Guess who is resigning as Governor of Alaska? No, not Mark Sanford - he should be the other Republican Governor resigning but he isn't.

IT'S SARAH PALIN!

The announcement came at a hastily arranged press conference at her home in Wasilla today in what seems like an attempt to be lost in a slow news day before a holiday. There Gov. Sarah Palin announced that she will be resigning as Governor of Alaska on July 26. Lt. Governor Sean Parnell will then take over after being sworn in at a picnic.

She claims that family was the biggest factor in her decision.

"I polled the most important people in my life, my kids, where the count was unanimous," she said. "Well, in response to asking, 'Hey, you want me to make a positive difference and fight for all our children's future from outside the governor's office?' It was four yeses and one 'Hell, yeah!" And the 'Hell, yeah' sealed it."

It could also have something to do with the scathing Vanity Fair article that just came out.

I'm hoping that she either fades into oblivion or goes back to the beauty pageant circuit.

UPDATED!

I've just added Gov. Palin's speech - it's bizarre and confusing to say the least. She doesn't want to be a lame duck governor? Several people are already wondering aloud if she - or another family member - is pregnant again.

This week I'm happy to feature a homegrown hottie - born right across the river from where I am in Queens - Ben Pamies! This gorgeous 6'2" delicacy is represented by Major Model Management in NYC. He grew up in Ohio but moved back to New York when he was 22 and jumped at the bit when offered an opportunity to model. The rest is history.

Not only is Ben gorgeous and walking for all the hot designers but he's pouring drinks for us as well. You can whet your appetite for Ben at the Locker Room (the lower level of Gym Bar). Don't trust me? Read here for Kenneth in the 212's report.

I really shouldn't be surprised at this point by what comes out of the mouth's of our elected officials. Case in point - Mark Sanford and Sarah Palin - but I just couldn't believe the garbage that spewed out of Georgia Republican Paul Broun's mouth on Friday on the floor of the House.

My favorite part of his speech comes when he talks of the Canadian and British universal health plans and states, all-knowingly, that they "don't appreciate life like we (the US) do, evidently." Really? What the f*ck does that mean? Dude, you are an @sshole!

The United States dramatically needs health care reform. And that can be nothing less than a public health care option. I'd go farther to say that we need a single-payer system. If you happen to live in Georgia - or just want to share your thoughts with Rep. Broun - call or email his office and let him know what will actually kill people (poverty, wars, hunger, not being able to get treatment for cancer, etc.) and scold him for his irresponsible, partisan rhetoric. You can reach his office at (202) 225-4101.

With just one day until Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens in theaters most people need no additional motivation to rush to the big screen. For the few of you that do - I present to you Freddie Stroma! He joins the Harry Potter cast as Cormac McLaggen - the romantic interest (if just, momentarily) of famous Gryffindor, Hermione Granger.

Freddie was born in London on January 8, 1987 - that makes him 22 (for those of you with less than proficient math skills) - and he's a rapidly rising British star. This 5'11" hottie has had other roles before Harry Potter - including Lady Godiva and The Last Flight to Kuwait. On top of this acting career he's also had what appears to be a healthy modeling career. You can judge for yourself below...

And as an added bonus on this very topical Topless Tuesdays - I've included a behind the scenes video from Freddie's Acne Underwear photo shoot in December 2008. Poor brand name of underwear - amazing video. Trust.

This week's slab o' man flesh represents for the Keystone State. He is currently living in Philedelphia - but as all hot models eventually do - I'm sure he'll be in New York very soon. Hopefully he'll take a cue from a former Topless Tuesday hottie and start bartending at Gym Bar.

Tom is a lifetime athlete and former bodybuilding competitor. He's recently started modeling and would like to get into television. As soon as I find a video of his "acting" ability I'll be sure to post. He says that he will do anything to advance his career with one exception: "I will not do any full frontal."

Since DyerTimes is still quasi family-friendly I didn't post a more revealing shot of Tom - for a NSFW picture click here.

I am always happy when I see news from Milwaukee that isn't about how terrible and backwards the city is. Earlier this week a mother and her two children were trapped in their burning SUV and were rescued by bystanders.

It's amazing that not only were some off-duty firefighters around but that enough people helped out - and ultimately saved the lives of those individuals in the burning SUV. Good job Milwaukee!

Though half of the people there were totally useless... I'm glad enough of the bystanders were helpful.

I'm excited to announce the preview of another regular new feature here at DyerTimes. That new feature will be FAG HAG. Yes, it's exactly as it sounds. Some of my besties - being wrangled up by Ms. Amy - will entertainment, enrage, and excite you each week with their - ummm, stuff. Enjoy this teaser of FAG HAG.

Welcome to Fag Hag! Um, what? You want to know what Fag Hag is... Well, obviously it's a 'sister' feature to dyertimes.com!

A snarky, gossipy, opinionated sister, but a sister none the less. We'll feature snippets of interest to, well, us. And most likely you too, I mean, a hag knows her fags, no?

We're still working on weekly features. We won't even touch Tuesdays. Tuesday's are topless. End of story, though there's no reason we can't discuss what dish Kurt has displayed for our consumption.

Who are we? Amy and Natalie - sometimes others. More on us later.

For now, we’ll highlight some of what we’ve enjoyed over the past week.

Comic-Con: don’t pretend you don’t know what’s been going on in San Diego. You do. You have comic books in your closet and you know what LARPing is.

Katie Holmes that was NOT dancing. So You Think You Can Dance? I disagree.

Jon Gosselin, PLEASE stop wearing Ed Hardy. It amps up your douche bag quotient and it’s getting harder and harder to like you.

Healthcare for all? Yes please. Let’s get moving elected officials.
Homo teachers in Milwaukee can share benefits with their DPs!! And if you happen to have stumbled upon this page and gasped at the idea of a homo teaching your kids (which seriously, why are you here?) I know a lot of queer teachers. And don’t worry; they don’t like your children enough to teach them to be gay.

Being an ‘Alaskan Girl’ at least in some small ways, I want to tell Sarah Palin officially, and forevermore to eff off. We get it. You’ve resigned. Fine. GOOD. Shut up.

My soccer team, Blue Light Special, is still in first place! We have our final game on Wednesday. Check it all out here.

Comic-con
Settle down my sci-fi queens. I know this last week was over stimulating.

And damn, for the first time ever, I also gave a crap about Comic-Con. Judge me later. Why did I care you ask? Was it because Johnny Depp, infinitely lovely, made a guest appearance? That was nice. But no, the reason I waded through footage and photos was related to the train wreck of shit writing, questionable acting and bad hair (gawd the hair!) that is the Twilight series. I hate myself a little bit for it but, like a soccer mom who steals her kids’ Ritalin for a high, I’m addicted to the feeling and, seemingly, no amount of shame can reign me in. Previews of New Moon from Comic-Con:

Do you see what I mean about the hair?! Oh, and the screeching girls – they make the whole thing nearly impossible. So, how do I absolve myself of the shame that is associated with my heart-on for these books-turned-films? Glad you asked. I go to laineygossip.com and pray she’s posted mail from a “Twi-hard”. Most make me laugh. Out loud. Some make me nervous. Others- fucking scare the shit out of me, but ALL remind me I have not lost touch with reality and that my while my Twilight affinity still causes me shame, it is under control.

A couple of my favorites:
Jackie A, NYC

Rob

I also absolve my shame with True Blood.
Bite Me: (aka – an invitation to Eric)

I have feelings for True Blood. A heart-on that is big. I’ve got it bad. On recommendation of a friend, I bought and watched (like it was my job) the first season and I was hooked. I will have HBO in 4 days and though the circumstances of my upcoming move are not entirely pleasant, I am genuinely excited to have unfettered access to Bon Temps. Oh Lafayette, how I’ve missed your scandalous ways. He is my favorite character. Obviously, right?

If you haven’t watched True Blood, you are missing out. It is funny, sensual, intense and at times a little scary (I’m not naming names, but a special someone was so scared he broke a wine glass while watching an episode). It’s also an amazing parallel for the fight for civil rights in the LGBT Community. Humorous example? “God hates fangs” Enough said. Watch it. Get back to me.

Until you fork over $45 for season 1 or order HBO, here’s a little clip of what you’re missing also from f-ing Comic-Con. You’re welcome.

Shalom! Our featured model this week recently moved to the United States from his native country of Isreal. Let us welcome Roy Lavi.

Roy moved to the states this past year to pursue his modeling career. He's a 24 year old aspiring model living in West Hollywood. He's allegedly enjoying himself. Who wouldn't be enjoying themselves with a face and body like that in West Hollywood?

I think he makes a much cuter version of Shia LaBeouf. More over Shia, Roy's in town! Just seeing him makes me want to watch Yossi & Jagger again. I highly recommend it.

And make sure to check out our latest teaser for our new weekly feature, FAG HAG. And don't be scared to tell us what you think...

I've got a secret to share.

I'm an addict.

Yes, I'm a terrible, dysfunctional, unhealthy television addict. It happens I know.

As an example, after watching Temptation Island I honestly thought that there was legitimate relationship advice to be learned. I eagerly gobbled up the entire season of Legend of the Seeker mostly because the lead dude was hot and always shirtless - and maybe slightly because it dealt with magic.

I just finished the thrill of yet another new episode of Hell's Kitchen. I love it. I know some people's ears start to bleed when Chef Ramsay starts blubbering on with his wicked British tongue but I really enjoy it. Especially when people explode back at him or just start crying.

I'm already intrigued by the new season. They all seem crazy - and only like 4 people seem to be able to cook. The guys are hotter than usual on the show. There's Van - muscled tattooed hot-head from Texas with an unfortunate face - and Joseph - the ex-military hot-head that is bound to be kicked off very soon - Kevin - the talented, balanced Executive Chef - and Dave - the sweet, quiet, non-confrontational cutie who may or may not be able to cook.

My favorite women so far are Tek and Suzanne. I think those two will make the finals. Tek is my vote for sexist women on this season. Oh, and Lovely has to go - though I might miss some of the things she says. Ok, she can stay a bit longer.

Next week there is bound to be a surprise as the second episode ended in a major cliff-hanger. Joseph - see above about hot-headed ex-military - challenged Chef Ramsay to a fight in the parking lot - like battle show down at the bike racks style.

Anyways, you may also be an addict and perhaps you'll appreciate the garbage as much as I do. You can watch all the episodes you want right at Hulu.