Monkee Davy Jones | 1945-2012 : Watch the hit '60s TV show's opening and closing credits

In memory of Monkee Davy Jones, who died Wednesday at age 66 of an apparent heart attack in Martin County, Fla.

Update: Just before he died, Tyler Clementi wrote to complain he was 'uncomfortable' with roommate

BY GEOFF MULVIHILL, ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J -- Jurors in the trial of a student accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate kissing another man can't hear about an email passage in which the alleged victim referred to the defendant's behavior as "wildly inappropriate," a judge decided Wednesday.

But the jury can hear about another part of the email in which Tyler Clementi said he believed his privacy had been violated, the judge ruled. The email said Clementi was "extremely uncomfortable sharing a room with someone who would act in this manner."

Clementi killed himself shortly afterward.

Click here to read the complete article and for updates.

Doors open for potential gay lawmakers in Tallahassee

BY MARC CAPUTO, MCAPUTO@MIAMIHERALD.COM

Miami Beach is buzzing that, for the first time in Florida history, an openly gay state legislator could win office and sit in the state House.

The promise of a first-ever gay lawmaker became a real possibility last week when Rep. Richard Steinberg resigned Friday amid a scandal involving inappropriate sex-text messages he sent to a female federal prosecutor.

At the same time, the Legislature has signed off on new legislative maps that rejigger the boundaries of Steinberg’s District 106, which has all of the gay “mecca” of Miami Beach, said C.J. Ortuño, executive director of SAVE Dade.

The new district is among the most liberal and Democratic in the state.

“We have never had the opportunity that this new district presents for the LGBT community,” said Ortuño, using the shorthand for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. “We are going to be contacting people in the community,” he said, “planting the seed and watch for a reaction.”

Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, who is openly gay, said he may run for Steinberg’s seat.

Click here to read the complete article.

Californians now favor gay marriage 59-34 percent

From The Miami Herald's sister paper in California, The Sacramento Bee:

By Dan Smith and Torey Van Oot, smith@sacbee.com

A new poll shows gay marriage has arrived in California – in public opinion if not in state lawbooks.

Golden State registered voters now favor same-sex unions by 59 percent to 34 percent, a 25-point gap that is the largest margin of support for the issue in the three-plus decades the Field Poll has been asking the question.

The new Field survey shows support has leapt markedly in the three and a half years since California voters approved Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage, 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent.

The poll showed increases in support virtually across the board – among voters under 64, non-white voters, Catholics, Republicans and nonpartisans.

Click here to read the complete article.

2012 Winter Party Festival launches updated iPhone app in time for Feb. 29 opening

Winter Party Festival begins today and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has introduced a new version of the event's free iPhone app sponsored by Jackson Health System.

Click here to download from the iTunes store.

About the app:

WINTER PARTY

The Winter Party app, sponsored by Jackson Health System, is a great tool for all attendees for on-the-go information before and throughout the Festival. We're excited to bring it to you just in time for this year's event. Be sure to install it before arriving in South Florida to stay up-to-date with Festival's headlines. The app allows users to:

•Follow the Festival's Facebook feed
•View and RSVP to events
•Map the events so you know where you’re going
•Purchase official event tickets and passes
•Access key contact information
•Share content with your contacts
•Listen to exclusive music

WHAT WE DO – About Winter Party Festival

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force produces one of the world's biggest and best-loved celebrations for the LGBT community in one of the world's hottest destinations, Miami Beach!

Over 10,000 guests from around the world attend our annual six-day extravaganza featuring the most spectacular venues, the most unforgettable parties, a wide-range of community events, Women’s Winter Party and the best international DJ talent.

Launched in 1994 as a one-time charity dance event on the sands of beautiful South Beach, Winter Party Festival has evolved into a week-long series of events benefiting the LGBT community nationally and locally. A portion of the net proceeds of the Festival support the Task Force’s efforts to build power, take action and create change for LGBT people and their families. The majority of the proceeds are donated to local service organizations through a grant-making process administered by The Miami Foundation.

WHO WE BENEFIT

For 18 years Winter Party Festival has been making a difference in people's lives and providing vital funding to organizations serving the South Florida LGBT community. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force donates the majority of the net proceeds of Winter Party Festival and the Miami Recognition Dinner to local nonprofit organizations. Since assuming responsibility for these events in 2005, the Task Force has donated nearly $1.2 million dollars to the GLBT Community Projects Fund of The Miami Foundation.

2012 DJ Line Up:
Alain Jackinsky
Alyson Calagna
Billy Lace
Brett Henrichsen
Danny Verde
Felipe Lira
Giangi Cappai
GiGi
Guga Rahner
Hector Fonseca
Herbie James
Javier Medina
Joe Gauthreaux
Paulo
Phil Romano
Rafael Calvente
ROSABEL
Run Sevim Run
Whitney Day
Willy G.

ABC News: Quick interview with Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan about kiss - now seen by millions

ABC News today has interviewed Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan. The network reports that millions have seen the photos of Morgan's first kiss with new partner Dalan Wells.