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Showing posts from November, 2005

Brokeback ad infinitum

Proulx is immensely pleased with the finished film, though she had her doubts. "I was very worried," she says. "I thought the landscape would be lost, the dialogue would be changed, sentimentality would creep in. I met with Ang Lee twice and I was very suspicious. But I remember him saying that his father had recently died, and just something in the way he said it, I had an inkling that he might use some of that grief, transfer some of his personal grief into this film. I think that actually happened."

Remembering ...

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. .. all the many friends that have gone before as well as the children all over the World. December 1st, good people, is World AIDS Day.

'Tis The Season, Part Two

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In our continuing story of the Giving Season, let's go back about a year and a half to a great place on the Upper West Side called Prohibition [at 503 Columbus Avenue . NYC 10024 . 212.579.3100]. It was June 2004 and Kamar de los Reyes of One Life to Live sponsored an event to benefit The Gabriel Project . "The Gabriel Project was founded by sixth grade teacher Mark J. Melamed in 1990. The objective of this non-profit organization is to provide life-saving heart surgery to a child from an area where such surgery is not available." De los Reyes has many events to benefit this organization visit the official site to find out more. There was a mini-concert with Trevor St. John, Ilene Kristen, Kamar, Jay Wilkison and Kathy Brier among others. Of course, there were celebrity bartenders and Soap Opera fans. There are no fans in the world like Soap Opera fans. They are the only fans in the world who can love their shows and actors yet hold them hostage at one and the same time.

'Tis the Season

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... of Giving, more or less. This is a two pronged missive, a fork in our cyber-info road going off in two directions. Stockings With Care on November 9th was the best way for some of us to kick this off and as an event, although not exactly eventful, was not without its moments. Two of its brightest moments were Tom Fontana, a driving force behind it (please see the earlier post -- scroll down) and Mr. Christopher Meloni, whose praises we never tire of singing (especially the ubiquitous Ms. Clifton since she considers herself a chanteuse). Gatherings of this nature are the positive side of exploiting fans. It is the utilization of star power, for lack of a better term, to help a good cause. Of all the excuses to throw a party this is one of the better ones, although many in attendance don't need an excuse or a cause to come see some of the people who were 'celebrity bartenders.' There were actually a few blessed attendees who were there strictly for the cause. Given the

Alec, careful what you wish for

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Bernice plans to give you lessons

Alec Musser

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There is no doubt that all of you have been paying strict attention and, therefore, know that we 've created a website for Alec Musser currently starring on All My Children as Del after winning the I Want To Be A Soapstar competition on SoapNet. Yes, he's easy on the eyes and has got that je ne sais quoi required of all of those who eventually command the attention of those who are watching but he's got a wit to be appreciated. In the current issue of Soap Opera Digest (December 6, 2005) in response to the question, "Who should your character have a fling with?" he had this to say: I haven't had the opportunity to womanize at all yet on the show and Del, having been in Pine Valley for a few months, I think is probably getting a little anxious! But he's sort of an opportunist, you know? Del doesn't want to work too hard, so I'm thinking probably Amanda ... From what I understand, she's sort of the town biscycle. I'm thinking Del mig

Happy Holidays

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Tower Records Lincoln Center and Faust Harrison Pianos proudly present The First Annual Any Wednesday Holiday Party on December 14, 2005 at 6:00 PM . Join some of the finest Cabaret, Jazz and Broadway perfor me rs to celebrate the Holidays. Among the perfor me rs who are scheduled to appear: Lisa Asher, Boulevard East, Barbara Brussell, Philip Chaffin, Eric Comstock, Catherine Dupuis, Fyvush Finkel, Brian Gari, Jeff Harnar, Judy Kaye, Deborah Latz, Valerie Lemon, Eidan Lipper, Maryann Plunkett, Barbara Rosene, Toli Reid, David Vernon 1961 Broadway at 66 th questions? 212.766.2500 ext. 138, ask for Bart

Thank You, Andrew Towle

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He's given us a compendium from his Bloglet on Brokeback Mountain

All About Eva

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In complete agreement with Liz Smith today: OH, WHILE we wax fascinat ing and "Desperate" — Eva Longoria! She was the only one of the "Housewives" who wasn't nominated for an Emmy, and yet this season she is the one doing the strenuous lifting, acting-wise. Certainly her story line is the most compelling. She held up very well as the host of "Saturday Night Live," and proved again she has a good sense of humor. (Remember how she allowed herself to be kidded at the Emmys, pretending she was relegated to a lonely balcony seat?) For Thanksgiving, Eva says, "I make a great pumpkin pie and great mashed potatoes." What's not to love about this "Desperate Housewife"?

Why We Love Tom Fontana

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Because he is relentlessly creative and forever on his way to doing something impossible to ignore. In addition, we are convinced that he is one of the good guys, perhaps one of the 'goodest.' recently in the NY Daily News Censors say 'Diaries' too self-centered By MARISA GUTHRIE DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER The possibility of stiff fines and government scrutiny are making the WB, home of randy teens on "One Tree Hill" and "Gilmore Girls," a little skittish. Veteran producer Tom Fontana ("Homicide," "Oz") is fighting a battle with network censors over the content of his upcoming drama "The Bedford Diaries," which revolves around college students in a sexuality class. "I haven't had these kinds of fights since my early days in television," said Fontana. The veteran producer faced content battles over "St. Elsewhere" and less frequently on "Homicide" before going to

Christopher Meloni

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Mr. Meloni's image anywhere has caused great joy in these parts for quite a while and as a matter of fact seeing him in person at Tom Fontana's Stockings With Care this past November 9th was a great inaugural for the season of giving. Speaking of giving, Metrosource, Column 's favourite free periodical in the New York Metro Area is celebrating its 15th year. It is graced on its cover with what may very well be the best headshot of Jesse Metcalfe ever. Well, maybe not, but it sure makes an impression. Inside one will find a celebration of "15 years of folks who make us sing, sway, smirk, spend, snicker, sneak out, smarten up and smile ..." one of which is the studly, classy and fiercely talented Mr. Meloni, who also graced their cover as pictured. Much of that issue can be found in Column's main site's Media section. Anyway, here's what's on page 35 re: Christopher Meloni: What's not to love about another former Metrosource cover boy, Chr

Our Neighbour Heath

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His letter to the New York Post: Michelle, Matilda and I were a little upset about the level of irresponsibility shown by The Post although not surprised ("Frenzied Buyer," Page Six, Nov 10) The statement that we had been rude to our neighbours could not be further from the truth. We adore our new neighbours and community and have shown nothing but love and interest for them, as they have for us. We have felt at home and completely accepted into the friendly arms of Brooklyn. If there was a neighbour who felt excluded from this and then decided not to comment on it, along with posting our address, we apologize. We have only been in the house a few weeks. I'm sure it takes a little longer than that to meet everyone on the block -- which, in time, we intend to do. Page Six's revealing our whereabouts could possibly put our child in danger. Aside from the fact that the day after the article we had half a dozen photographers waiting at our door. The Post has also invited

A Day Late A Dollar Short ...

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... we know it's a barrel of monkeys, but it is no fun. Please, get it together, people are dying. Iraq War Debate Eclipses All Other Issues GOP Flounders as Bush's Popularity Falls; Democrats Struggle for a Voice By Jonathan Weisman and Charles Babington Washington Post Staff Writers Sunday, November 20, 2005; A01 After largely avoiding the subject since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, lawmakers are suddenly confronting the issue of President Bush's handling of the war. The start hasn't been pretty. Political stunts by both parties have created an air of acrimony that is infecting the parties' entire agendas. The bitterness reached a new high -- or low -- on Friday when House Republicans forced a late-night vote on a resolution for immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces. The resolution failed, 403 to 3, but only after members nearly came to blows when a GOP newcomer suggested a veteran Democratic military hawk was a coward. "Iraq is now a cloud over everything,&

Happy Birthday, CT

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If you're fortunate enough to hear him sing you will be treated to his wonderfully dulcet baritone. Otherwise you can just hear his announcements from the dj booth at The Duplex in the West Village just off Sheridan Square at Christopher Street and Seventh Avenue South. Karaoke takes place there every Saturday night, usually around 11:00 pm or so in the cabaret theater. There is a great serving staff with Fernando, who usually does the stage banter and introductions, Darcy and the currently traveling Sari who is on sabbatical. It's great fun and these guys can make you feel like a star, even if you're Bernice Clifton. Tonight is special because it's the Kentucky born CT's birthday. We will be singing out! <<--- Fernando, Princess & Giovanni performing their favourite songs as the crowd looks on.

Telma Hopkins, that Guy Tony and Joyce

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Of all Bill Cosby's foibles the most difficult to forgive was his dismissal of the wonderful Ms. Hopkins of many talents during the pre-production of that second sitcom of his whatever it was called. Telma is simply one of those pleasant entities that brings great pleasure when and wherever she appears. On Sunday at Tower Lincoln Center 1961 Broadway New York, New York you will find her in one of her more famous incarnations as part of Tony Orlando & Dawn at 6:00 PM for a unique meet and greet! She can be seen on the UPN comedy, Half & Half these days. More about Telma here.

A Giant Among Men

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"I do wish George Bush would start paying attention to issues that are important for the country," Stewart went on. "Gay marriage, for instance. I don't understand why the religious right fears homosexuality. They say it's an abomination. The Bible says that shellfish are also an abomination. … They who oppose sodomy must also oppose scallops."

And the Monkeys Just Carry On

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Jean Schmidt, not the most stable of people, although there are those in Ohio who believe that she is capable of governing -- unfortunately. She is a creature that is perfectly capable of 'showing her ass.' It can only be hoped that her behaviour will come back to haunt her. The business of monkeys seems to be the standard these days. This woman is a knee jerk "my country right or wrong" mental midget. The big blow up in the House by kos Fri Nov 18, 2005 at 04:45:55 PM PDT Here's the blowup in the House over Jean Schmidt's hateful remarks: The Speaker Pro Tempore : The gentlelady from Ohio is recognized for one minute. Ms. Schmidt : Yesterday I stood at Arlington National Cemetery attending the funeral of a young marine in my district. He believed in what we were doing is the right thing and had the courage to lay his life on the line to do it. A few minutes ago I received a call from Colonel Danny Bop, Ohio Representative from the 88th district in th

American Primates Challenge Murtha

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Talk about monkey business! You'd think they were bishops.

Right to Life

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Representative John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania, a Vietnam combat veteran who voted for the Iraq war, said that after more than two years of combat, American forces had united a disparate array of insurgents in a seemingly endless cycle of violence that was impeding Iraq's progress toward stability and self-governance. He said the 153,000 American troops in Iraq should be pulled out within six months. "Our military has done everything that has been asked of them. It is time to bring them home," Mr. Murtha said, at times choking back tears. Mr. Murtha's proposal, which goes well beyond the phased withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq that other moderate Democrats have proposed, stunned many Republicans who quickly held their own news conference to criticize the plan.

Too Much Monkey Business

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Anglican primates challenge their leader Many of the Church of England's top bishops have signed a letter to Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams strongly disapproving of his attitude toward gay clergy. The Archbishop Williams faces the gravest threat to his authority as leader of the worldwide Anglican community, according to the Guardian. Seventeen of the 38 Anglican primates, or national church leaders, signed the letter. The archbishops, lead by ultra-conservative Nigerian Archbishop Dr. Peter Akinola, have urged Williams to reconsider and act against "unrepented sexual immorality" in the communion. They also disapprove of his reluctance to attack the U.S. Episcopal Church for the ordination of gay bishop Gene Robinson, whom Archbishop Williams met with earlier this month. They wrote, "We wonder whether your personal dissent from this consensus prevents you from taking the necessary steps to confront these churches that have embraced teac

Except For Sandwiches

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"We’ve held an image of Bob Woodward as the great white knight of American journalism for so long, it's been easy to forget that the image is in fact of Robert Redford in All the President’s Men . True, we’ve been sorely lacking in journalistic heroes in this country since the Watergate era. But hero-worship is rarely wise outside the confines of Hollywood fantasy, and heroes have an unnerving tendency to disappoint us sooner rather than later. Guess what, another one just bit the dust"-- Andrew Gumbel, The Huffington Post

Maybe It Was For All The Wrong Reasons

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But the Senate came up with a bi-partisan proposal to end the war. We'll take it, although many did it as an opportunistic gesture for next year's elections. Or were they encouraged by John Edwards' piece, which may or may not be opportunistic? It might also be opportune here to respond to Rummy's assertion that the Clinton Administration also warned about the possibility of Saddam's danger. The difference is this and it's an important one: No one died . The Right Way in Iraq By John Edwards Sunday, November 13, 2005 ; B07 I was wrong. Almost three years ago we went into Iraq to remove what we were told -- and what many of us believed and argued -- was a threat to A me rica . But in fact we now know that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction when our forces invaded Iraq in 2003. The intelligence was deeply flawed and, in so me cases, manipulated to fit a political agenda. It was a mistake to vote for this war in 2002. I take responsibi

Tower Records Lincoln Center New York

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Tower Lincoln Center's Any Wednesday Cabaret Series 11/16/2005 06:00 PM Cabaret veteran Jeff Harnar brings his mellow style and beautiful voice to a cavalcade of Broadway songs on his new album Dancing in the Dark, also from PSClassics. He will be sharing selections from the CD with us. Autograph Signing With The Original Broadway Cast of "Jersey Guys" - 11/17/2005 05:00 PM Tower Records Lincoln Center is proud to welcome the cast of the new Broadway smash hit, Jersey Boys The true story of the rise of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys has been playing to packed houses and selling lots of Four Seasons CDs in the meantime. Now,with the release of the Jersey Boys cast recording Tower Records & Rhino Records invite you to a very special autograph session with the cast of the play. As a special bonus, the album's producer and original Four Seasons producer Bob Gaudio will be in attendance. This is an opportunity not to be missed! Although it was Fran

Let's Not Russ Things: There are Midterms Next Year

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What makes George Will palatable as a conservative is that he is not a grandstander. He is not a bible thumper and he is often capable of objective observation. (The part about Cindy Sheehan being a Republican mole may not necessarily be true in the strict sense, but the gist of what he's saying about that element and its effect may be.) He may not necessarily be part of a vanishing breed, but his kind tend to be drowned out by the O’Reilly’s, Limbaughs and Hannity’s of the ilk. This article says as much about him, although it’s about the Senator from Wisconsin . AS GOOD AS FEINGOLD By GEORGE F. WILL November 13, 2005 After winning, at the rela tively tender age of 51, a third Senate term in 2004 with 55 percent of Wisconsin's vote, five points better than John Kerry's winning percentage, and carrying 27 of the 45 Wisconsin counties that President Bush carried, Russ Feingold went to play golf — on a public cou

Your True Family Wouldn't Treat You This Way

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Gay Priests Struggle With Vatican 's Rules Saturday November 12, 2005 5:46 PM By RACHEL ZOLL AP Religion Writer The Rev. Fred Daley, a gay, Roman Catholic priest, had grown increasingly disturbed by Vatican pronounce me nts over the years that homosexuals were unfit for the clergy. Then the situation escalated - so me church leaders suggested that gays were responsible for the clergy sex abuse crisis. Daley was so angry, he did so me thing last year that almost no other gay Catholic cleric in the country has done: He ca me out to his bishop, parishioners and his entire community to show that homosexuals were faithfully working in the church. ``I'm as much a me mber of the church as anybody else,'' said Daley, of St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica, N.Y., who was ordained in 1974 and said he has never considered leaving the priesthood. ``I love being a priest.'' Researchers have estimated that thousands of homosexual clergy across the

The City of Brotherly Love

Gay man freed in killing By ALYSHA BRENNAN & THERESA CONROY abrenna@phillynews.com LUCAS Dawson began carrying a knife after being attacked while kissing his male lover in a South Philadelphia Park four years ago. Now, after a second assault by gay bashers - one of whom he killed in self-defense - Dawson's thinking about getting a gun. The 21-year-old was cleared yesterday of charges in the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy who was among a group that attacked him near his East Mount Airy ho me on Oct. 29. There was great relief at the Dawson ho me yesterday after the decision by a Municipal Court judge, but now the concern is his safety. Last night, Dawson packed to leave ho me for fear of retaliation. "I me an, seven guys jumped me , and one guy died," he said. "There's still six other people that want to hurt me . "I fear for my safety, and that's why I'm moving away," he added. "I won't carry a knife

Newsweek ...

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Yes, they get asked about the sex a lot . "I'm amazed, really," Gyllenhaal says, laughing. "Everybody is soooo interested in it." And their conversations with journalists have given them fresh insight into straight-male psychology. After seeing the movie, Gyllenhaal says, male reporters will enter a room to interview him and almost always follow the same routine. "They come in and they're all, like, 'I just want you to know I'm straight'," he says, and laughs. If they've been moved by the film, he says, they often rationalize it by saying things like "Well, it's really more of a friendship." No, it isn't. "It's a love story," Gyllenhaal says. "They're two men having sex. There's nothing hidden there." Ledger has a theory about why the movie makes some men uncomfortable. "I suspect it's a fear that they are going to enjoy it," he says. "They don't understan

We Love Joan

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... but John is right on the money. Click here .

Absolute Intellectual Disgrace

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This man is making a lot of money while calling for the destruction of a memorial to firefighters by terrorists. He makes money by pandering to the anger of people who vote against their own self interests. This man needs to be fired. Coit Tower shall stand now also as a reminder of this man's unfathomable ignorance.

Big Phalenx keeps on turning, Rollin' ...

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From Planetjh.com White House spins Planet By Gil Brady 11.12.05 For the last three weeks, the Planet has been using its considerable gravitas as the Vice President's favorite hometown newspaper to get Mr. Cheney to grant us an interview. Or, at least one Cheney-esque "Go bleep yourself" to satisfy our one pressing question. What I have gleaned from this lesson in longdistance futility are three things: 1) the V.P. has gotten too big for his britches, which may explain why he is rumored to ski in jeans; 2) Mr. Cheney considers the Planet even more irrelevant than our most devoted advertisers; 3) the question, put to no less than three of the VP's youthful-sounding staff, "Can the Vice President say with confidence that the Valerie Plame leak ends with Scooter Libby?" does not appear to be one any of Cheney's preppy mouthpieces feel ready to address. We also want to know if Debra Maggart, the first White House staffer we