Monday Briefs: Jesse Tyler Ferguson targets NY state senators; Steven Slater is a Fanilow; It’s Madonna’s birthday!

I do believe that our love affair with Tom Cruise began at this very moment back in 1983 when he slid across the floor, in his briefs, lip-sinking Old Time Rock and Roll in his breakthrough movie Risky Business.

Tom had 25 years or so of non-stop hits but Knight and Day proved that he is not the box office draw he once was. I think he’s a terrific actor and would love to see him do some more parts like Magnolia.

Anyway, here are some briefs for you. Sorry for the late start and early finish on the blogging front today but I’ve got my hands full on the family front. Thanks to all for your loyalty and patience!

FLIGHT ATTENDANT FANILOW: The Jet Blue flight attendant who lost his marbles, exited a flight via emergency shoot with a beer in hand, and is now a folk hero, is now rubbing elbows with celebrities instead of unruly passengers.

Steven Slater attended Barry Manilow‘s “Symphony” concert with the New York Pops at Caesars Boardwalk Hall and met the ageless singing star backstage for a photo op.

FIGHTING BACK: I love that people are targeting the state senators in New York who so cowardly voted against approving same-sex marriage in their state. They are so afraid of offending certain segments of voters that they do not vote their conscience and end up offending another group – a group that is made as hell and isn’t going to take it anymore.

Emmy nominated Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson has taped the following Public Service Announcement for Fight Back New York, the political action committee targeting anti-gay state senators in New York. Jesse has some strong words for the politicians and also jokingly makes public his plans to marry Alec Baldwin – not sure he ran that proposal by the 30 Rock star!

MADONNA’S BIRTHDAY: The Material Girl turns 52 years young today!

She has reinvented herself so many times over the years with new looks, new music, movies good and bad and a colorful love life. That has meant she has never been boring and I doubt she ever will be!

It will be interesting to see what she has in store for us next.

AND FINALLY: I have to confess to being more of a fan of actor Shawn Pyfrom than I am of Madonna. Strange for a gay man not to be enthralled by her but she does not strike me as authentic and leaves me cold. That said, I have much respect for her talent.

So why am I bringing up Shawn Pyfrom?

Because it’s his birthday too! The Desperate Housewives cast member turns 24 today. I’m damn glad that after a long stretch of being criminally underutilized, Shawn’s character of Andrew Van De Kamp, the gay son of Bree, had a nice comeback last season and is poised to continue to be prominent this year – the show’s seventh season.

Happy birthday Shawn!