor Gallery” in the heart of Pilsen.

President Elect Barack Obama and first lady to be Michelle made a historic visit to the earlier this week White House, hanging out with the Bushes and measuring for new drapes.

But will disgruntled Republican steal all the O’s from the computer keyboards before they leave like the Clinton staff did with the “W” when Bush came into office? You heard it here first folks.

Sometimes I feel like I’m opening up a Pandora’s box of discord by planting the idea out there, ripe for bitter Republicans to take a bite.

Now with 50% more knowledgability- Feast of Fools.

Check out today’s sponsor:

Gay, Sexy, Healthy- Lifelube.org
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emotional health, spirituality and more.
Come to a live podcast taping on Nov. 18 in Chicago.

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