The Column of Life

In June of 1993, Chris Isaak performed at the newly revitalized TLA on South Street in Philadelphia. Tower Records just down the street was the focal point for his venture and the employees, especially the young females, were, all of them, titillated at the proximity of the heart throb. Chris Isaak embodies the ideal of the strong, sensitive and handsome man who seems somewhat sincere, to coin a musical phrase, let alone he can sing and write songs. Perhaps in an attempt to cut through all the excitement the sales representative from WEA, the company distributing Isaak's label, announced that he was gay. Perhaps it was someone simply embellishing a persistent rumour, although there was insistence on visual evidence. Be that as it may, it may have diluted the female excitement, or not as the case may be, but the possibility that someone of the sex symbol status of Chris Isaak might be gay, put simply and equivocally, fanned the flames. Mr. Isaak, ever the accessible and gracious roc...

... will make you melt. Tower Records Lincoln Center and Faust Harrison Pianos are pleased to announce the March schedule for "Any Wednesday at Tower", a weekly series that celebrates the best in cabaret, jazz and Broadway vocalists. Our enthusiastic audiences have been growing each week. Each performance begins at 6:00 p.m., lasts approximately 30 minutes, and is followed by a signing/meet-and-greet session with that evening's artist. Tower Records is located at 66th Street and Broadway, in Manhattan. The performances take place on the lower level in the vocal/jazz department. Seating is limited. As always, there is no charge for the event. For more information, contact Bart Greenberg at 212-799-2500 x138. This week on March 1 Brian Lane Green comes in like both a lion and a lamb. This dynamic young performer, a Tony nominee, songwriter and performer, won the audience over last year when he appeared with Lee Lessack. Now he's flying in from California to appear i...

John Pescitelli, in dark shirt, and his partner, Doug Henderson, with their children, from left, Rebecca, Jeffrey and Annie, at an Arizona Gay Rodeo Association event in Phoenix last month. Thank you, NY Times.

A GAY rodeo cowboy might have been a nonconcept to most Americans before the release of "Brokeback Mountain," which is up for eight Oscars on March 5. But the fact is that roping and riding is a way of life for many real, out-and-proud versions of Jack Twist ... " 'Brokeback Mountain' has certainly given us more media attention," ... "We've been around for 20 years, quietly enjoying our Western culture and rodeo life. But it's great to get some recognition." FORT WORTH W. R. Watt Arena, Will Rogers Memorial Center; 214-346-2107; host hotel: Green Oaks Hotel; www.texasgayrodeo.org. What: T.G.R.A. 2006 Cowtown Rodeo; tickets are $15 a day. When: March 2 to 5; rodeo contests March 4 and 5. FORT LAUDERDALE Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, Davie; host hotel: Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel; www.fgra.org. What: Sunshine Stampede; tickets from $12.50 for individual days to $35 for weekend package and $20 unlimited transportation. When: April 7 to 9...

“Dusty” by the XL Capris She was blonde and she sang so well Dusty wore her make-up like a shell Someone said she liked the girls too well Dusty she sang about boys What’s a girl gonna do She could dance and jazz romance so well Dust kept her breakdown to herself Someone said she liked the girls too well Dusty she sang about boys What's a girl gonna do I just don’t know what to do with myself Wishin’ and Hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’ Dusty she sang about boys What’s a girl gonna do The internet of recent has been going on about the rumour that Ang Lee is about to tackle the topic of Dusty Springfield's life, which would make him the king of closet angst after Brokeback Mountain . Charlize Theron would make an excellent Mary O'Brien/Dusty if the casting rumour is true. She is South African and she used a British accent with good affect and to optimum effect on Arrested Development by the way. Dusty's hauntingly beautiful voice would ...

... operating under high nutritional standards, of course.

The We All Have Aids Campaign which launched on World AIDS day December 1, 2005 brings the perfect attitude into the arena where combat has taken place for over two decades. In the movie Spartacus when all the rebellious slaves were captured and the Roman overseers wanted to punish their leader it was asked who among them was Spartacus. All of them declared themselves to be Spartacus in solidarity with their charismatic leader. “I Am Spartacus” has come to mean “I identify with you.” A similar moment in the movie In & Out met with better consequences when the students declared their solidarity with their gay teacher by declaring themselves to be gay. It’s what the New York AIDS Walk is all about, viz. declaring solidarity with the HIV+ population. The Walk will take place May 21st this year and once again, it is hoped that this site and BLOG will be the focal point for some serious fund raising. Stay close and be on the look out for some news very soon in that regard.

Shadows in A Mirror written and performed by Chris Isaak I'm watching so me body's heart break in two. And wondering if so me where you’re crying too. Shadows in a mirror tell me that I'm wrong. Shadows in a mirror, tell me that we're through. I'm watching so me body's world at an end. And wondering if so me day we'll love again. Shadows in a mirror tell me that I'm wrong. Shadows in a mirror, tell me that we're through. Oh and I, I still need your love. I can't see my life darling without you. Shadows in a mirror, shadows in a mirror. I'm watching so me body's world at an end. And wishing that so me how we could love again. Shadows in a mirror tell me that I'm wrong. Shadows in a mirror, tell me that we're through. Oh and I, I still need your love. I can't see my life darling without you. Shadows in a mirror, shadows in a mirror. Shadows in a mirror.

by Jenny Stewart, Entertainment Editor Willie's second gay love song? As if his heartbreaking rendition of "He Was a Friend of Mine" on the "Brokeback Mountain" soundtrack wasn't enough, country legend Willie Nelson has further elevated his cred in the gay community. Nelson's new gay song, "Cowboys are Frequently, Secretly (Fond of Each Other)" made its national debut on the Feb. 14 edition of Howard Stern's satellite radio show. "The song's been in the closet for 20 years," the Dallas Morning News quoted Nelson as saying. "The timing's right for it to come out. I'm just opening the door."

Saturday March 11, 2006 Sam Harris brings his Cabaret show to Queens. Buy online at www.queenstheatre.org

Feb. 27, 2006 issue - DePaul University in Chicago recently announced that it's offering a new "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Studies" minor. That wouldn't normally turn heads (several universities have similar offerings), but DePaul is the nation's largest Roman Catholic university—and the Vatican's official teaching is that homosexuality is "objectively disordered." "I understand that there's a tension there," says Assistant Prof. Gary Cestaro, the program's director. go here to read more

Hey, There will be no "Undercover" show this week, but it's the music of the Kinks next Thursday. If you need to get your MAJ fix, however, (if only I was addictive), you can come out this Tuesday night to Rockwood Music Hall. I will be playing a free show at 11 PM. Former Elton John protege Daniel Cartier is also playing earlier in the evening if you want to make a full night of it. Rockwood is on Allen (1st Ave below Houston), between Houston and Stanton. I know it's late on a school night, but it will be worth it to see my go go dancing. Ok, that's a lie, but still, I will be baring my soul on stage. Thanks for the continued support. Mark Aaron James go here for Daniel

Opinions regarding same sex marriage are as varied and diverse as the individuals who support human rights foremost among them Jimmy Carter. What is good for the gander is good for the gander as well as all the gooses. Centaur Entertainment seems to have the right attitude about all the rights issues. Having recently pointed out the LoveRocks CD for Saint Valentine's Day which benefits the Human Rights Campaign, it might also be fortuitous to point you in the direction of WedRocks , a soon to be released CD to benefit http://www.freedomtomarry.org It's Presidents' Day and their Medal of Freedom notwithstanding,perhaps it's best to remind ourselves that it's really all about is that this is a land with liberty and justice for all .

Our Manhattan correspondent, Bernice, is in an uproar over Veep Dick's tempest. "The Republican Party has surely lost its mind setting one Vice President after another. We haven't heard a peep out of ol' Dan in a long time. Bad enough most people thought he looked too much like Liberace's chauffeur. Adding injury to insult that nasty Dick, Mr. Cheney, took off after him! This is a strange way to pick Mr. Bush's successor. And why oh why does the State of Texas require a license to shoot politicians?" "Seems to me somebody doesn't want Mr. Quayle to make another run for the White House. So many people were concerned that he wasn't smart enough to be President. Now we know that he is and maybe Mary Cheney's father knew that, too." Perhaps Pookie and Nurse Betty can disabuse Ms. Bernice of this misinformation, i.e. that it was a different kind of fowl that Cheney's foul injured and not that Dan Quayle is not smart enough to be Presi...

NEW YORK (AP) -- Larry McMurtry, who co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for "Brokeback Mountain," says the film's meaning can be summarized: "Life is not for sissies." McMurtry, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose books include "Lonesome Dove," adapted Annie Proulx's story with Diana Ossana for "Brokeback Mountain." The film, nominated for eight Academy Awards, has elicited some controversy for its gay cowboy plot -- something McMurtry thinks is off-base. "It doesn't present any kind of agenda, any politics at all, one way or the other at all. It just says life is not for sissies," McMurtry says in an interview with "CBS News Sunday Morning," to air Sunday (9 a.m. EST). "Brokeback Mountain" stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two cowboys who maintain a secret relationship in difficult circumstances. As the years go by, one is more willing to sacrifice than the other. "You need strength; ...

Luminous Jake was not able to attend. His co-star Anne accepted for him. But he sent a video message. Go here to catch highlights of the awards' acceptance speeches.

If You Like Pina Coladas Finally, an "Undercover" topic that speaks to my talents! Tomorrow's show features "drinking songs." There will be the classic "Tear in my Beer" variety, along with some modern additions to the genre, like Semisonic's "Closing Time." Not to mention my own little contribution to the category, "Happy Hour Somewhere," from "Adventures with a Plastic Bag." I'm working on setting up a drink special in honor of the category. I'll keep you posted. Even if you're on the wagon, it will be a fun night of music. I hope you can make it to Mr. Denehey's, on Carmine @ 7th Ave, downstairs, Thursday at 8:30 PM. Also, I will be back at the Rockwood Music Hall on Tuesday the 21st for an 11 PM set. Rockwood (located on Allen St. b/t Houston and Stanton) has quickly become the place to hear acoustic music in NYC. I'm working on a new song to debut there. I hope you can make it out ...

I'm So Loneso me I Could Cry Words & Music by Hank Williams Recorded by Hank Williams, 1949 Also recorded by B.J. Thomas, 1966 (#8) Also recorded by Chris Isaak for the Soundtrack-Mr. Wrong Hear that lonesome whippoorwill; He sounds too blue to fly.. The midnight train is whining low I'm so lonesome I could cry. I've never seen a night so long, When time goes crawling by; The moon just went behind a cloud; I'm so lonesome I could cry. Did you ever see a Robin weep When leaves begin to die? That means he's lost the will to live; I'm so lonesome I could cry. The silence of a falling star Lights up a purple sky; And as I wonder where you are, I'm so lonesome I could cry.

The Human Rights Campaign acknowledged both Christopher Meloni and Jake Gyllenhaal on Saturday for their contributions to the ongoing civil rights struggle of human beings to have equal rights. Our own Canuck, Brian Rodgers, was in attendance as a guest of Mr. Meloni whose award was presented to him by the very supportive Tom Fontana who is worthy of an award or two in his own right. Just ask his two gay brothers. Sure it’s great to have a festive banquet where everyone gets dressed up to honour those who are most deserving. Brian’s presence there was indeed due to the ever considerate and generous Meloni who certainly appreciates a good man when he sees one. Meloni’s choice of a guest was spot on. Our Mr. Rodgers is what the campaign is all about: good people who deserve the best out of life. Congratulations, Chris and Jake, who was unable to attend but accepted via video promising to become worthy of the acknowledgment. Thank you, Christopher Meloni, for acknowledging Mr. Rodgers. It...

"Dance as tho' no one is watching you, Love as tho' you have never been hurt before, Sing as tho' no one can hear you, Live as tho' heaven is on earth." -unknown http://www.gerald.biz Bored? Check it out.

Gabriel Rotello of Outweek fame had this to say: "The fundamental purpose of gay liberation has been to chip away at the closet everywhere, carving out huge swaths of freedom in which lesbian and gay Americans can live honest lives. We've been so successful that one of the standard comments about Brokeback is that if Jake and Ennis were alive today, the whole horrible tragedy probably wouldn't happen at all. That's true, but here's the real irony: in 2006, Jake and Ennis would find it easier to live as openly gay sheep farmers in Wyoming (where Casper has an openly gay mayor) than as openly gay stars in Hollywood." Catch the full article here Visit his site here.

Aidan Quinn was a trailblazer. One need only visit the information in re: An Early Frost . All the more reason to la me nt the cancellation of The Book of Daniel , of which Quinn was an Executive Producer. Unaired episodes can be viewed on NBC’s website here . There was a ti me when NBC championed ratings challenges, may Brandon Tartikoff rest in peace. It is the why and wherefore of Thursday Night “must see TV.” We do live in an era when it seems that people have lost any sense of doing the right the right thing creatively and otherwise. All network executives should be required to view Good Night and Good Luck. The episode of Daniel that can currently be viewed at www.nbc.com is almost worthy of Robert Altman. If NBC were wont to give in to pressure to eliminate this fine show from their line up, why not transmit on Bravo? The allegedly righteous seem to leave Cable TV to its devices. For now. In a related topic, the final episodes of Arrested Develop m...

Hello ! Happy Valentine's Day from Billy and all of us at Dean and Company! Some more tour dates have been added to Billy's schedule for 2006. Please check out the tour page for more detailed information (especially if you lea ve in or near MO, IA, WI, AR, and OR). We'll have information on a new single in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! As always thank you for your continued support of Billy and his music! Shannon Murphy webmaster, http://www.billydean.com email: info@billydean.com

Yep, Dick Nasty shot someone . Remember what Freud had to say about accidents.

There was a thread on Datalounge which discussed Philip Seymour Hoffman and his oscar worthiness. Of course, the other men involved were also discussed and this article was referenced. Strathairn Praises Oscar Rival Ledger Friday Feb 3 15:52 AEDT Heath Ledger (AAP) Heath Ledger's Oscar rival David Strathairn says the Australian actor hasn't received enough recognition for his portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain . "Heath is getting recognition for it but I am surprised why he is not getting more because that was not an easy thing to do," Strathairn told AAP from the United States. "Heath went out on a limb there and really held on. "His performance is a quiet one ... but I think what he has done was really hard to do. He took some really brave choices character-wise and just locked onto them." Ledger and Strathairn, for his performance in Good Night, and Good Luck , were nominated for March's 78th Annual Academy Awards on Thursday. They w...

Well last night I went to [a screening for Brokeback Mountain ]. Heath Ledger and his lovely Michelle Williams were both very gracious and informative, answering questions from the host and the audience. Since most of the attendees were show-biz types, most of the questions were show-biz rather than about gay issues. In fact I don't think the g-word was uttered once. Heath did say that the story was the most beautiful love story he's ever read and that he knew that he was a natural to play Ennis Del Mar even though he had originally been offered the role of Jack Twist. It was a fab time for all and I hope they do well in the Oscars race next month. Jay Spears is a gay musician par excellence. He's linked on the main website. He's one of the good guys.

Via Andy Towle and queerday.com: The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly looks back at Rebel Without a Cause and reveals that there was a plan for the film to include a kiss between James Dean and Sal Mineo. Warner Brothers, however, wasn't up for it. “While vetting the Rebel script, Warner honcho Steve Trilling made it clear - in writing - that a kiss between Dean and Mineo would not be tolerated." It didn't stop Director Nicholas Ray from painting the portrait though. He asked a teenage Mineo what he wanted most in life. “My driver’s license," Mineo said. "Fine," Ray said. "Look at Jimmy as if he’s your driver’s license." Beyond the obvious adoration, the film is chock full of clues regarding Plato’s sexual preference ...

They're not lesbians, but re: Brokeback Mountain “It’s that good!” Towleroad has a link to the dialogue where the Shocking One waxes on positively about the movie.

Hey, I'm back from my cruise ship gig. I have now worked with Charo. I always hoped my life would read like a Hemingway novel. Looks like I will have to settle for Jackie Collins. Either way, I had a great time, ate too much, drank to much, etc... I will share stories at the show... Speaking of great times, tomorrow is the first Thursday night edition of the "Undercover" Party. I will be featuring the songs of the Beatles. I'm surprised it took so long for them to be the feature. We've done individual Beatles, but never the group. It's going to be a "really big shoo" with these "4 kids from Liverpool." Hope you can make it to Mr. Denehey's, Carmine @ 7th Ave, 8:30 PM, downstairs. Thanks for the support. MAJ P.S. I'm doing a private house concert on Valentine's Day with Christine Lavin and some other great songwriters. It will be a cool musical date if you're looking for something special to do. It's kind of an undergrou...

Western Stars by Chris Isaak Western stars light up the sky, hear the desert wind roll by. Tonight, tonight. Western stars can break your heart, they keep shining when we're apart. Tonight, tonight. I'll watch, I'll wait, how will my heart ache tonight? Tonight I'll watch, I'll wait, my heart is bound to break tonight. Western stars light up the sky, tonight I'm alone to cry. Tonight, like every night. A western hero must play his part, even though it will break his heart. Tonight, oh tonight. I'll watch, I'll wait, how will my heart ache tonight? Tonight Western stars light up the sky, hear the desert wind roll by. Tonight, tonight. Tonight, tonight...

NAACP Launches Effort to Increase African American Graduation and College Readiness Rates Friday, January 20, 2006— The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) received a $200,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The “Redesigning the American High School Initiative grant”, will be used to support NAACP high school reform initiatives and to promote efforts to increase high school graduation rates for African American youth. The NAACP will be working with the foundation and the National Governor’s Association (NGA) National Constituent Group to implement a national awareness campaign consisting of education and policy focused Capitol Hill briefings, guest speaker series, and “stay in school” events. The partnership will also produce regional and national education symposiums to develop strategies for increasing high school graduation rates. Dr. Nicole Francis-Williams, NAACP Interim National Education Director, said, “T...

The kindred spirits at Datalounge are making an attempt to com me nt on the recent report that gay brother Chad Allen starring in an Evangelical Film, End of the Spear . The New York Ti me s ran a story on 2 February 2006 that explains what the flap is all about. It follows below. Chad Allen virtually grew up on the TV Classic, St. Elsewhere as the recurring character of Dr. Westphall’s autistic son, Tommy . Tommy is pivotal to the Series finale. He went on to star as Jane Seymour’s son on Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. He had matured to the point where a tabloid was able to invade his privacy to take photographs of him and his boyfriend enjoying themselves in a swimming pool. Although Chad was forced to co me out of the closet, he did so with grace and beca me a gay activist. To learn more about him, visit his official website. Evangelical Filmmakers Criticized for Hiring Gay Actor By NEELA BANERJEE WASHINGTON , Feb. 1 — Christian ministers wer...

Brothers USA, Showtime (Paramount/Gary Nardino Productions), Sitcom, Colour, 1984 Starring: Paul Regina, Robert Walden, Brandon Maggart A groundbreaking US sitcom, imported to the UK by C4 in a limited number of episodes, which dealt in a real way with homosexuality, a million miles from John Inman's mincing TV personas in Britain. Dealing as it did with such areas as Aids, gay-bashing and male kissing, Brothers was way too hot a topic for the major US networks to handle - ABC and NBC turned it down flat - so the series went out in the States on the Showtime cable channel, fast becoming one of the prime places to see material that stepped out of the mainstream. Indeed, Brothers was the first sitcom made specifically for cable. Set in New York [BBC is mistaken here -- it was set in Philly] (although filmed in Hollywood), the series focused on the three Waters brothers - Lou (eldest), Joe (middle) and Cliff (youngest). Lou is a construction worker and something of a father ...

from Newsday.com: Paul Regina, 49, progressive actor, family man BY DENISE M. BONILLA STAFF WRITER February 4, 2006 The warmth of the spotlight can be hard to reject for anyone in show business. But Paul Regina - a movie, television and stage actor who spent more than 20 years in Hollywood - did just that when he left Tinseltown to return to his boyhood home of Medford and be with his family. It was the kind of sacrifice typical of Regina, family and friends said. Regina, whose portrayal of one of television's first recurring gay characters on the Showtime series "Brothers" broke new ground for gay acting roles, died Tuesday at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown of liver cancer. He was 49. "He was a thoroughbred as an actor, and he was even better as a person," said Fred Carpenter, a local independent film director who worked with Regina on three movies. "This was a first-class guy." Born in Brooklyn, Regin...