AfterElton Briefs: The Mighty Fine Jason Momoa, GOP Debate Talking Points and Another Republican Male Escort Scandal

Here's last week's caption pic winner. (This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.)

"In the latest attempt to immobilize AE blogger Ed Kennedy, a member of the
Canadian Advanced Tactical Squad (C.A.T.S.) disguises himself as a giant hairball."

* Thanks to Campion for this week's winning caption!

A Word About AfterElton This Week...
People have been asking after contributing editor snicks who normally does the daily briefs. The poor guy had some health issues which sent him to the hospital and had him laid up in bed all week. Fingers crossed, but we think he'll be back at work on Monday. Also, Michael Jensen took some time off this week to recover from his TCA trip. He too should be back on Monday.

I'm closing up shop a little early this afternoon (I need a break), but I wanted to take a moment to thank our regular readers for sticking with us for this crazy week and just generally being supportive of the site and its staff.

I also wanted to share this brief excerpt from a member who just joined our site. I won't call her out by member name in case she doesn't want the attention, but she's a 70-year old straight retired schoolteacher from New York who decided to learn more about gay men and gay culture after a co-worker came out to her. What prompted her to join AfterElton?

"One of the things I hate about the internet is the casual and incredible cruelty that can come about through not having to reveal one's true identity. Although I can indulge in a snarky comment from time to time myself - I don't do it with intent to destroy someone. The tone of the articles and community comments were so thoughtful here, there was a sense of welcoming and support."

That just made me so proud! I hope it makes our active members feel proud too. You guys are why this site keeps growing.

Now back to the briefs...

• For those who couldn't bring themselves to watch it last night, Talking Points Memo compiled a very informative four minute video highlight/lowlight reel of the GOP Presidential Debate. These people are seriously nuts! The real surprise to me was that the FOX News moderators actually asked some tough questions. Although asking Michele Bachmann if she'd be "submissive to her husband" as President? That was a cheap shot.

• Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb who seems to have a following on AE). Actor Sebastian Stan turns 28 on Saturday. Meanwhile, ANTM's  Jay Manuel (below) turns 39 on Sunday.

• Am I a sucker to be looking forward to the Conan remake which opens next Friday? I still remember going to see the first one when I was like 15 and thinking it was all kinds of awesome. The original made Arnold Schwarzenegger a movie star. Will the remake do the same for Jason Momoa?

Jason Momoa looking mighty fine with partner Lisa Bonet and her daughter Zoe Kravitz
at yesterday's LA premiere of Conan the Barbarian

For some reason he looks like a young (and better looking) Steven Seagal in this pic.

• Below you can see a preview of Sunday's True Blood. Looks like things are starting to heat up and the various supernaturals are taking sides in the big vampires v. witches battle. Our own Steven Frank will be back with one of his trenchant recaps late Sunday evening. (After the show has aired on the west coast)

• Here we go again. Another Republican politician caught with his pants down soliciting sex from a paid male escort.  Indiana State Rep. Phillip Hinkle, 64, tried to pick up the wrong young guy on Craigslist. Today's Indianapolis Star publishes the sad details.

And today's Briefs are brought to you by...

Here's your caption pic for the week. Drop your caption ideas in the comments (And please remember to keep the captions PG-13!)