Which "Downton Abbey" Man Should You Marry?

Downton Abbey may be winding down, but full marriage equality is on the horizon. Which Downton man is the one for you? 

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Adam Sandel

www.advocate.com/quizzes/2015/03/27/which-downton-abbey-man-should-you-marry

Apple CEO Tim Cook Will Reportedly Donate His Fortune To Charity
(Reuters) – Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook is joining the roster of the very rich who are giving away their wealth.

Fortune magazine cited the head of the world’s largest technology corporation as saying he planned to donate his estimated $785 million fortune to charity – after paying for his 10-year-old nephew’s college education.

“You want to be the pebble in the pond that creates the ripples for change,” Cook told the magazine.

Fortune estimated Cook’s net worth, based on his holdings of Apple stock, at about $120 million. He also holds restricted stock worth $665 million if it were to be fully vested.

The 54-year-old CEO’s revelation in Fortune’s lengthy profile of him is an example of the increasingly public philanthropy of the world’s richest people.

Billionaire financier Warren Buffett is encouraging the very wealthy to give away at least half their worth in their lifetimes through the “Giving Pledge,” whose website lists such luminaries as Microsoft Corp’s Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook Inc and Oracle Corp’s Larry Ellison.

While Cook’s largesse could not begin to approach the scale of a Gates or Zuckerberg, both worth billions of dollars, the Apple CEO told Fortune he hopes to make a difference.

Cook, who is not listed on the website, is known as an intensely private person who shuns the spotlight on philanthropy.

In recent years, however, he has begun speaking out more openly about issues ranging from the environment to civil rights. Cook, who recently revealed he was gay, spoke out against discrimination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual communities during his induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor last year.

He told Fortune he has started donating money to unspecified causes quietly and is trying to develop a more “systematic approach” to philanthropy that goes beyond writing checks.

(Reporting by Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru and Edwin Chan in San Francisco; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Andre Grenon)

www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/27/tim-cook-donate-charity_n_6954164.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices

12 Amazing Ways To Enjoy San Francisco (Including The Hunky Jesus Contest)

Whether you’re visiting the City by the Bay or call yourself a local, we’re bringing you the best events this year San Francisco.

Mark your 2015-2016 calendar with this insider’s round up…

 

April

Hunky Jesus Contest

A San Francisco institution hosted by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence every Easter Sunday. The twerktacular Hunky Jesus Contest pits loin-cloth clad Jesus lookalikes against one another as they vie for the distinction of being the hunkiest, most Christ-like being. In 2014, the group started a Foxy Mary contest, too.

When: Easter Sunday at noon, rain or shine.

Insider Tip: Be sure to bring blankets, dispensable clothing and a supply of beverages.

 

May

Bay to Breakers

This raucous annual event draws cosplayers, furries, nudists and pop culture characters in one of the largest footraces in the world. It’s more of a foot-walk, actually. Bay To Breakers stretches a whopping 7.5 miles from Howard Street (bay) to Ocean Beach (breakers), with most participants crawling across the finish line after hours of partying along the way.

When: Sunday, May 17.

Insider Tip: If you’re not going to be part of the action, grab a seat to watch along Golden Gate Park’s Panhandle.

 

June

San Francisco Pride

One of the largest pride festivals in the world, San Francisco’s homegrown version explodes with rainbow flags, visiting revelers and fabulous events. This year’s theme: Equality Without Exception.

When: Hightail it to Civic Center Plaza on either June 27 or 28 for a look at the street fair. The Pride Parade rolls down Market Street on Sunday, June 28.

Insider Tip: With the throngs of visitors don’t expect to get anywhere quickly this weekend—just relax and enjoy the show!

Noteworthy: Check out one of the largest LGBT film festivals, Frameline.

 

July

Up Your Alley Festival

Aptly called “Folsom Street Fair’s dirty little brother,” this midsummer leather festival attracts a smaller but kinkier crowd. If you’re fascinated by whips, chains, puppy play and other things we probably can’t mention, then check out this kinktastic carnival.

When: Sunday, July, 26. Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom.

Insider Tip: Come with an open mind and up for anything. Get there early to get the most experience and shortest lines for all booths and activities.

 

August

Lazy Bear Weekend

Thousands of otters, bears, and their admirers descend on Russian River in Sonoma County for Lazy Bear Weekend. Now in its 19th year, Lazy Bear is one of the largest events in the country for manly wildlife.

When: August 1 – 3. 

Insider Tip: Snag your tickets early (on sale now), and book your hotel/cabin ahead. It’s one crowded den!

 

September

Folsom Street Fair

The world’s largest BDSM street fair, Folsom, is a spectacle for visitors and locals alike. Be sure to pick up a leather jock strap from one of fair vendors, and ask before you snap any pictures, of course.

When: Sunday, September 27.

Insider Tip: Catch the plethora of house and bar parties nearby. That’s where many would say the most of the fun takes place.

 

October

Halloween in The Castro

Halloween in San Francisco’s Castro district may not be as organized of a party as it once was, but you’ll still find sidewalks packed with bears and otters dressed as lumberjacks in outfits as skimpy as the law will allow.

When: Halloween weekend.

Insider Tip: Bring a bag or plastic pumpkin and see what you collect by the end of the night.

 

November

Thanksgiving Weekend 

All of the city is aglow during the holiday season, and the weekend after Turkey Day is notoriously one of the heaviest party weekends of the year. Break away from the fam and join many of the native locals as they line Castro and Market streets for all the holiday events.

When: The weekend following Thanksgiving.

Insider Tip: Buy you tickets to events early, before they are sold out, to capacity, or change an arm and a wing at the door.

 

December

Santa Skivvies Run

This annual charity crawl affirms that certainly sometimes the best things come in small packages. Choose from over six routes throughout the city, depending on your favorite hoods and bars.

When: First or second Sunday of December.

Insider Tip: Be sure to don more than just a Santa cap—if you’re in your birthday suite and not your Santa suit, you’ll be left at the starting line.

 

January

New Years Recovery Brunch

Partying ’til dawn isn’t enough for many San Franciscans, and for good reason. Some of the best parties are the day after, like MASS and recovery brunches around the city. A day off is a day to sip mimosas and go out with friends, and what better way to break in some memories for the new year?

When: New Year’s Eve right through to New Year’s evening.

Insider Tip: Start the day outside at Dolores Park, where the drinks are cheap and space is not so crammed. It’s San Francisco after all, there’s a great chance for a sunny park day even in January.

 

February

SF IndieFest

A celebration of everything alternative, the San Francisco Independent Film Festival is a two-week, 85-film lineup at quirky venues across The City. IndieFest now runs concurrently with the Winter Music Festival, and with more music-themed films added to the schedule, there’s always a lively crowd checking out the screenings.

When: Runs the first through third week of February.

Insider Tip: Be sure to get the information for the pre and post-film parties at nearby venues for some free food, drinks, and chances to meet the stars.

 

March

World Naked Bike Ride

At first glance, this “bare as you dare” party may seem like a bunch of cyclists letting it all hang out. Well it is. The San Francisco edition of this climate-change movement is celebration of independence, the human body and some pretty sweet Winter weather.

When: March 14th, 11am.

Insider Tip: Show up early for a body painting party and to get to know the other riders. If you’re not riding, then be sure to grab a good place in the Castro to see all of the action as it whizzes by.

See what events are happening every weekend in San Francisco on the San Francisco city page.

Gabe Cooper

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Op-ed: Indiana's 'Turn Away Gays' Bill Is a Segregation-Era Throwback

A century ago, politicians claimed that ‘religious freedom’ required legal racial segregation. Today, they’re making the same claim against LGBTs.

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Matt Baume

www.advocate.com/commentary/2015/03/27/op-ed-indianas-turn-away-gays-bill-segregation-era-throwback

PHOTOS: Super Mario (Testino)

Mario Testino’s latest book explores the image of men over the last three decades.

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Dennis Hinzmann

www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/art/photography/2015/03/27/photos-super-mario-testino