Blake Loves Margaret Cho

Margaret Loves Bears!

2010-04-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, we all know that, as a staunch advocate for the LGBT community, Margaret Cho loves all gays. But she has a particular affinity for bears, the fuller-figured, less-likely to be waxed or plucked, flannel-wearing section of the gay male population.

A few years ago, Margaret began a foray into music, proclaiming, "If Madonna can learn to play the guitar, so can I!" As part of her recently realized musician status, she befriended Jill Sobule, best known for "I Kissed A Girl" -- long before Katy Perry recorded a song by the same name.

Margaret has also been directing music videos for artists she admires. Her latest directorial effort is "The Bear Song" by Pixie Herculon (aka Jill Sobule with a cameo by Margaret herself).

Check out the video! It's a hoot! And please purchase the song on iTunes or Amazon! Spread the word!

And while you're buying music, check out Margaret's dance jam "I Cho Am A Woman."

Margaret Making The Rounds!

2009-07-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Margaret's in New York plugging the upcoming premiere of Drop Dead Diva! Today, she hits MTV's "It's On with Alexa Chung" at noon Eastern, then tomorrow she hangs with the gals on "The View."

Also, new tour dates have been announced on the newly redesigned margaretcho.com. Join her mailing list to get the password for fan pre-sales on sale today!

Here's a clip of our "Drop Dead Diva" talking about her role as Teri:

July is Margaret month!

2009-07-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we know that Drop Dead Diva, the new Lifetime series starring the fabulous Miss Cho, premieres July 12. That's just 9 days, folks! If that weren't enough...

Beautiful, Margaret's latest concert film, makes its debut on Showtime tonight at 11pm! That's 8pm for us DirecTV peeps. I was there when this performance was filmed last October in Long Beach, California. So it will be extra exciting to see!

AND... Showtime has a free preview going this weekend on DirecTV! So there's no reason not to watch! For a teaser of Beautiful (and we know Margaret loves to tease), watch this!

Margaret's Got A Gun!

2009-06-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

In this day and age, I don't understand why there's not an "embed" option for everything everywhere. Anyway, here's a cool interview with Margaret. She talks about her upcoming album, collaborating with rock stars, and her favorite tattoo, which is a gun in a garter on her leg. (She shows it off, too!) Check it out here!

Also, check out Drop Dead Diva on Facebook and Twitter. Only 27 days till it premieres July 12 on Lifetime!!

Drop Dead Tease

2009-06-07T03:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick promo/teaser for the new Lifetime show Drop Dead Diva. As you know by now, it stars Margaret Cho along with Brooke Elliott and premieres Sunday, July 12 on Lifetime. The comedy-drama series will consist of 13 one-hour episodes. Mark your calendars!

Margaret & "3-D" Pals!

2009-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Margaret Cho and Brooke Elliott will be joined on Drop Dead Diva by Rosie O'Donnell! What started as a guest spot appears to have turned into a regular role. The show premieres July 12 on Lifetime.

Access Hollywood chatted with Margaret and Rosie about the show.

And CNN has this clip of Brooke Elliott.

Lifetime & Swine Flu & Miss Cali OH MY!!

2009-04-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

In the words of Margaret's mom, Mrs. Cho, "This is so exciting! Whole my body is jumping!!"

We have something to look forward to: Margaret's new show Drop Dead Diva premieres July 12!

Not only does Lifetime have Margaret's return to series TV (take 2) in DDD, it also has the long-awaited sixth season of Project Runway. Lifetime=The Place To Be, Summer 2009!

Margaret tells all in this GREAT interview from CNN.com. Super cute Reggie Aqui (Margaret dubs him Asian-Adjacent) seems like he's chatting with an old pal.

Margaret dishes on her upcoming show, her budding music career and swine flu! She also shares her thoughts on Miss California. If you know anything about Margaret, you surely know her stance!

Gettin Wet!

2009-04-30T13:13:00.001-07:00

Check out Margaret "Gettin Wet With Sara Benincasa." She talks about her mom, her music and more. She also does her Cyndi Lauper impression, which is hilarious and just effing awesome!!

Free Margaret Song Download!

2009-04-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

My GayVN Awards blog entry is coming soon, but in the meantime...

Go here to watch Margaret's live performance of her song "Eat Shit And Die." Also, if you sign up (enter your email address) for Cho updates, you will get a FREE mp3 download of the song! Margaret is working on "Guitarded," an album of comedy songs to be released in 2010.

Ian, Selene & Margaret at the Dark Room

2009-03-29T23:55:00.000-07:00

Friday night, my friend Ed and I made our way to a little joint called The Dark Room in San Francisco to see Ian Harvie and Selene Luna. They were in town with Margaret Cho for the GayVN Awards.

I have to say it's the first time I've seen a show at a place that was BYOB. People brought in 6-packs (not the kind WE wanted to see!), tall cans of beer, etc. Anyhoo, it was a very enthusiastic crowd.

Before the show, I had to tinkle, so I went looking for the restroom. Keep in mind this is a very small place. I was directed past a certain curtain, and I see Selene heading for the can. So I'm standing there looking around, I turn to my right, and there are Margaret and Ian in the "green room," if you want to call it that.

Margaret quickly greeted me, introducing me to her guitarist friend Mike. "Blake's a big fan. He's been coming to see me for 25 years, since he was little!" I felt a bit like Diana Ross when she says, "I've been singing for 45 years, and I'm only 46!"

I chatted up Margaret and Ian about last Monday's Fingerbang show in LA. Taylor Dayne was among the audience who went to see them. Apparently, she really did Tell It To Their Hearts!

Then Selene entered the room and walked right past me. I said, "Hi Selene!" She turned and said, "Oh, hi! I didn't see you. I guess I should look up!!" They were all ready to rehearse a song, so I ducked out and went back to my seat.

The Dark Room really is just that. It was like someone's cozy living room, and being right in the front row, Ed and I were almost onstage with the gang! For a few moments, we were even part of the show!

Ian and Selene sang (in character) and each performed standup as well. It was the first time I'd seen either of them do a full show. Their extended sets allowed both of them to really settle comfortably into their performances, sliding on the routines like an old pair of shoes.

Then, as an added bonus, Margaret came onstage, doing about 30 minutes of songs and comedy with the audience in preparation for the next night's hosting gig. We got much more than the $10 show we paid for.

To top it off, I found out that "do-it-yourself" photos taken from above are very flattering!

Margaret Talks TV

2009-03-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight Margaret Cho, Ian Harvie and Selene Luna take New Jersey by storm! They will hit the stage at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ.

Margaret did an interview with NorthJersey.com to promote the event. In it, she discussed her television endeavors. I was bummed to read that "The Cho Show" will not return to VH1, but Margaret hopes to take it elsewhere.

Here's the scoop on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva," which is slated to hit the air in June:

“It’s about this really thin blond young beautiful model who dies and is reincarnated in the body of an overweight woman,” says Cho, who plays the loyal assistant to the latter (Brooke Elliott), a plus-size attorney. “Oh, my God, it’s all about body image, how we view ourselves and how that affects our self-esteem. I’ve always had a lot of issues around weight. I’ve always talked about it. People can really understand and relate to it.”

Check out the whole interview here.

Margaret goes to LUNCH

2009-02-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

Check out this new vid Margaret posted on her site. She stars as Mrs. Cho and John Roberts is Margie. There was no explanation, really, so I don't quite know what it's about, but it's cute!

Margaret & Janice Dickinson Do Gay Porn!

2009-02-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

Did that grab your attention? Good! I love a salacious headline!

Before you get up-in-arms, it's not quite what you think. Not that we would put anything past Margaret!

Our comic diva joins the original supermodel Janice Dickinson and Alec Mapa, hilarious star of Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and more, to host this year's GayVN Awards. The event takes place at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco on March 28.

Margaret loves her gays and adult entertainment, so why not join the two? Sounds like a night of a thousand laughs (at least) and tons of scandal!

Chastity Belt for The Doctors!

2009-02-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Margaret was a human popsicle filming her episode of The Doctors, and it never aired! The vagina show got the shaft! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

Read all about the Cho-sicle and her disgust with the treatment of this episode at margaretcho.com.

Hopefully soon, the chastity belt will be removed and we will finally see this episode!

Margaret's Doctors episode pulled

2009-02-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Apparently, the vagina-themed episode of The Doctors was pulled because several stations refused to air it. Sure, Margaret is a comic, but the episode could have been informative and helpful to many people. They've discussed such topics before, but never all in one episode. I guess conservative America just isn't ready to have a few laughs while receiving vital, health-related facts.

Anyway, check out the promo here:

Margaret Cho FINGERBANGS LA!

2009-01-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night, January 27, it's Margaret's musical extravaganza Fingerbang! She likens it to Hee-Haw, but less country and less corny. Our gal has gotten "guitarded" (her word, not mine) and has been singing songs such as "Eat Me Out" (on the Beautiful tour) and a Repeal Prop 8 ditty.

She'll be joined by Jill Sobule (she was kissing girls in the '90s, long before Katy Perry) as well as "Sensuous Woman" costars Liam Sullivan, Ian Harvie, Kurt Hall and Selene Luna. Check Margaret's site for info. Of course I'll be there and I'll report back on the festivities. I can't wait!!

Margaret on The Doctors Today!

2009-01-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hey, don't miss Margaret co-hosting the syndicated show The Doctors today. It's supposed to be their vagina episode. Sounds awesome to me!

If you're in LA, hit up The Ian Harvie Show tonight. Selene Luna and a "surprise guest" are appearing.

*Side Note: Go here and vote for Ian Harvie to be on LOGO's Big Gay Sketch Show. You can vote once every 24 hours!

Margaret on Obama

2009-01-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Today is doubly significant being the eve of the presidential inauguration. Check out Margaret's thoughts on Obama at USA Today!

Margaret Cho: Drop Dead Diva

2009-01-17T03:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! OK, obviously I have been slacking, but it's hard to top getting props from Margaret Cho on her blog. (Yes, I had to mention it again.) Check out all these goodies:

First of all, Lifetime has picked up the show Drop Dead Diva starring our own lovely and talented comic goddess. A few months back, Margaret had to rearrange a few live performances to shoot the pilot. The show also stars Broadway actress Brooke Elliott and is about "a shallow model-in-training who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, thoughtful and plus-size attorney." No word on who plays what role.

The comedic drama will air on Lifetime this summer! It will be great to see La Cho in a scripted show that sounds as if it will be quirky and unique. What's next, a SAG Award? An Emmy or a Golden Globe? The sky's the limit for our fearless gal!

Speaking of which, check out Margaret and Selene Luna in the new Coilhouse magazine. It looks like Selene is on the front cover and Margaret is on the back. If I didn't know better, I'd swear they are wearing the same hair! The photos are badass, and the birds look kind of ominous. Where the hell is Tippi Hedren?

Divalicious Selene appears in My Bloody Valentine 3D, which opens this weekend. It's the remake of a 1981 horror classic. You can catch it in 3D or traditional 2D.

If you love satire, you must see this hilarious Madonna & Lourdes sendup starring the multi-talented Selene as Lourdes. If the still shot doesn't kill you, the video will! It's just wrong... but oh so right!

Margaret Marathon on LOGO Today!

2008-12-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Enjoying your Sunday? Good! Looking for something to watch? If you missed any of The Cho Show, LOGO is airing all 7 episodes today! Relive all the fun and all the shenanigans with Margaret, Mr. and Mrs. Cho, Selene Luna and the gang starting at 3:30pm Pacific.

Following The Cho Show marathon, at 7pm Pacific, you can catch the movie Bam Bam & Celeste. Margaret wrote, directed and stars in this film, along with Bruce Daniels, Alan Cumming, Kathy Najimi and Wilson Cruz. Margaret calls it a "fag and faghag version of Dumb & Dumber."

That's 5 1/2 hours of Margaret! They should do that more often!

Thanks Margaret!!

2008-12-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an awesome day! I stayed up really late Thursday night writing a special blog in honor of Margaret's birthday and it really paid off! Margaret thanked me on her blog, which is posted on her site as well as myspace. Check out what she said about me here!

Needless to say, I was beside myself, as my friend Jamie put it. Margaret's acknowledgment made my week!

One thing I have come to appreciate recently is that Margaret really nurtures talent in her fellow performers. When asked if she wants kids in the October/November issue of BUST, Margaret eschews the idea, saying "I have a tendency to adopt young people, like comedians and friends and such, so I sorta already have kids. Like, a lot of kids. It all works out."

In the same interview, Margaret explains why there are so many more gay men at her shows than straight women. "I think the gay guys get the tickets first! They're willing to be on hold longer!" Ain't that the truth?!

For more great Cho-isms on a variety of topics, check out Margaret Cho: Evil Slut? which was also done as a birthday tribute.

Happy 40th Birthday, Margaret Cho!

2008-12-05T00:16:00.000-08:00

From Blake & Margaret

Early 1993. It's 11:00pm on a school night. VHS tapes are flying!

I've turned on The Arsenio Hall Show, as I always do, to see who the guests will be. Tonight, the name "Margaret Choooooooo" rings out. (Arsenio was extending his vowels LONG before Oprah started doing it!)

I think I've seen her before. This chick is damn funny! The clock is ticking. I have to find a video tape I can record over before Margaret walks out. There's no YouTube or Hulu.com yet. If I don't record this appearance, I may never see it again!

With mere seconds to spare, the sacrificial tape is found. I hit RECORD on the VCR and sit back to enjoy the performance.

"How do you like my disco jumpsuit?" Margaret asks in a valley girl accent. Her curled hair bounces as she throws her arm up in a 70s dance pose. I laugh violently for five straight (well...) minutes.

Omigod! I want her to be my friend! At 18, I haven't related to a performer like this before. Sure, Dolly Parton and the Mandrell Sisters fascinated me as a child. And yes, Madonna provided the soundtrack to my teenage years. But never before have I felt this connection. If she went to my school, Margaret Cho and I would be eating lunch together with the other less-popular kids.

That night changed my life. Margaret talked about the music she loved. She told stories about her gay friend. She was fun! "She gets me," I thought.

I just had to see this gal in person! My dad braved "Hollyweird" to take me to a taping of All-American Girl. (It turned out to be the last episode.) I made my own CHO shirts before they sold such a thing. And of course I was there when Margaret came to Fresno, giving her a Charlie's Angels lunchbox!

From Blake & Margaret

My best friend/pseudo-sister Racheal and I trekked to the Irvine Improv time and again to see Margaret's stand-up. We chatted her up in the back of the club, getting autographs and taking pictures with her. We even paid to see the early AND late shows!

From Blake & Margaret

If you ever doubt the impact a comic can have on someone's life, look no further than Margaret Cho. She's never too busy to sign an autograph or pose for a photo. She's always there with kind words and a friendly smile. She's a tireless crusader for equal rights--not only for the gay community, but for anyone who is marginalized. She's there laughing with us through the good times and crying with us through the bad.

Here's Margaret laughing with us in Prop 8: The Musical, rockin' the hot pink tank top in all her tatted glory!

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

I love you, Margaret. Happy, Happy Birthday! Thank you, and keep on rockin'!

Leslie Jordan, Ian Harvie & The Griddle

2008-11-27T23:57:00.000-08:00

Monday night was a great night! Once again, I hit up The Ian Harvie Show at Largo in West Hollywood. This fiesta of gayness is a showcase for up-and-coming talent as well as established performers.

This time, my friend, singer/songwriter Dan Holguin was part of the show! He wowed the audience with his renditions of '80s classics "Cold Hearted," "Here Comes The Rain Again," and "I'll Stand By You." Then the lovely and talented Marcela Carmona joined Dan on vocals and piano for "Careless Whisper."

Host Ian Harvie kept us in stitches with tales of armpit turn-ons and how he'd hide it if he became pregnant (a la Thomas Beatie). Comic and actress Sarah Hyland entertained with crazy characters, including one who performed tongue pushups. (You had to be there.)

And if all that weren't enough, the incomparable Leslie Jordan was also on hand. You may know Leslie from countless TV shows, but his most memorable outrageous characters are Beverley Leslie (Karen Walker's wig-snatching nemesis on Will & Grace, for which he won an Emmy) and Brother Boy (the Tammy Wynette-obsessed loony bin patient from the film and series "Sordid Lives.")

Leslie is small in stature (4' 11"), but he's a comic giant with the gift of gab and the ability to make you pee your pants with laughter. He captivated the crowd, recounting tales from his memoir, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet," which he's turned into a one-man show. He will perform the show December 4-21 at LA's Renberg Theatre. Go to thelesliejordan.com for info.

I had the chance to chat with Leslie and he graciously signed my book. However, he rejected my plain black pen, declaring in his signature southern drawl, "I have a pink Sharpie!"

He also proclaimed his love for The Griddle Cafe on Sunset (as well as the beautiful men who work there). I've enjoyed their gargantuan, tasty pancakes before, so I decided to venture over there the next morning. As I sat eating an Oreo-filled "Black Magic" pancake, I looked across the counter and sure enough, there was Leslie, having breakfast and reading his morning paper.

If you've missed any of Leslie's shenanigans as Brother Boy on Sordid Lives, or if you just want to relive all the scandal, you can catch a marathon of all 12 episodes this Saturday, November 29 at 12 Noon Eastern/9 am Pacific on LOGO.

The next installment of The Ian Harvie Show is a special one. On December 10, Ian will again be joined by Leslie Jordan as well as Margaret Cho, Ant, Alec Mapa and others to say No on H8! Proceeds will benefit Equality California.

Margaret Rocks The Capitol

2008-11-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

The fight for gay marriage continues, and Margaret Cho is at the forefront. Today, our gal joined nearly 5,000 protesters on the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento, California. Along with attorney and activist Gloria Allred, Margaret lent her voice to the cause. She sang a song she wrote called "Shove Proposition 8 Up Their Ass!"

Of course, being a news outlet, the Sacramento ABC site bleeped and blurred a few words. You can watch their clip here.

Last Saturday, November 15, Margaret appeared in Cincinnati, Ohio at one of many rallies held simultaneously across the country. Here is her speech along with the song, unedited. And in the rain, no less!

Kathy Griffin at Bette Midler's Hulaween!

2008-11-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well, this year I didn't do anything for Halloween, but Kathy Griffin, Bette Midler and Gloria Estefan were whoopin' it up! The gay icons collided at The Divine Miss M's annual Hulaween gala, a benefit for Bette's New York Restoration Project. Hopefully these gals didn't literally collide because Bette was wielding a bloody cleaver to go with her crazy chef costume!

Check out the coverage and tons of pics here.

Margaret Cho in Long Beach

2008-10-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

From Margaret in Long Beach

Famous faces! Cameras swirling! No on Prop 8 signs aplenty! And this wasn't a political event! Saturday night, Margaret Cho tore it up at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre with "Beautiful," her latest show.

I made the pilgrimage for some ritual Cho worship with my friend Dan Holguin, a talented singer/songwriter. Before the show even started, we greeted the always gorgeous Selene Luna of The Cho Show in the lobby. (Later, she told us about her upcoming slasher flick, My Bloody Valentine.)

From Margaret in Long Beach

Liam Sullivan opened the show, performing as his characters Kelly and Susan. The best part was his freaky sex therapist skit, complete with John Denver references, which was presented on the video screen. ("Eeew! Uuugh!")

After an intermission, Margaret lit up the stage with a riff on Sarah Palin and the requisite Mommy impressions. She had the audience roaring with hilarious tales of her very NC-17 sexual escapades.

To add to the excitement, this performance was filmed to be Margaret's next concert DVD. No on Prop 8 signs & stickers were passed out, and at the end of the show, Margaret urged everyone to vote No.

In the green room after the show, Margaret graciously posed for pictures with many admirers while her film crew's cameras rolled. We chatted with Bruce Daniels (photo below), who opened for Margaret on her Revolution tour.

From Margaret in Long Beach

We also gabbed with Ian Harvie, host of the monthly Ian Harvie Show at Largo, and his sweet girlfriend Sarah.

From Margaret in Long Beach

It was a wonderful night filled with friends and laughter, which really is therapeutic. I can't wait to do it again!

Still Fighting Against Prop 8!

2008-10-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

As evidence of the Yes campaign's unfortunate wide reach and deep pockets, new commercials have been rolled out, signs keep popping up, and large demonstrations are being held.

Those of us fighting Prop 8 are doing what we can: donating, rallying, and trying to get the word out that this proposition is unfair and wrong. It's discrimination, plain and simple.

Our gathering two weeks ago in front of In & Out at Mooney & Walnut in Visalia was a big success. More than 120 people turned out with signs, and many motorists honked and waved in support. Tomorrow, we'll be rallying again in the same place, 5-7pm. If you can join us, we'd love the support. If you're in the area, drive by and honk!

The Fresno Bee supports No on Prop 8 (click here to read), and California Senator Dianne Feinstein has unleashed this video to help in the fight for equality.

More Kimberley Locke Pix!

2008-10-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Last Month, American Idol's Kimberley Locke gave a great performance at the Tulare County Fair. I had the pleasure of seeing this live show, and I took quite a few pictures. I've been meaning to get them posted for a while, but perfectionism and procrastination have kept that from happening.

Here they are at long last! Thanks for your patience, and I hope you enjoy them! Click the link below to see the whole album.

From K. Locke in Tulare, CA

MySpace Celebrity Selene Luna

2008-10-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, on a few occasions, I've had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Selene Luna. I first became familiar with her as a performer in Margaret Cho's burlesque/variety show The Sensuous Woman. This year, she joined Margaret on VH1's The Cho Show.

Selene's a Hollywood mover and shaker, and she sure can shake it! As such, she's been named a MySpace Celebrity. Check out this vid where she talks about what she's up to, including the No on Prop 8 PSA she made with Margaret. (Just scroll down to watch that on my blog!)

Visalia NO on Prop 8 Rally

2008-10-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Last night I participated in a No on Prop 8 rally, which was a great success. I got to meet and talk to some wonderful people. There was news coverage on the Fresno ABC (click to watch) and FOX stations. Contrary to news reports, there were approximately 100 people who turned out to show their support for equality!

Fighting the Yes Campaign's Lies

2008-10-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly many of you have seen the commercials put out by the Yes on Prop 8 campaign. They resort to outright lies about churches and schools in order to get people up in arms and scare them into voting to legislate descrimination.

Unfortunately, the No on Prop 8 campaign doesn't have as much funds as the Yes campaign does. This is why we haven't seen No commercials on TV to counteract the deception of the Yes commercials.

Today, the No campaign released this PSA to fight all the misinformation out there. Watch now, and pass it on to everyone you know!

Also, Ellen DeGeneres, who recently married her partner Portia de Rossi, made a NO on Prop 8 PSA. Check it out!

Strike Two For Madonna

2008-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Speculation has run rampant for months, and now it's confirmed: Madonna's second marriage is over. In typical Hollywood style, Madge and Guy Ritchie asked for privacy in a joint statement released by Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg. Remember her? She was the kooky gal with the bouncy headgear when Madonna received her honor from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Anyway, read the whole story on OMG!

Margaret Cho & HRC Fight Prop 8

2008-10-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Margaret Cho, BFF to gays everywhere, has filmed a great PSA urging people to vote NO on Proposition 8. Her "The Cho Show" sidekick Selene Luna is by her side, starring as her neighbor. Watch it now!

Margaret was sick as a dog when she shot this a couple of weeks ago, but wanted to show her support of the community that supports her. Once again, she is going above and beyond, giving so generously of her time and effort to ensure that all of us have equal rights in this important matter.

Also, the Human Rights Campaign is DOUBLING every donation made today (up to $120,000) to fight Prop 8. Go here and donate TODAY: hrc.org.

Blake & Cho are Voting No, Shouldn't You?

2008-10-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm probably preaching to the choir here, since most of the people reading this are my friends, but I hope you all will Vote No on Prop 8! California's Proposition 8 aims to reverse the ruling earlier this year which allows same sex couples to marry.

I am not a very political person, and I usually don't talk much about politics or religion. I avoid arguments and confrontation whenever I can because I don't enjoy them. I was never on the debate team. Hell, I don't even know if my school had a debate team when I was there!

This week, Margaret Cho is hosting Equalipalooza, a benefit to defeat Proposition 8. The event is being held Wednesday, October 15 at 8pm in San Francisco. If I were closer and/or it wasn't being held on a week night, I'd certainly try to go. But if any of you are close enough, I'd encourage you to go and show your support! Click the link for info and to buy tickets!

The Ian Harvie Show

2008-10-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Monday night I went out to Largo at the Coronet Theatre in West Hollywood to catch the Ian Harvie Show. This monthly happening is a variety show with stand-up comedy, musical performances and interview segments.

This intimate venue is great for working on new material, which is just what Ian did. Much of his stand-up comedy deals with his experiences being transgender. You couldn't make something like that up just for the sake of schtick!

Pleasant Gehman, aka Princess Farhana, made the transition from bellydancing goddess to storytelling comic. Her friendly persona and natural stage presence drew the audience in. Pleasant took us on a journey from shoplifting to her sexual fantasy involving Michael Phelps and his eight gold medals. And honestly, I don't think anyone has made bulimia funnier!

Ian then returned to interview the cast of The Cho Show. John Stapleton, John Blaine, Selene Luna and Charlie Altuna recounted tales of growing up, working in Hollywood, and joining Margaret Cho for zany antics on her VH1 show. These folks are all friends, which gave the chat an easy familiarity. They had no problem getting up in each other's business and sharing with the audience.

Finally, gay rapper Lisp took the stage, throwing rhymes about "shaving your juevos," after which he was joined by thugged-out honeys Selene and Pleasant.

Afterwards, I met Ian Harvie, who genuinely thanked me for coming out to the show. Ian is someone who loves what he does, and his sincerity and kindness are truly remarkable. The Live Nude Girls sign behind us was not for his show, but could certainly apply to The Sensuous Woman, in which Ian appeared with Margaret, Selene and friends.

I chatted up Pleasant, who was sweet as pie, just as her name suggests. (Heaven forbid she have an off day!) Of course the Olympic medal she's sporting in our picture relates to her Michael Phelps fantasy.

The effervescent Selene was awesome as always! (Note the Bill Clinton pendant.) She told us she was on the hunt for an indoor voice. You know Selene's near before you even see her, because her endearing voice really carries and is instantly recognizable.

All in all, it was a great night. This family of performers really fosters creativity in each other, and it was exciting to share the evening with them. Previous segments, including a chat with Margaret, can be seen on Ian Harvie's website, and Monday night's show should be uploaded soon!

Margaret's Va-Jay-Jay Is Haunted!

2008-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight's the SEASON FINALE of The Cho Show!! Two episodes, back to back!

In the first episode, Margaret believes she's haunted from the inside out and that it's the source of her writer's block! Watch her vaginal exorcism!

The second episode features Margaret in San Francisco, her hometown, where mayor Gavin Newsom declares it Margaret Cho Day. Make tonight count and watch both episodes!

For a rockin' good time, download "I Cho Am A Woman" if you haven't done so yet. I prefer Amazon for downloading music, but it's also on iTunes and Rhapsody.

Also, the soundtrack to Sordid Lives: The Series is now available on iTunes. It features six great songs by Olivia Newton-John, including "You Look Like A Dick To Me." (Scroll down for the video.)

Last Week of The Cho Show!

2008-09-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe The Cho Show is winding up already. There are only two new episodes left, and they both air this Thursday night!

I remember when I first heard about All-American Girl in 1994. I was so excited that Margaret would have her own sitcom! Before the internet and things like YouTube were so accessible, it was thrilling that my gal was going to have a weekly gig in homes across America via network TV. As it turned out, AAG was a sanitized, Disney-ized version of the irreverent comic performer. The Cho Show is much truer to who Margaret is. She's at her best with her fun-loving, no-holds-barred comedy. Here's an extended version of her stand-up from episode one:

But just as the show is establishing itself and getting into a groove, the first season is ending. At just seven episodes, it was simply not enough! Hopefully VH1 will give Margaret, Selene and the Glam Squad another season. Check out this hilarious extended scene where the gang discusses how Mr. & Mrs. Cho believe that Selene Luna is born of Margaret:

Dance Diva Margaret Cho

2008-09-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's Thursday, and that means it's Cho night! On last week's episode of The Cho Show, Margaret tore it up in the recording studio, and the result is "I Cho Am A Woman." You can download it on iTunes, Amazon or Rhapsody! (While you're at it, check out the Wed-Rock CD, which features Margaret's duet with John Cameron Mitchell on "Origin of Love" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.)

Here's Margaret premiering her song at San Francisco gay club Tranny Shack. People sometimes ask what it is about Margaret that appeals to the gay community, and why there's such a mutual admiration society. I think this clip explains it well.

"Woman" is very Britney-esque, but it wouldn't be Margaret without her trademark comedy, here in the form of hilarious asides. So go download it, and then watch tonight's episode. It starts right out with an appearance by Joan Rivers!

Sordid Lives Tonight!

2008-09-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen it yet, check out Sordid Lives: The Series on LOGO. The original movie was hailed as "a black comedy about white trash," and the series continues that tradition. The weekly show is actually a prequel to the movie, and it's southern family is deliciously dysfunctional. With standout stars Leslie Jordan (Will & Grace's Beverly Leslie), Beth Grant, Ann Walker, Jason Dottley and songbird Olivia Newton-John, this series is not to be missed!

Check out Olivia as a woman scorned singing "You Look Like A Dick To Me."

There are tons of extras & bonus features on the LOGO site!

Kimberley Locke Rocks Tulare!

2008-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Last night, I caught Kimberley Locke's concert at the Tulare County Fair. If you don't know, Tulare County is a farming region located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The fairgrounds is home of the World Ag Expo, so the smell of money was in the air last night, if you catch my drift. Not a lot of my gals come to this area, so when they do, I really make an effort to support them.

I've been a fan of K-Lo's since season 2 of American Idol (Clay who?) and was really rooting for her to win. Earlier this summer, I finally got to see her perform at LA's gay pride festival. Dance mixes of her songs have been big club hits, and Kimberley didn't disappoint. She belted out many of these versions, encouraging the audience to sing along. She playfully chided, "You missed your chorus, bitches!" when we got a bit distracted by her well-sculpted dancers!

Last night's show was a bit different. In lieu of dance tracks, she sang with a talented live band comprised of many of her long-time friends. Until the end, most of the audience stayed seated, but Kimberley took it in stride. "I'm used to people standing up, dancing around, being silly. You guys are really good listeners, aren't you?" Having been part of the fun crowd she described, I had to laugh at her observation.

Locke looked sexy in a long-sleeved black top and black hot shorts and sporting a sassy new short haircut. She pleased the crowd with her incredible voice and witty banter. She even dealt with an overzealous (or just drunk) fan, cleverly acknowledging him and putting him in his place at the same time. My only complaint was that she didn't sing "Band Of Gold," one of my favorite tunes.

After the show, she graciously signed autographs. She was very sweet and appreciative when I said I'd seen her at LA Pride. I wanted to try to meet her after that show, but I was stuck in audience gridlocke (sorry, I can't help myself!) waiting for Olivia Newton-John's performance. I told Kimberley last night, "We were hoping you'd have your dancers with you, but I don't think Tulare's ready for that!" She agreed. After all, you do have to know your audience.

Sandra Bernhard Meets The Chos!

2008-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Last March, my friend Racheal and I caught Margaret Cho's Beautiful show at the gorgeous Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. Since I'm such a celebriphile, you can imagine my delight when I saw comedienne & vocalist Sandra Bernhard three rows in front of me. Then I noticed Mr. & Mrs. Cho on the other side of the center aisle. As great as the show is, I was a bit distracted. I watched Sandra to see what she laughed at. I watched the Chos for their reactions. And when Margaret riffed on her parents, I watched Sandra watching them!

Of course, the VH1 cameras were there to capture it all. The meeting of this fab foursome was just one scene that didn't make it into last week's episode, but you can check it out here:

In hopes of having a hit single, or just another creative outlet, Margaret hit LA's Record Plant recording studio with producer Desmond Child. He produced "We All Sleep Alone," "Bang Bang," "Just Like Jesse James" and other songs for Cher. Of course, he's worked with many other artists, but never mind them!

Cher's vocal stylings are instantly recognizable and absolutely unforgettable. Clearly Margaret felt the same, as Desmond had to admonish her not to sing "as Cher." I find the recording industry fascinating, so it was interesting to see the work that goes into recording a song. Watch Margaret take a stab at it:

Oh yeah, Margaret and Selene Luna made a mock sex tape too! You can watch the whole hilarious episode on VH1.com. (They should really be paying me for this!) And if that's not enough Margaret, check out Perez Hilton's iChat with her.

Reality Overload

2008-09-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Recently, my friend Dawn told me I remind her of Suede from the current season of Project Runway. I replied, "When Blake talks about himself in the third person, Blake tries to make sure no one else is around!" Blake doesn't have a blue fauxhawk either, but that's another story!

Project Runway is just one of the many reality shows I've been watching lately. Aside from Big Brother, which ends next week, my recent selection involves lots of fashion and design-based shows. I stumbled onto Glam God with Vivica A. (don't forget the A!) Fox because it's part of VH1's "FAB GLAM CHO" Thursday nights. Glam God is like Project Runway for stylists. They start with existing gowns or ensembles and embellish with jewels, handbags, shoes and other accessories. And like any good reality show, there are plenty of gays, but don't judge this book by its cover:

Then there's Bravo's The Rachel Zoe Project, featuring... you guessed it! Celebrity stylist extraordinaire Rachel Zoe. When the big names in Hollywood need to be perfectly put together for red carpet events, they call Rachel. And in true diva style, she's got her assistants/sidekicks. Let the catfights begin!

Finally, in the vein of HGTV's Design Star (Helloooo David Bromstad!) is Top Design, also on Bravo. Like Design Star, Top Design features a slew of interior designers trying to make it big. One of this season's contestants is a woman who wants to be known as more than just Mrs. Rick(y) Schroder. Right away, her roommate sees her wedding photo (a profile shot) and says, "Your husband looks like Ricky Schroder!" So much for that!

In a funny coincidence, my Hotties 2 Watch on Glam God and Top Design are both named Preston. Check out Top Design's Preston here!

Of course, today is Thursday, and that means The Cho Show is on tonight. Since I know you already watch that, check out Glam God while you're at it. You can watch FULL EPISODES, see bonus scenes, interviews, and get all the scoop on both shows at VH1.com!

Just a junkie (of sorts)

2008-09-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

I am a junkie, it's true. When I wake up in the morning, there it is. On my lunch break, a quick fix. After work, I have to have it. It got me through the rough times. It helped me bond with my parents. Grandma even calls me at night to make sure I'm getting it!

I admit it: I can't live without my television! And it's not just TV. I think of myself as an entertainment junkie. Music, movies, and the boob tube have all played a part in molding (and warping) my psyche.

As a kid, it never really seemed like punishment to be sent to my room. At just 7 or 8 years old, I was already spinning records, if only for my own enjoyment. In junior high, I lived for Tuesday nights when "Roseanne" helped me forget my disdain for school. For ten years in my early adulthood, I never missed my "Friends" on Thursday night.

The tapestry of my life is woven with records, CDs, and VHS tapes. Well, the latter is more piled than woven, but that's beside the point. At any given time, it's as if someone has pressed "Shuffle Songs" in the iPod of my mind. Or on my actual iPod.

Just the other day, I was listening to Cho reading a poignant excerpt from her audio book "I'm The One That I Want." She was recounting the life lessons she learned from her high school friends Alan & Jeremy. The teenage drag queens had taught her to believe in herself. They also schooled the diva-in-training in many other things not for the faint of heart!

And then, with blaring horns and loud guitars, the tender moment was over. Frankie Valli took the wheel of the nostalgia car with the theme from the movie "Grease." The contrast of the spoken-word memories and the '70s soundtrack song made me laugh out loud! But as Margaret's mom would say, "I guess you had to be there."

(I guess it wasn't such an odd juxtaposition after all, since the autobio's title is a twist on the closing number from the movie musical.)

Forever Your... Girls?

2008-08-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

If you thought Paula Abdul's multiple personalities were crowding the judges' table on American Idol, just wait until January! According to producers, there will be another judge to contend with when the new season begins.

Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi (I hadn't heard of her either) will be the fourth critic added to the mix. With her long list of credits, it sounds like she might be the next Diane Warren.

I have to wonder what this will do to the judging. With three judges, there was always a sense of "majority rules" with the reviews. An extra judge will definitely cause some ties, so viewers might have to (Gasp!) think for themselves!

Cho Show & Chelsea Lately tonight!

2008-08-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, Margaret's The Cho Show premieres tonight on VH1. 11pm/10pm central, which is 8pm for my West Coast friends with DirecTV. Right after that, switch over to E! for Chelsea Lately to catch Margaret and Selene Luna. I can just see it now: Chelsea will undoubtedly try to fix 3' 10" Selene up with her "little nugget" Chuy.

"Quit Cruising, Bitches!"

2008-08-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last night, comic Margaret Cho and friends rocked it out at West Hollywood's Here Lounge. The party marked the premiere of VH1's new reality sitcom The Cho Show. Looking flawless, Margaret worked the arrival line, mingled with guests, and introduced the show. She commanded the crowd, "Quit cruising, bitches!" as the screening began. I cozied up with Margaret, the cast, and friends Bruce Daniels and Ian Harvie as we watched the shenanigans unfold.

With ABC's All-American Girl, La Cho had the first Asian-American family featured on TV. In 1995, I attended the taping of the last episode of that sitcom and met Margaret for the first time. Two years earlier, I had been captivated by her standup comedy on the Arsenio Hall Show. No one had made me laugh like her, and I knew I'd never be able to get enough!

Margaret returns to TV with the second Asian-American family on The Cho Show. "I'm number one and number two!" she announces triumphantly. The show features assistant Selene Luna and Cho's Glam Squad: John Stapleton, Charlie Altuna and John Blaine. But the greatest treat is the appearance of Margaret's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Cho have been staples of their daughter's routines, and her hilarious impressions of them can make even the strongest bladder incontinent!

This season captures such adventures as g-spot shots, tattoo sessions, and the proclamation of Margaret Cho Day in San Francisco. You'll see famous faces such as Joan Rivers, Wanda Sykes, MadTV's Bobby Lee, Gary Busey, Dave Navarro, Project Runway's Jeffrey Sebelia and more.

Comparisons to Bravo's fabulous D-Lister are inevitable. But onstage touting her own show, Margaret declared, "I want you to stop comparing me to Kathy Griffin and start comparing me to Nelson Mandela!" Tune in to VH1 this and every Thursday at 11pm (or 8pm if you have DirecTV in California like me) to see what all the buzz is about!

Some Of My Best Friends Are Old Songs

2008-08-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

From an early age, I was fascinated with television. My parents tell me that, early on, I used to run around like a little demon, then stop dead in my tracks, transfixed by the commercials. Then came Barbara Mandrell & The Mandrell Sisters. I was 5 years old.

In 1980, Barbara Mandrell was on top of the world, having been named CMA's Entertainer of the Year. She and her sisters, raven-haired Louise and ditzy blonde Irlene, served up a healthy slice of Americana every Saturday night on NBC. I was glued to the TV!

At the top of each episode, Barbara, Louise and Irlene Mandrell came out singing. They were costumed in very similar outfits, yet each had a distinct variation. If Barbara's had 2 sleeves, Louise's would have one sleeve and Irlene's would be sleeveless. Multi-talented Barbara not only sang, but played nearly every instrument imaginable, leaving just the bass & fiddle for Louise and percussion for Irlene. Louise held her own vocally, with her distinctive sound, however Irlene was relegated to just a line or two when the trio would sing together.

Celebrity guests, Muppet-esque costars and madcap comedy followed the opening number. Each episode ended with the catch phrase, "May you always be as happy as you've made us tonight!"

Last night as I drove home, a familiar tune came up on my iPod. It was a classic '80s country song, and this was the third time it had popped up on shuffle in the past month or so. The track that had me waxing nostalgic was Louise Mandrell's "Some Of My Best Friends Are Old Songs." Take a look:

12,000 Calories?!?

2008-08-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

I caught a quick news clip about this the other day, and it seems all the news outlets picked up on it today: Olympic hottie Michael Phelps wolfs down 12,000 calories a day! More surprising than that is the horrific problem he faces. No matter how much he eats, he just can't crack 200 lbs! (He's 6' 4", by the way.)

Ah, if my biggest issue were my inability to gain weight! Those of us not so genetically blessed (read: couch potatoes) begrudgingly drag our butts to the gym or the Weight Watchers meeting, swig diet soda, and attempt to exist on tasty but tiny morsels courtesy of Lean Cuisine. Then the weekend comes. A nice 3-course dinner from Applebee's, with its fabulously fried appetizer and irresistible dessert in an over sized shot glass, just caps off the week so well.

At least I don't have to fit into a Speedo LZR Racer suit anytime soon!