GLOBAL COCKTAILS

Here's one of our favorite photos.



Thanks [BF] via [TR].

Despite the outcry from Salvatore Romano fans everywhere, Bryan Batt will not be returning to Mad Men. Instead, the star wants to focus on other life passions, like interior design by spending more time at his design store in New Orleans, and he has also signed on with Playboy Enterprises to design a limited-edition love seat to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Playboy Clubs. We'd still like to see him back on the show! [TrueSlant]

If you're itching for some more Batt action, check out an exclusive PASSPORT TV guided tour of New Orleans from the man himself.

Laura Chinchilla became Costa Rica's first female president yesterday. Where exactly does Chinchilla stand on gay rights and gay marriage? Well, she doesn't agree with calling a same-sex couple married, but she has promised to work for equal rights for gay couples. Check out her campaign video below.

Last week, the Albanian Government issued new anti-discriminations laws that defend gays and minorities. Since Albania is under revue as a potential candidate to join the European Union, the passage of a human rights bill is an important step in gaining EU confidence in Albania's preparedness.

This law provides strong protections for all people against discrimination based on: gender, race, colour, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, political, religious or philosophical beliefs, economic, education or social status, pregnancy, parentage, parental responsibility, age, family or marital condition, civil status, residence, health status, genetic predispositions, disability, affiliation with a particular group, or for any other reason.

The sponsors of the bill warned that despite its passage, homophobia is rampant in the country. It will give activists a strong, legal platform to combat discrimination. The law was also intended to include same-sex marriage, but with such powerful Orthodox and Catholic communities, the prime minister left it out. [Straits]

You don't usually think of the word majestic when you think of ways to describe robots. But German company, Festo, unveiled two fantastic, floating robots that are surreally beautifully.

No city does fashion week quite like Paris - just take a look at these stunning outfits by some of the world's top designers.

To find out all about what trends to expect in 2010, read the Times Online women's fashion recap here. For a nice summary of the men's fashion, check out our friend Luigi Tadini's recap of all the men's shows.

More styles after the jump: Continue reading "Paris Fashion Week" »

Immediately after the announcement that Mexico City officials voted in favor of same-sex marriage, the country has been in heated debate. The conservative, federal government's argument is that same-sex marriage violates the constitution, while the liberal Mexico City Government argues the unconstitutionality of not granting equal rights to gay citizens. Despite this, marriages will begin to take place in March, almost two months before the Supreme Court will hear appeals. Check out some more details about the debate and some personal stories in this fabulous New York Times article.