Morning Meme: Dolly Parton's "Joyful Noise," Weird Al vs. The World, and Karl Urban Goes Back To Necromancy

Fallout from The L Word's Leisha Hailey being escorted from a Southwest Airlines flight continues. Southwest released a statement saying their investigation had revealed numerous complaints that Hailey's affection was "excessive." I used to fly a lot, and I mean a lot, and I've seen people join the Mile High Club in the cabin, so this must have been amazing. Interesting complication:  Southwest is the official airline of GLAAD.

Business Insider contacted some of the richest people in America and asked them if they supported the Buffett Rule, which would equalize the effective tax rate for millionaires and billionaires. And there were shockingly few that were willing to get behind the Oracle of Omaha, including his friend Bill Gates. Thankfully, the richest gay man I'm aware of, David Geffen, says "I completely agree with Buffett."

On October 2nd, hundreds of pastors across the country will preach specific politics from the pulpit in defiance of IRS regulations in place since the Johnson administration prohibiting direct political action by institutions claiming a religious exemption. And I'd be willing to bet anything that not a one will suffer any consequence for it, because this country is terrified of religion.

There's a hot new rumor that Karl Urban has found enough hair product to reprise his role as Necromonger Vaako in the third Riddick installment, likely making a few AfterElton.com members very happy.

By all accounts, Lady Gaga attended a fundraiser for President Obama. But by one account, we know what she wore. By another account, we know she spoke with President Obama for two minutes, then read a letter about bullying and suicides in front of a group and President Obama. What to guess which outlet wrote which report?

That thing about a million monkeys with typewriters and Shakespeare? Despite an attempt with virtual monkeys, there was a real attempt with real monkeys, who peed and pooped on the typewriters before bashing them to pieces with rocks.

Several certified hate groups are starting their own campaign to be allowed to keep PayPal for purchases and donations, despite clearly being in violations of the PayPal Terms of Service, which activists are pointing out to PayPal. As for the major corporations dropping out of the Christian Values Network fundraising scheme, it's because Christians are being oppressed for opposing GLBT rights.  Meanwhile, the American Family Association is calling for boycotts of Dancing With the Stars, Ben & Jerry's, and AARP. Because all those beliefs go together without conflict.

Cougar Town's Dan Byrd is leaving the cul-de-sac for Suburgatory. Well, I suppose they could have a cul-de-sac on Suburgatory too, since cul-de-sacs are common in the suburbs.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a first-of-its-kind bill that would put in place programs to help GLBT seniors.

Rep. Barbara Lee has formally introduced a bill to decriminalize exposure to HIV. A patchwork of laws currently make it remarkably easy to claim lack of notification on a partner in some states.

You should probably go over to EW and watch Chord Overstreet learn the "Brick Whisper" from The Middle scene stealer Atticus Shaffer. I love Chord, but he lacks a certain charisma at times, and just comes off flat next to young Atticus.

In what has to be one of the sadder stories, a convict, imprisoned since 1982 was released into a the world a few months ago. He had no idea about cell phones, computers, the internet, or really anything about how the modern world works. Unable to cope, he set fire to an abandoned house so he could return to prison where he could function.

Voting is open for The Independent's annual Pink List of the most influential GLBT persons in the UK.

Did Philadelphia Flyer Wayne Simmonds call GLBT ally Sean Avery a "faggot?" It seems that way. Now what will the NHL say about that? Will they step up like the NBA and levy a six-figure fine?

The U.S. Postal Service is changing a rule that required people appearing on stamps to be dead. Now that living people can be featured on stamps, they intend to take input on who should appear via Facebook. This almost certainly means that we'll be sending Christmas cards with Justin Bieber stamps.